Champneys has a reputation as being one of the best spas around with many a celeb often spotted there, it was of course the place where a certain Mr Best lived for a while. We visited one of the oldest Champneys located in Henlow, Bedfordshire just a 30 minute train ride from Kings Cross.
From the outside the property looks impressive, like a well kept stately home with perfectly preened gardens. Our stay was during the festive period and the hotel had gone all out on the decks with Christmas trees, snowmen and lights all around giving it a cosy, homely feeling.
We had a Premier Room in the main house and whilst it was a huge it could have done with a refurb, it was a little too chintzy for us and quite dated. We did however view one of the Superior Rooms (pictured above) which are in the newer part of the building and are more modern with a patio door leading out to the gardens – lovely in Summer!
All rooms come with complimentary Champneys products and the Premier Rooms include a platter of fruit, water and the all important bathrobes and slippers. At Champneys you’re encouraged to wear these robes all over the hotel, in fact you can even wear them to breakfast should you wish.
The best thing about Champneys is the well equipped spa with steam room, whirlpool, full size swimming room and an extensive timetable of classes available from Yoga to Aerobics and everything in between. The treatment area of the spa runs a tight ship so if you want a specific time we’d recommend booking an appointment in advance of your stay. We tried the Mediterranean Bliss Stone Indulgence treatment which incorporated a full body exfoliation and hot stones back massage using the Mediterranean spa recipes of fig milk, green tomato and olive. It was just under an hour of bliss which left our skin soft and silky – priced at only £65 it’s excellent value.
We also tested out a Relaxing Facial which included a face, neck and shoulder massage – heaven! After our treatments we headed to the hydrotherapy pool for a twenty minute session with a series of mineral water jets – apparently it’s good for your skin and joints. That night we took advantage of the stretching classes opting to relax during our stay rather than break out a sweat.
Food wise the menu is all healthy, you won’t find any temptation here and to be honest the menu could do with being a little more adventurous. That said if you’ve come here to lose weight you can be sure that you’ll do that.
Champneys Henlow is a great place for a girlie spa break and its proximity to London makes it perfect for a quick retreat away from the hustle and bustle. We certainly came back relaxed and revived.
Prices start from around £129 per night but you can usually find special deals on the website.
First Capital Connect run trains from Kings Cross to Arlesey or Hitchin which are a short cab ride away with prices starting from just over £10.
Champneys Henlow, Coach Road, Henlow, Bedfordshire SG16 6DB