SPAS FOR EVERYONE

With the growing trend of self-care in the UK, spa treatments and breaks are more popular than ever for men and women who appreciate the benefits of prioritising a healthier lifestyle.

Many of us are taking ownership of our health as we understand that regular exercise, a good diet and the importance of mindful practices to reduce stress can enhance emotional and mental wellbeing and help us to enjoy life to the full.

100 YEARS – CHAMPNEYS

Champneys, the UK’s first health spa, proudly marks its centenary this year with the ‘100 Years Young’ campaign – a year-long celebration paying homage to a century of innovation and excellence in holistic health.

Founded in 1925 by visionary naturopath Stanley Lief, Champneys began as a revolutionary Nature Cure Resort in Tring, Hertfordshire, and introduced the UK to the transformative power of holism, nutrition and stress management. The brand now has six spa destinations and two city spas, each offering a unique pampering experience, including Champneys Springs in Leicestershire, Forest Mere in Hampshire and Eastwell Manor in Kent.

The ‘100 Years Young’ campaign embodies a seamless blend of heritage, tradition, community and modernity by introducing a fresh, bold new look to resonate with a growing community of wellness enthusiasts of all ages.

Champneys offers an extensive range of fitness classes, retreats, holistic therapies and spa treatments. There are new therapies, blending nature and modern advancements to rejuvenate the mind and body. The brand have also increased their sustainability initiatives with eco-friendly practices.

DESTINATION SPA – RAGDALE HALL

Ragdale Hall opened in 1973 as a Health Hydro set in 13 acres of picturesque countryside in Leicestershire. The award-winning, family run business has continually evolved and expanded to create a spa haven for guests looking for a calming experience where they can find space to relax, reset and let go.

What sets Ragdale Hall apart is that it’s a destination spa, not a spa hotel. This means that the adult-only five-star luxury spa can offer guests an uninterrupted experience where all their needs are catered for in a serene environment where facilities, food and customer service are second to none.

This summer’s focus is to guide guests through a journey aligned with the seasons, from Tranquillity to Flourish, to Nature’s Embrace, and finally to Nourish. In warmer weather, movement and meditation practices can be taken outside to help guests reconnect to nature. Sunrise Pilates and Mindful Walking workshops plus tennis and cycling can be enjoyed in the grounds and the open-air pools provide a peaceful place from which to enjoy the sunshine, including the state-of-the-art Rooftop Infinity Pool with super views. With a stunning thermal spa, six pools, and full fitness facilities, from the moment you arrive, you can simply relax and unwind.

Candis readers can join us for an exclusive two-night pampering break at Ragdale Hall in November – full details can be found here.

NOT FOR PROFIT – THE SPA EXPERIENCE

The Spa Experience in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, is owned by Greenwich Leisure Ltd, a charitable social enterprise where surplus funds are ploughed back into the facilities and services on offer.

Located within Gosling Sports Park, it is run by Spa Experience – part of the Better Leisure brand – and offers a good selection of spa treatments and packages to the local community at affordable prices.

The Thermal Spa Experience includes an assortment of hot and cold therapies to soothe stiff joints and muscles and relieve any aches and pains, detox the skin and help with respiration. Visitors can relax in the invigorating hydrotherapy pool or cleanse the body in the sauna, the laconium and two aroma steam rooms. They can also enjoy the heated seated area of the Hamman and the quiet sanctuary of the relaxation area at their leisure.

Gosling Sports Park has a plethora of health and fitness facilities, and the Welwyn Garden City Spa has a full range of beauty, facial and massage treatments suitable for all budgets.

TRADITIONAL – THE TURKISH BATHS

An integral part of the town’s rich culture and history, The Turkish Baths Harrogate are run by a wellbeing company, a subsidiary of North Yorkshire County Council. The first hot spring in Harrogate was found in the 16th century and the area has since grown into England’s largest spa town. Turkish baths can be traced back to Roman and Byzantine times when they were regarded as communal meeting places as well as somewhere to cleanse and revive the body.

The Turkish Baths in Harrogate are set in a Grade II-listed building. They were built in 1894-7 and were once one of Europe’s luxury destinations for wealthy people wanting to ‘take the waters’ and pamper themselves. The baths were popular with the Royal Family, including the granddaughters of Queen Victoria. Only minimal alterations have been made to these authentic Victorian baths. Visitors will truly step back in time upon entering – there are vast Islamic arches and screens, and the walls are adorned with ornate Moorish-style décor, mosaic floors and vibrantly glazed walls and stunning arabesque painted ceilings. The changing rooms even have original Thomas Crapper toilets.

Visitors will follow the ritual of heating, cooling and cleansing. The three heated chambers consist of the Tepidarium, the Calidarium and the Laconium, the hottest room. There’s also a steam room and a cold plunge pool – which is said to be invigorating! There are also a variety of treatments on offer originating from all over the world.