CHAMPNEYS SPA HOTEL at Eastwell Manor
HEALTH + WELLNESS
CHAMPNEYS SPA HOTEL at Eastwell Manor
A HINT OF FAMILIARITY, AN AIR OF LUXURY, AND THE PROMISE OF AN ULTIMATE HEALTH SPA EXPERIENCE; WELCOME TO THE NEW CHAMPNEYS SPA HOTEL AT EASTWELL MANOR. BY SAMANTHA READY
Eastwell Manor holds a special place in my heart, so it was with great excitement and a little trepidation that I welcomed the news that it would be joining the legendary Champneys group. Of course I could recognise the benefits of introducing the incomparable health philosophy and spa experience that the Champneys group promises, but like many I was also crossing my fingers that the original charm of this beautiful historic estate would not be lost.
Arriving at the newly opened spa on a bright spring morning just days after its official Easter opening, my fears were totally allayed. Gone was the dated pavilion entrance and in its place glass doors gave way to a sleek, pale grey entranceway, statement lighting and a bright, sophisticated double reception area where my guest and I were warmly greeted and given handy Champneys bags complete with robes and flip flops, and a tailored schedule providing pre-booked treatment and lunch times.
Led to the swish spa restaurant with curved bench seating, garden views and healthy treats and drinks to begin your day, my guest and I sampled the superfood green smoothie, herbal tea, and yogurt and granola shots before heading off to explore the new spa and leisure facilities.
The first thing I noticed? A new hi-tech ground-floor gym with state-of-the-art equipment. The second? The much-improved changing rooms. Now a haven of lockers, private changing areas, and a vanity area with hairdryers and straighteners, as well as new power showers that lead directly to the pool – and it is beautiful.
Marble pillars, a large heated pool, huge white loungers configured for one or two to share and a floor-to-ceiling glass divide partitions off the hydrotherapy pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room area, while the windows are fully utilised to make the most of views across the rolling Kentish countryside.
This sense of sophistication and tranquility continues in the dedicated second-floor treatment areas where guests, having picked from a range of signature Champneys rituals and treatments, are met by their dedicated therapist and escorted to their treatment room. Thick dark wood, polished tiles, natural stone and comfortable heated beds wrapped in soft, warm towels and blankets … this would do just nicely.
My guest was treated to the‘ Champneys Massage’ a full-body Swedish massage that worked away his stresses and strains with ease, while under the careful hands of Zoe, I was utterly pampered with a pregnancy massage, which included a wonderful foot and leg treatment and the most relaxing scalp massage- total bliss.
Floating back down to the ground floor we were intrigued to investigate the lunch menu, which, true to Champneys philosophy is all about health and wellbeing inside and out. Lunch here proved that healthy eating can also be delicate, beautifully presented and very tasty. We savoured sesame-seared yellow fin tuna with carrot, bean sprout slaw and wasabi dressing; light broad bean soup with duck breast and quail egg; tiger prawn pad thai; and poached chicken breast with spinach and tomatoes – each incredibly fresh and full of flavour.
It’ s a credit to Champneys, a brand synonymous with health and wellbeing since 1925, that they’ ve been so sympathetic in their restoration of this little Kentish gem while not compromising their own health, beauty and wellbeing philosophy. The end result is a sleek, stylish health spa experience that will only become more popular; I, for one, can’ t wait to return.
Champneys Spa Days start from £ 139pp including specified treatments, healthy arrival snacks & juice, robe hire & flip flops, access to all facilities and a nutritious lunch in the Champneys Spa Cafe Restaurant.
Champneys Spa Hotel at Eastwell Manor Eastwell Park Boughton Lees Ashford Kent TN25 4HR
www. champneys. com / eastwell-manor www. eastwellmanor. co. uk reservations @ eastwellmanor. co. uk 01233213000
champneys Champneys Resorts eastwell. manor
126