What it’s like to stay at Champneys Tring
I check in to Britain’s original health resort
If you’ve ever dreamed of getting away from it all and having a total reset, then Champneys usually comes to mind. The health resort has lots of locations, but the original is in Tring, Hertfordshire, and I checked in recently for a 24 hour-stay.
It’s in the middle of the Hertfordshire countryside, surrounded by lovely grounds and my first impression is how busy it is – the car parks in the sprawling estate are full with day and overnight visitors and there’s a line to the check-in area.
The main building is the historic mansion where it all began. Celebrating its centenary this year, Champneys was launched in 1925 by naturopath Stanley Lief, as a hardcore retreat. It became the destination for the jet set, with celebrity clients including Princess Diana, Dame Helen Mirren, Brad Pitt and Daniel Craig.
Now, however, things are much more egalitarian and the mansion is surrounded by additional accommodation buildings, plus a huge modern spa complex. And it’s evolved from a health retreat with restricted calories, to more of a wellness centre, so it’s up to you how much you do and eat, while you’re there. Packages include food and facilities, plus an enormous amount of classes, then you can book spa treatments and additional classes as you wish.
I liked that you can stay until 4pm the following day, even if only there for one night and it was great to stay somewhere where you dedicate yourself to health. It would also be lovely in the summer: I didn’t get to enjoy the grounds because it was too cold.
The new spa complex is extensive – it has a lovely swimming pool for doing lengths, plus a separate thalassotherapy pool for relaxing, a large gym, rooms for classes, big spa for beauty treatments, plus manicure and pedicure area.
You wander around in dressing gowns and flip-flops, apart from dinner, when smart-casual attire is fine. I was surprised by the serving sizes – you can choose diet options, but otherwise, food is more like a five-star hotel than health spa.
There is accommodation for all budgets – I stayed in one of the suites in the mansion house, which were pretty and comfortable, with great views of the grounds.
I wish I had stayed longer, as 24 hours didn’t really give me time to try as many things as I would have liked, but I do have to note, it was very busy while I was there, especially in the pool and jacuzzi, and could probably have done with a few more staff – at reception, and in some of the relaxation areas, which were full.
It also appeals to a wide variety of guests – there were mums and daughters, singles, couples and people of all ages enjoying the facilities.
If I’m honest, some of the general areas could do with a refresh – for example, while I waited to check in, I watched a hotel worker accidentally hit his trolley into one of the pillars, taking a chunk out of it. When I checked out the next day, the pile of plaster was still on the carpet. I certainly did leave feeling better than I did when I checked in – but I would have liked to have felt a little more special.
I was a guest of Champneys Tring
The Travel List
Champneys Tring, Chesham Road, Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 6HY.
The original spa break one-night package starts from £184 per person.
To book, visit champneys.com