Champneys is a name that’s synonymous with relaxation and luxury; so when I was invited to its award-winning resort in Bedfordshire during a sweltering heatwave and while 18-weeks pregnant I jumped at the chance for some time to unwind.
Hotel
Tucked at the end of a quiet cul de sac, Champneys is nestled in the quaint Bedfordshire village of Henlow just off the A1. A long drive sweeps through parkland up to the grand 18th century red-brick country house, Henlow Grange; pretty pink roses climb the twisted metal gates that arch over the entrance, framing an idyllic bubbling fountain fringed with lavender that buzzes with bumble bees.
The mansion stands proudly in the countryside, surrounded by mature gardens and colourful beds of flowers. The historic building has been extended to house a state-of-the-art spa which is home to specialist facilities that are typical of Champneys. Inside the front door is a spacious reception area where friendly staff are ready to whisk you into a lounge with a cooling drink and introduce you to the Champneys experience.
Sit beneath the towering stone archways and glass roof of the sun-drenched conservatory, nestled amongst lush green palms and leaves, for an afternoon drink or wander out into the formal serenity garden where deck chairs line the peaceful lily pond. Geese snooze on the riverbank and butterflies swarm around the pretty kitchen garden, abundant with colourful flowers and plants.
On the main lawn, loungers and oversized beanbags offer guests somewhere to relax in the sunshine with the soothing sound of the babbling river and rushing weir in the background. There’s also a tennis court for those who are after something to get the heart racing and, tucked away, a collection of charming and snug shepherd’s huts where guests looking for an escape can enjoy a simply but memorable stay.
Inside is a bustling coffee-come-wine bar serving drinks and snacks, as well as a peaceful library where dulcet piano music rings out and large windows offer views over the gardens. There’s a large lounge with statement fireplace and cosy sofas so you can sit back with a drink, read the paper or play a boardgame in comfort. A separate lounge has been transformed into a cinema room with a different movie playing every night from 9pm.
Room
As premier guests we were lucky enough to be staying in one of the hotel’s elegant suites in the main manor house. Located on the top floor we had fabulous sweeping views over the fountain and parkland beyond but our room was also suffering in the heatwave – even with two fans whirring it was still stuffy and uncomfortable.
The room boasted a king-sized bed and lounge area with double aspect windows flooding the suite with light. Antique furniture, sumptuous furnishings, gilded mirrors and a crystal chandelier finish the room with historic style. A large door opened onto a spacious but basic bathroom with a full-size bath and separate shower. We were also pleasantly surprised to find gift bags stuffed with wonderful Champneys products to take home with us so we could continue our pampering at home.
The hotel offers guests a wide choice of accommodation from simple but stylish rooms in the modern spa – close to the facilities – to the cosy and quaint shepherd’s huts outside to the grand deluxe suites in the original part of the mansion.
Spa
Down in the basement, a long corridor leads you from the hotel and into the spa. Old meets new here where the exposed beams and brick walls of the historic building jut up against the contemporary extension, dotted with old original windows and wooden doorways. Two centuries meet seamlessly as you step from the 1700s into the present day.
The spa is packed full of fabulous facilities which can keep you busy for any length break. Active guests can enjoy lifting weights in the urban gym or can book a slot with a personal trainer in the fully-equipped gym.
Cycling fans or people looking for a good cardio workout can head to the spin studio for an unaccompanied session in front of the huge screen, transporting you to any terrain or location. The large, mirrored studio has a packed and varied timetable of free classes including stretch and flex, Pilates and Zumba while staff also offer outdoor pursuits like country walks (tip: be sure to book on as these can get busy).
Winding through the building past boutique shops and quiet courtyard gardens, you finally reach the large double-height space that houses the main pool. The cool water sparkles as the sun streams through floor-to-ceiling windows, offering more views out to the gardens. The 25m pool is split into two offering guests the chance to float around in the soothing water or swim lengths. Water aerobics classes are popular with guests who splash and paddle along to upbeat music or you can simply sit back and relax on the plush rattan chairs and day beds.
Champneys offers a wide range of treatments including tension-melting massages, reinvigorating facials, indulgent manicures, and revitalising wraps. The treatment suite is a calm, dimly-lit corner where therapists buzz around collecting guests and whisking them off to their private treatment rooms. I was treated to a special pregnancy aromatherapy massage; a wonderful hour spent being lathered in much needed oils and moisturisers. My therapist was friendly and we chatted as she kneaded my aching muscles and soothed my skin with a relaxing serum.
Guests can also enjoy the steam room or sauna, book into the infrared cabin – a free treatment where infrared light heats and soothes the body – or can enjoy the skin-healing properties of specialist mud and steam in the Rasul chamber. There’s also a hair salon (if you fancy a new do) and a demo space where experts give talks about different beauty regimes, work-out plans and products.
Food and drink
Housed in the spa is a café – serving all-day hot drinks and cake – overlooking the pool as well as a large, modern restaurant decorated in bright colours with large doors onto the terrace. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included in spa break packages so we headed to the restaurant for each of our meals.
The breakfast buffet wasn’t the most exciting but there were plenty of options including cereals, toast, pastries and hot options. For lunch and dinner, guests can enjoy three-course meals with a number of options to pick from. The menu is simple but offers healthy and wholesome options, including light dishes from salad to pasta, to indulgent steaks and scallops.
For lunch, we decided to keep it light and I opted for one of my favourites, tomato and mozzarella salad. While the cheese was a bit chewy, the dish was light and refreshing. Next I chose the seabass with tomato salsa and charred corn, with a side of new potatoes. The fish was beautifully cooked with flaky meat and crispy skin and the corn and salsa was a lovely, flavoursome accompaniment. For dessert, we headed back to the buffet to choose from chocolate orange cheesecake, Eton mess, mango yoghurt or chocolate, banana and avocado mousse; yummy!
For dinner, we sat outside on the astroturf terrace, with fairy lights strung overhead. I picked the smoked seafood, crab and sweet potato cake to start which was packed full of fishy flavour and was served with a creamy but spicy chipotle mayonnaise and a sweet mango salad. To follow I had the gnocchi with arrabiata sauce and grilled Mediterranean vegetables while my husband sampled the flame-grilled rib eye steak with red wine jus and roasted new potatoes. The gnocchi was a large portion (despite being a light option) but was very tasty while the steak was cooked perfectly. Finally, we finished with the chocolate mousse and pineapple and ginger cake; a sweet treat to end the evening.
The waiting staff were friendly and smiley, tending to us promptly but also leaving us to enjoy a relaxed evening. While the food wasn’t mind-blowing, the ingredients were clearly high-quality and the menu options were great value for money for package price.
In a nutshell
Champneys is renowned across the country for a reason, and Henlow is a perfect example of why so many people flock to these resorts every year. For luxury relaxation, healthy indulgence, and a little break away from everyday life; Champneys Henlow could be just the ticket you need.
Factbox
Amy’s stay was organised following the 2022 Good Spa Guide Awards in which Champneys Henlow won the Best Health Club Spa category, sponsored by SpaSeekers.
Address: Champneys Henlow, Coach Rd, Henlow SG16 6BT
Phone: 0343 210 1462
Website: champneys.com/spa-resorts/henlow
