Champneys Health Resort, Tring, Tring, United Kingdom

Recently under new ownership, luxury hotel and beauty resort Champney’s Tring in the Vale of Aylesbury has undergone a face lift. This luxury hotel is a Rothschild country residence, now a 68 hectare health spa, and it doesn’t do anything by half measures. The austere redbrick exterior of the Edwardian mansion is flanked by manicured lawns, and large signs give strict rulings that mobiles and radios must not be used on any occasion.

The facilities

Champneys’ freshly painted large reception area is sparsely furnished and staffed by a team in white clinical coats. There are areas of more charm in the old mansion house; a roaring fire with leather sofas at the foot of the old staircase, an elegant drawing room with grand piano, open fire and large windows, a small smoking room.

However, the luxury hotel is without doubt not suited to everyone’s tastes. It’s a strictly controlled environment, children under 16 are not permitted on the premises, alcohol is limited to half a bottle of wine with dinner and the two bars are soft drinks only. However, for many, it’s a worthwhile sacrifice to spend a few days in a world where health, beauty and fitness are the be all and end all, and you may even brush with the stars; Princess Diana was a repeat guest, as is Frank Bruno and Barbara Windsor. We bumped into former Spice Girl Mel C on our visit.

A typical day at the luxury hotel involves choosing between about 20 activities. You could wake up to an aqua class at 7.00am followed by a power walk, yoga, dance, swim and trim....the list is endless. There is a large indoor pool and indoor and outdoor whirlpools. The spa is extensive with check-ups, heat treatments and structured fitness activities included in the price. The 100 or so health treatments can supplement this, for a cost, and lessons from qualified coaches also cost extra.

Tennis, squash, badminton, volleyball, cycling, croquet, a putting green, snooker, chess and less strenuous board games are also on offer at Champneys, as well as exploring the 170 acre grounds. Talks on nutrition, exercise and healthy lifestyles are available throughout the day or as evening lectures. Evening entertainments may include salsa or belly dancing. Lifestyle programs for stress and bereavement also have their place. Most people stay at least three nights as part of a relaxation or health and fitness package.

The rooms

The majority of Champneys’ 70 bedrooms are in the Garden Wing, an annexe built in 1985. Lilac corridors lead into rather corporate rooms with contemporary furniture and standard bathrooms. Ground floor rooms open to tiny terraces though all rooms have lovely views. Suites are more imaginatively decorated, with balconies. The few rooms in the main buildings have added character in the odd chandelier, patterned wallpaper and upholstered armchairs.