Holiday Hotspots: Spa-Rkling Champneys
By JESSICA BOULTON
IN today’s hectic world, a trip to a spa is a girl’s best friend and despite the credit crunch, the industry is healthier than ever.
I couldn’t wait to slip into my fluffy robe and slippers when I arrived at Champneys in Tring, Herts.
The spa, one of the group’s four main UK resorts, is based at a glorious stately home and boasts a five-bubble rating from the Good Spa Guide.
It reminded me of the film Atonement with gorgeous terraces, acres of landscaped gardens and a long, gravel drive with ornate fountain. The house itself has that old-fashioned opulence – beautiful antiques, leather furniture and low-humming classical music.
There are many ways to enjoy Champneys. I was on a spa day, where for an all-in fee, I got an one-hour massage and facial, thalassotherapy session plus use of the sauna, steam room, plunge pool (brace yourself – it’s cold), indoor and outdoor hot tubs, pool, laconium and chill-out area.
There are also guided walks, tennis, fitness classes and a gym, with a machine to help you burn 1,000 calories in 12 minutes.
Now I’m no stranger to stress. And thanks to my satnav breaking down at a six-exit roundabout on the way, my stress levels were akin to an Apprentice in the TV boardroom.
But after a masseuse had rubbed and kneaded my aching bones for an hour, I felt totally rejuvenated.
At lunch you can choose from healthy salads, hot food and fruit. The plates are marked so you get the right amount of carbs and, protein. But don’t get excited by the wine glasses – the only thing you’ll be sipping from them is water.
After breaks for reading, swimming and the sauna, I ended the day with a thalassotherapy session – dipping into a giant saltwater hot tub with different jets to ease strains.
There were many other extra treatments on offer but you can do as much or as little as you wish.
I floated home on a little cloud of serenity and didn’t even get stressed in a threemile jam on the way.
Nowthat’s got to be worth another bubble!
FACTFILE: A spa day at Champneys, Tring, costs pounds 139.95 weekdays, or pounds 149.95 weekends. For overnight and longer stays visit www.champneys.com
‘I floated home on a cloud of serenity’
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