Discover Why The Champneys Spa Resort Will Reboot Both Your Mind and Body!
A lot can change in 100 years — from mind-blowing tech breakthroughs to the way we connect and get around, life looks pretty different these days to how we would have lived in 1925. Even the wellness world has had a major glow-up. What used to be a niche pursuit is now something people are weaving into their lives in all sorts of ways, whether it’s through mindfulness, movement, or just making time to breathe.
However, whilst techniques, products, and wellness philosophies have evolved, the original wellness influencers — the spa hotel brand Champneys — have been omnipresent in our lives. They were early adopters and have not only ridden the wellness wave for an entire century but have spearheaded it too by championing a holistic approach to wellness.
Champneys are celebrating 100 years of wellness
The wellness pioneers paved the way as the UK’s first health spa way back in 1925, and 100 years later, their unwavering commitment to wellness remains. A visit to their countryside spas where guests can relax, receive incredible treatments, expert care, and timeless tranquillity all go a long way to create that all-important iconic Champneys experience.
Whilst Champneys remain firmly rooted in their rich history, they are equally committed to inspiring the future of wellbeing too. House of Coco were invited to celebrate with Champneys to try out their elevated spa experience — one that effortlessly nurtures mind, body, and soul.
Champneys Forest Mere: Where a Century of Wellness Meets the Science and Data-Backed Future of Wellbeing
Champneys has spent 100 years proving that genuine wellness is not a trend but a commitment. As the UK’s original health spa, its Forest Mere resort in Hampshire delivers exactly what the science and data-backed future of wellness promises: a carefully curated environment where hydrotherapy, movement, restorative treatments, and mindful nutrition work together to restore the whole person. From the heated outdoor pool and steam rooms to bespoke massages and reiki, every detail at Forest Mere is designed to carry guests from tension into tranquillity. What makes the experience remarkable is not any single element but the seamless way in which pampering and wellness strike a perfect harmony throughout the stay.
How Champneys Continues to Inspire the Future of Wellbeing
The most enduring wellness destinations do not simply follow contemporary health thinking, they help shape it. Champneys remains firmly rooted in their rich history while equally committed to inspiring the future of wellbeing. That dual focus distinguishes Forest Mere from newer wellness retreats that lean heavily on novelty. Rooted in the art of moderation, balance, and variety, the resort’s culinary philosophy, expert staff, and thoughtfully designed spaces create an escape into a world of unparalleled tranquillity. For anyone seeking a spa break where they leave feeling like an elevated and enhanced version of their former self, Champneys Forest Mere delivers that promise with quiet confidence.
Ready to reset at Champneys
Eager for a weekend reset, we opted for the closest of the four spa resorts (there are also two additional spa hotels and two city spas as well): the stunning Champneys Forest Mere, set in the most spectacular forest woodland in Liphook, North Hampshire, close to the Surrey border.
After a few too many gigs and even more deadlines, the prospect of a decadent spa weekend away less than two hours’ drive certainly ticked every single box and then some! Even before we had walked into the expansive reception area, we started to feel those first niggles of tension subside thanks to the soothing drive down the sweeping driveway past the woodland and the lake that nestles the resort.
Straight away, you feel like you are spirited away to a magical and tranquil place, and the elegant building, combined with its idyllic settings, go a long way to soothe your soul. We stayed one night, which allowed us to take advantage of the spa facilities on both days.
Sampling the Champneys spa products was simply sublime!
After a very warm welcome, we were shown to our room where a selection of Champneys products were kindly gifted, including body wash, moisturiser, foot balm, and more. We didn’t opt for a treatment on this occasion, instead choosing to immerse ourselves in the world of Champneys and gain a better understanding of how this British heritage brand has become so synonymous with the spa and wellness vertical — and how its very high standards have been maintained throughout the years. The adults-only setting created a peaceful, tranquil ambiance that truly enhanced the spa and its beautiful surroundings.
Discover why Champneys are the pioneers of wellness
The hotel offers an exceptional array of wellness amenities, from a serene hydrotherapy pool and elegant steam rooms to serene saunas and a sparkling, spacious swimming pool set beneath an expansive vaulted ceiling, where a grand window floods the space with natural light.
It’s worth noting that there is a gym, which was of a good size, with impressive equipment and the opportunity to take part in exercise classes such as yoga, Pilates, aqua aerobics, amongst others. But for me, it was all about getting into the water — whether that was in the heated outdoor pool (an absolute must!) or the aforementioned indoor pool. We used the outdoor pool on quite a few occasions and particularly enjoyed using it early on the Sunday, before we headed to the outdoor hot tub.
Swimming outside in spring!
Once you are in the outdoor hot tub, it’s amazing, but it was slightly cumbersome at times getting in when there were other people in it (or maybe I am just a smidge awkward!) The layout is a little odd; you have to pull yourself up the sloped section or hover in one of the corners to take advantage of all the bubbly action. That said, it’s still a relaxing experience (once you are in!), and unlike other hot tubs that I have been in, the temperature was excellent and consistently maintained.
There is also an indoor jacuzzi, a revitalising tropical rain shower and a great steam room, which we used throughout our stay there. One of the best things about staying at the Champneys in Forest Mere was that you could walk about in your fluffy bathrobe and flip flops (which, hands down, are the best spa flip flops that I have ever used and am still using now!)
Annnnndddd relax!
If you want to simply relax and enjoy a moment or two of Zen, there are several relaxation areas scattered gracefully throughout the spa, elegant lounge and seating areas, each offering a sanctuary of stillness and calm. Guests are invited to drift into serenity atop gently heated waterbeds, nestle into cocoon-like relaxation pods, sink into sumptuous bean bags, or sway softly in suspended chairs — each space thoughtfully designed to soothe the senses and elevate the art of unwinding.
If you want to indulge in a relaxing treatment, you will be spoilt for choice. You can choose from indulgent facials and bespoke massages to more specialised therapies like reiki and reflexology — every experience is thoughtfully curated to provide a deeply restorative, full-body reset.
Get back to a more relaxed version of yourself at Champneys
As well as classes, you can also wander around the grounds, borrow one of the hotel’s bikes, or even take advantage of the guided tours that the hotel team offers as well. The hotel has been thoughtfully designed and well maintained, and our room was large, well equipped, and opened onto the grounds by the lake and the outdoor swimming pool. The only slight drawback was the bathroom didn’t quite meet the mark of a luxury bathroom, but was clean and practical. Then again, when you are staying at a spa hotel, you are far too busy enjoying the spa facilities to bother taking a bath in your room!
The staff were superb throughout — every single interaction was first class. In particular, the restaurant team at both the buffet breakfast and lunch listened to my particular dietary requirements and went out of their way to not only provide me with good gluten-free options, but provided me with a dedicated plate of healthy yet delicious food directly from the kitchen to avoid any cross-contamination. The dinner was also excellent, with guests being offered a wide variety of menu options as opposed to buffet dining.
Rooted in the art of moderation, balance, and variety, the hotel’s chefs and nutritionists craft a culinary experience that nurtures both body and soul.
At Champneys, guests are invited to transcend the everyday and enter a realm of refined indulgence, where every moment is steeped in luxury, serenity, and rejuvenation. Here, they strike the perfect harmony of pampering and wellness, offering an escape into a world of unparalleled tranquility.
Without a doubt, Champneys is synonymous with relaxation and rejuvenation, and if you are looking for a spa break or even a spa day where you leave feeling like an elevated and enhanced version of your former self, then it’s most definitely the place for you!
Craving more travel inspiration? Join us in the lush vineyards of Anderson Valley, California, or discover the vibrant flavours and five-star glamour at the Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur.
