Nestled in the deepest depth of Hertfordshire is Champneys Tring branch, and you can't help feel awed as you drive through its imposing gates. At the end of a long driveway rests a house secluded in acres of woodland, that wouldn't look out of place in an Austen adaptation. It comes complete with long drapes, cylindrical staircases and a chef that creates personalised meals tailored to your needs. Welcome to heaven- or my home for the next 36 hours.
I'm visiting it just for a night with the boyfriend, and as I've heard so many things about it, it has a lot to live up to to meet my expectations. I know it's commonly visited as a retreat for girls or mums, but can it work for a couple looking for some much needed Time out?
First impressions are good as we arrive slightly early and the staff have no problem whisking our bags away and issuing us with huge fluffy robes. We're given a tour of the facilities, and eagerly eye up the outdoor jacuzzi and thassalotherapy pool, but we keep moving. Each of us receive a plastic wallet filed with info about the spa, and our packs contain an activity list of free classes on offer, as well as our own personal plans for the weekend. I'm booked in for a massage tomorrow, as that's included with the price of a one night stay, and the boy is eyeing up Fitball classes with enthusiasm.
We blitz up the gym for an hour, and then agree to meet in the steam room. I'm late in meeting him as I've been busy playing with the variety of free toiletries in the changing rooms, but relax in delight in the steam room, till I feel my pores might burst with happiness. We head over to the jacuzzi, with the other half showing off with a quick dip in the plunge pool- brrr!
After our hands have become so wrinkly we feel middle aged we head up to the room. I'm impressed by the super large bed covered in mounds of cushions and crisp white sheets whilst the boyf oohs and ahhs over the 36inch plasma and the DVD library we can choose from.
Lunch is up next and we head down to the dining room where delicious smells are emanating. The smells are useful;- the place is still quite maze like to us and we find our way to our meal by literally sniffing our way there.
Lunch is self service and once we're seated we go up to the buffet to serve our-self. The idea here is all about health and wellbeing,and the plate we use to choose our food is divided into categories of vegetable, fats and protein.
I'm drawn to the roast sweet potatoes and bean salad, but there are meatier options available. You can have more than one serving, but it's surprising how much this healthy balanced food actually fills you up, and I feel like I've had more nutrients in one serving than I've had in a long while
We book our time slot for dinner when we leave- despite it all being included in our booking they cook each meal individually so they like to know when you're attending so the chefs can work around you. The vegetarian options are plentiful and we're told that dinner is strictly a no dressing gown zone- despite lunch which had people lounging everywhere in their fluffy robes.
The spa contains a shop where we can buy the robes and I'm already getting very attached to mind. The afternoon involved a selection of leisurely pursuits as we went for a romantic stroll around the ground, relishing the crisp spring air.
I then go to a Aqua Aerobic class and gleefully bound around the water feeling virtuous. The boyf decided so try a Fit ball class which I'm very impressed about- back home you have to push him to even get on a cross trainer.
He finishes the class revitalized and tries to tell me all about my core muscles and stability which I listen to fondly, isn't it sweet how he feels the need to teach me?
Dinner is delicious, a starter of soup with a vegetable curry to follow and there's even desert- a pineapple medley mix, somehow this is all low calorie, but I'm not sure ow- oi reckon its all in the portion sizing. It strange to spend a Friday night sober, and tough we're offered one (just one allowed) glass of wine each we decline as we're still on a health high.
We're in bed by eleven, tired out by a day of healthy eating an exercise and I sleep better than I have in a long time.
Breakfast is from 7-9.30 and I opt for fresh fruit and muesli. Waiters walk around offering you a variety of fresh juices, and sunlight spills into the hall through floor to ceiling windows. Its my massage now and I'm impressed by the therapy facilities as they have over 30 treatment rooms, which offer you everything from facials to pedicures.
My massage therapist is a lovely creature who kneads my back with firm fragrant hand, and gives me advice about my posture. Apparently my knots are due to working in front of a computer and I invest in a lumbar roll it should loosen up a lot.
Next up I'm off to the jacuzzi for one last dip. They have two Jacuzzis here, one by the indoor thalassotherapy pool and one outside which is sheltered by a mini marquee. I love the outdoor one; there's something very liberating about walking through the cold into a heated tub and then braving the elements again.
We have one more lunch before I leave and I adored the butternut squash soup. It's strange to be somewhere so totally devoid of treats but I'm not craving chocolate at all.
It's hard to leave Tring today, as though I've only been there for 36 hours, I've already become incredibly comfortable with the spa, and feel like I could stay there forever! We leave refreshed and rejuvenated and determined to return for a longer stay next time!
A night at Champneys Tring will cost from £139 with one massage and all meals included. You can hire robes to wear during your stay, or they're available free with the superior rooms.
Call 08703 300 300 to book or check out the website.
