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
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