Champneys Henlow Reviews
The Grange, Henlow, Bedfordshire, SG16 6DB
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100 reviews
I had a lovely time yesterday at Champneys.
I had a exotic lime and ginger salt glow. Which really lovely experience and the lady Jade was very nice! Explained everything really well.
Then I had a Champneys massage which was amazing- I was in and out sleep all the way through and the lady Shy really listened to what I needed and concentrated on those areas. I can’t express how good she was. When I was done I was so relaxed I could not even move. It really just of a high standard and nice warm bed too. Lovely, lovely lovely!
Then finally got a file and paint on my feet, it was nice and quick. Very professional, I can’t remember the ladies name though
I loved all the products they had their which like little shops. Like Elemis, Barbor and Champneys shop too. They so nice. With great offers.
The food we had was lovely and very tasty, nice selection of salad and vegetarian food too!
The pool and hot and steam were very pleasant also. My favourite however were the treatments and the shops around it.
I had high hopes for the Champneys' spa retreat in Henlow based on their stellar reputation for 30 years and their brilliant range of beauty products. Upon arrival you are struck by the idyllic and picturesque setting with a beautiful lake and waterfall to admire. Even in the winter the scene was beautiful with the last hints of autumn.
I booked a night's stay with a friend - our room was very small but neat and the beds were comfortable. Our stay included dinner and breakfast though we skipped dinner as the menu was very dull and not substantial to fill the hunger pangs. I would categorise Champneys as a health farm more than a spa - there are gym facilities, bikes, classes and healthy eating.
The pool was pleasant, the jacuzzi was adequate (but very small) and the steam room was so-so but all in all, Champneys in Henlow is in desperate need of modernising and renovation, and is very small. It is not in line with the standard of other spas in the country - even gyms have better spa facilities. I also noticed wallpaper in corridors were peeling off and in need of repair.
It was also a hassle to leave deposits for things like borrowing a DVD to watch required £40 deposit to be left plus £4 rental charge. The selection wasn't great either (about 15 DVDs and all chick flicks!) Wifi was only available in the reception area, which was pointless and not in the rooms. Other spas offer wifi in rooms.
Considering how much Champneys charges to stay at their spa, I would feel short-changed. Breakfast, although healthy, was not filling at all (a few slices of toast, juice and coffee with the option of yoghurt and cereals). I am only relieved it cost me £60 for two people on their 30th anniversary Wahanda deal special. Any more and I would have been upset.
I left feeling like I had had a session at my gym rather than spent a night at a luxurious spa.
The surroundings at Champneys Henlow are breathtaking, and the building itself is really impressive. Champneys is very much a health farm to me, rather than a spa - it is so difficult to obtain a glass of champagne its untrue! Definitely one for pre-wedding weight loss and beautifying rather than overall pampering. The food is delicious, but the diet plates make you feel very guilty. The spa area uses Elemis products (which aren't my fave) and it doesn't feel very 'luxury'. Aside from that, all therapists are professional and the setting is nice. I was surprised not to find more water therapy areas - there was a thalassotherapy area but this came with an additional cost. Overall, very expensive for what it is. There are much nicer spas at a more reasonable price point.
First of all I should mention that I went to stay a night using my Pru Health private medical insurance discount which enabled me to stay the night in a shared standard room for £35 (Platinum level member) which included 3 meals, 1 back massage and full use of the facilities so for me the value was AMAZING!
I have now been to Tring and Forrest Mere so I knew what to expect. However compared to the other two I was quite disappointed and here are the reasons why:
1. There was no sauna at all at this Spa!
2. And the steam room was out of order! (Although I was able to book the Infrared cabin free of charge for 30mins)
3. The 'Fitness Suite' (gym) absolutely reeked like rotten fish! We walked in took one breath and had to walk straight out again as it was that bad!!
4. The showers in the changing rooms had no temperature gauge and was really cold.
5. The layout was annoyingly long and inconvenient.
6. The venue felt overcrowded and there was a big hen party group which meant the SPA area was constantly packed and they hogged all the loungers with their towels even when they were not around and the staff did not step in to help the other guests.
7. The quality of the food was not as high as the other 2 Champney's, however it may be that they are cost cutting for the recession.
However there are of course some positives:
1. The staff are all very friendly and welcoming. A girl who stood out was Charlie in the Spa reception who also taught some classes.
2. There were some entertaining family of ducks in the square, the duckling were adorable. There were some cute wild baby bunnies roaming around the grounds too.
3. Unlike Forrest Mere, Henlow had Champney's products in the hotel bathroom, a set for each guest.
Just a standard room as expected with the DVD player. The bed was comfortable and we were in a quiet part of the building.
I had a back massage and a facial and I fell asleep during it as it was so relaxing.
I won't be going back to this one as its quite far from where I live and not as good as others but I'm glad I went and ticked it of my list. I'm glad I only paid £35 as if I had paid the full price I would be more than annoyed!
Whole spa is looking a bit tired, room was comfortable but this didn't feel like a luxury break.
Food was well presented at dinner but we ate at 8pm so tea/coffee wasn't available after our meal as the restaurant staff had finished for the evening. Likewise at breakfast even meals such as poached eggs were had an additional charge. Puddings at lunch also ran out.
Treatments were okay but felt a bit impersonal. Couldn't have the Ionthermie treatment as planned as discovered couldn't take off wedding ring and was still charged for treatment which is a little galling.
Break with friends was enjoyable but beware of extras on the bill during the day for anything other than tap water!
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