| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 26/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 57 |
| Copyright: Other |
Spa experience by Kerry Webb
Toast your good health, anyone for Champneys?
Health resort puts a classy service first
At the end of another hectic day I was feeling tired and stressed, especially having just battled with the M25 at rush hour to drive from London into the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside.Yet, as I pulled through the gates of Champneys all my troubles seemed to disappear.
At the end of the driveway sat my haven, where I was to be pampered, detoxed and rejuvenated, for 24 hours.
Champneys is the oldest resort in the country dedicated to health and wellbeing. Here guests laze in tranquil surroundings wearing white bathrobes and soft, over-sized slippers.
As soon as I arrived at 7pm on Monday I was given my schedule of treatments for the following day. An 8.30am heat treatment, a 9am massage and a 11.15am facial. The rest of my time was to be taken up with a choice of fitness classes, swimming, walking in the landscaped grounds or lazing in one of many sumptuously furnished lounges being waited on hand and foot. I could also put my name down on the list of Bridge players or play tennis or croquet on the lawn although my time was cruelly limited.
My first appointment was at 7.20pm that evening with a softly spoken nurse who took my blood pressure, weighed me and asked me about my diet and lack of exercise regime.
I was an easy patient. Many people come to Champneys for advice on nutrition in order to lose weight, while others may have medical problems. I just came to relax.
From there I headed to the restaurant where I enjoyed a low-fat, low-cholesterol, yet highly tasty three-course meal. All the food is organic at Champneys and the menu is clearly marked with heart and apple icons to signify low-fat and fibre-rich dishes.
I must admit I was nervous when I entered the spa for my treatments the next day. The last time I had had a massage I had to wear a huge pair of plastic knickers that made me feel very uncomfortable. This time I was asked to strip off completely and, after relaxing my muscles in the steam room, I met my masseur – Dave. Yes, apart from my towel, I was completely starkers and about to be treated by a man.
Dave must have thought I was a very tense subject, but I soon realised that the towel was to be strategically placed throughout the treatment, and I began to relax. It was the best massage of my life.
When I emerged as relaxed as a rag doll, I stepped into the Jacuzzi to drum up the energy to do a few lengths of the pool. After two laps, I decided that there wasn’t enough time for a workout in the gym and my appointment for my ‘O Lys anti-aging, deep cleansing, nourishing facial’, a treatment using laser rays to stimulate circulation and cell regeneration, was due.
I would like to say I came out looking three years younger but that would be lying. Suffice to say I felt it.
By now it was 1pm and, clad in my white dressing gown, I floated into lunch and voluntarily chose the healthy option from the generous buffet.
Overall, I have never in my life been lavished with so much attention – quite overwhelming really. I couldn’t help noticing that, at 28 years old, I was the youngest person in the whole resort – apparently the guests are younger at weekends.
The sumptuous surroundings are so conducive to relaxing that it helps you put life in perspective. The staff are friendly and help you feel at ease in an environment where initially some guests may feel afraid to speak in anything but hushed tones and tip-toe around in their slippers.
Heavenly haven: Champneys is located in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside
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Champneys