Spas We Love: Champneys Eastwell Manor
When was the last time you had a ‘spa day’? File under ‘WE WISH’, in our case – but all that looks set to change after Jo was invited to explore the hotel and spa at Eastwell Manor, outside Ashford, and therefore within easy striking distance of her home in Hastings. Something she plans to take advantage of.
This is a Champneys location, and of course, Champneys virtually invented spas in the UK. Set in the sprawling grounds of a home that once belonged to Queen Victoria’s son, Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh (and where she apparently loved to holiday), the spa itself is sleek and absolutely state-of-the-art.
The historic main hotel at Eastwell Manor
When staying in the hotel (which is super-comfortable, NB), book a package that includes spa access in the overnight rate, or ask to add it to the room for an extra fee. However, a day pass is priced from a very reasonable £99 – and there were many guests who’d clearly taken advantage of this. On a summer’s day, when Jo went, this is a pretty wondrous spot to hang out with a girlfriend (or a bunch of them) – although there was the occasional chap in tow, including Jo’s husband who’d happily agreed to be her plus-one.
In the centre of the hotel’s lawn, a keycard gives you access to a private walled swimming pool where you can sunbathe, splash (and gossip) to your heart’s content. This is just a short walk from the honestly dazzling spa itself.
Back in the fabulously refurbed spa itself, pretty much any spa-y experience you could imagine is on the menu (NB you’ll pay extra for actual treatments, which is normal.) Treatment-wise, the main brands showcased are those stalwarts, Clarins, VOYA and ELEMIS, but Jo also had a first look at the Ayurveda-inspired new collection from Champneys, Ashmira Botanica, which offers all sorts of fragrant, customised treatment options. (To be explored in depth on a future visit, she hopes.)
As part of your package, though, you can dip into a large pool, fringed by daybeds (there’s also a small outdoor section), Jacuzzi, steam room…
There’s a large and comfy manicure and pedicure zone, restful treatment rooms (and even more soothing chill-out spaces), and a menu that spans facials, reflexology, wraps, scrubs and more.
Champneys Eastwell Manor indoor pool & relaxation area
Typically, Spa Days include a three-course lunch, full use of leisure facilities (including those indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Jacuzzi, hydro pool, sauna, steam room, relaxation areas), complimentary use of towels, fluffy robe, and flip-flops. You can arrive from 9 a.m., and fitness and movement classes and gym access are also part of the deal, so that you may even leave a little more toned, as well as a lot more Zen. (As an extra treat, you can book a picnic, to be enjoyed in the grounds.)
It really is a great deal – wonderful outing with a friend, a mum, a daughter (or a partner!). And of course, the best thing is that they’ll want you along for company…
At time of writing, Jo is exploring her diary for windows when a return outing can be planned!
Find out more here
Champneys Eastwell Manor, Eastwell Park, Boughton Lees, Ashford, Kent, TN25 4HR/0343-224 1700
(Note: the Champneys website can be a tiny bit fiendish, as there are several resorts around the country with different offerings, but the super-helpful staff on Reception are happy to field actual good old-fashioned PHONE CALLS to make sure you're all sorted with any treatment bookings or other enquiries…!)
