Sneak peek inside Champneys spa: What to expect at luxury health resort

The Champneys name has been synonymous with health and wellbeing since the opening of its first spa in 1925 - making it the UK’s first true health spa.

Champneys now has four spa resorts – Tring, Henlow, Forest Mere and Springs - plus six city spas, including Guidlford and most recently Eastwell Manor, a new Champneys Hotel and Spa.

Founded on the philosophy that health, beauty and wellbeing are inextricably intertwined, you will find everything from boot camps, yoga and detox workshops, to life coaching, meditation and pampering at each resort.

As many people start the new year with a health kick, I went along to the original spa in Tring to take a look around, meet the specialists and try out the new Marine and Wellness Spa treatmnet.

First of all, when you book a spa day (with or without overnight stay) you can expect the full works.

A package is tailored to you and includes complimentary Champneys robe hire, flip flops to keep, access to the gym, tennis courts and all exercise classes, free bike hire and plenty of healthy food and drink.

Day guests can enjoy a light breakfast and three-course buffet lunch, while overnight guests can tuck into a breakfast buffet, three-course buffet lunch and three-course dinner.

NEW treatment: Marine and Wellness Spa

Influenced by the French concept of treating the body with marine actives, The Marine and Wellness Spa harnesses the riches of the sea so you can benefit from powerful healing, revitalising and rebalancing properties vital for health, wellbeing and rejuvenation in conjunction with unique salt, oxygen, infra-red and water experiences.

With four different options to choose from, I went for the two hour Wellbeing and Rejuvenation treatment (from £129 per person).

Beginning with a collagen and hyaluronic anti-aging supplement and a foot soak, I immediately fell into a state of relaxation.

I then warmed up even further in a glass infrared cabin, which was like a sauna but less intrusive.

Dressed in my robe and flip flops, a lovely therapist guided me to a private room so I could be exfoliated in a creamy scrub in preparation for the marine wrap.

Laying on a comfy bed, warm and cocooned, I think I fell asleep it was that relaxing.

The experience finished with a silver lime and bitter orange tea in the salt and oxygen room.

I felt so at ease, I didn't want to leave.

Food and drink:

As I was an overnight guest I had access to a plethora of healthy meals and at no point was I hungry.

In fact, I probably over did it in on the lunch buffet, it was that incredible.

The vibrant spread of fresh salads, skinless chicken fillets, shellfish, fruit platters and juices, got me so excited, my eyes were certainly bigger than my belly.

The breakfast spread was just as glorious, with an enormous range of delicious dishes including homemade granola, cereals, fruit, yoghurt, smoked fish, bread, nut butters, smoothies, plus a menu of cooked-to-order plates such as a healthy fry-up.

For dinner, the restaurant was transformed into a more formal affair with live instrumental music in the background (plus no one was sitting in their bath robes!)

The menu was huge and after mulling over the vast options, I had the mushroom soup, followed by the tuna steak and potatoes and then poached pear. Everything was divine.

There was wine available to buy at an extra cost, but don't expect to find any fizzy drinks such as Diet Coke because they don't serve it.

The bedrooms:

There are four types of rooms to choose from: Standard, Superior, Luxe and Suite.

In keeping with tradition, rooms within the manor house offer countryside charm, while rooms in the garden wing provide a more modern touch.

All rooms include complimentary bottles of water and Champneys bath products.

Also included in every room is a flat screen TV and DVD player, shower, sumptuous cotton towels, fine quality linen, comfy armchair, hairdryer, in-room safe, tea and coffee making facilities and rain macs to borrow.

I stayed in a twin Superior room in the manor house and it was gorgeous.

It had plenty of character yet still provided all the necessary mod-cons and the bed and pillows ensured a blissful night's sleep.

Facilities at Tring:

The site is so large, it's a bit of a maze and I admit getting lost a few times.

There is so much to do and things to experience such as the Thalassotherapy pool and free fitness classes, you won't get bored.

I gave the 30 minute foam roller class a go which offered a gentle stretching workout and also the more vigorous but fun 45 minute aqua arobics.

• Set in 170 acres of rolling parkland

• Wellbeing and Detox Centre

• Relaxation hideaway

• 62 treatment rooms

• Manicure and pedicure salon

• Hair salon

• 25-metre swimming pool

• Thalassotherapy pool

• Mixed sex sauna, steam room and plunge pool

• Ladies laconium heat room

• Men’s steam room

• Infrared booth

• Indoor and outdoor jacuzzi

• Gym and workout pod

• Two fitness studios with up to 20 fitness classes per day

• Wet and dry changing rooms

• Two tennis courts

• Table tennis and bike hire

• Medical centre

• Reading room

• Music room

• Chauffer driven Bentley (subject to availability)

Conclusion:

Being able to walk around in your robe comfortably (including at lunch and dinner) was a real treat.

Champneys is a tranquil sanctuary, hidden among acres of beautiful countryside and it felt like I was a million miles away from the stresses of everyday life.

I felt energised, rejuvenated and relaxed when I stepped out of the luxury retreat and I can't wait to return.