From the moment I arrived, it was obvious why Champneys Spa has built a reputation as a celebrity hideaway. The grand Georgian house sits within perfectly kept grounds that feel secluded and elegant, making you feel like a star in desperate need of a refresh. Entering the foyer, I half expected to pass a TV presenter fresh from Strictly rehearsals or an actor decompressing between projects — and honestly, I probably did. The hotel, which was the original in the Champneys chain, has seen plenty of huge stars come and go over the last 100 years, with David and Victoria Beckham, Simon Cowell, and even Princess Diana opting for a spa stay, and it is easy to see why.
The spa facilities are quietly impressive rather than flashy. The hydrotherapy pool is calm and restorative, with plenty of space for day visitors, and there is even an outdoor hot tub option for the braver spa-goers. There were three separate relaxation areas, as well as a sauna, steam room, and even a cold plunge pool. Whatever you wanted to do, you never had to wait, and I definitely found myself nodding off once or twice in the water beds. I also experienced a Champneys Body Radiance massage, which was not cheap at £105 for 50 minutes, but I loved every second of it. The spa area is extensive, with a separate nail and hair salon, and even a Champneys clothes shop, so you have everything you could possibly need.
If you are having a spa stay at Champneys, you have all your meals included, with a buffet for breakfast and lunch, and a three-course dinner in the evening. The portions at dinner were large, so you certainly get bang for buck, but the drink options are limited, with only wine, beer and soft drinks on the menu, which was a little bit disappointing. I opted for a crab arancini, beef bourguignon, and a deconstructed cheesecake, and all three were delicious, and left me wishing I could have left with a doggy bag.
My only complaint with the dining was that it was slightly strange that water seemed to be the only option for lunch (no prosecco?), but I reminded myself it is somewhere that prides itself on being health, and overall the food was balanced but far from boring, with generous flavours and beautifully presented plates, with plenty of good option for those who go to Champneys for a detox.
My room was also spacious, with a separate living room and lovely views of the grounds. My only complaint that was that some more homely touches would have gone a long way, as the room did feel slightly corporate. However, guests can also expect generous welcome gifts, giving their stay that extra touch of luxury.
Champneys definitely manages to strike a delicate balance between exclusivity and accessibility. Whether you’re a celebrity or just want to feel like one for a day, it delivers that rare mix of indulgence, privacy and understated glamour.
Prices for spa stays start at £480, for more information visit Champneys Tring.
