Spa Break at Champneys Henlow

As I alluded to in my blog post on 'summer challenges' things are pretty hectic at the moment! My new job is also keeping me busy - as we head into triathlon season I'm working quite a few weekends at our races in Windsor, Dorney and Woburn.

After a 3-day stint at Dorney Lake this past weekend, I headed to Champneys Henlow for a well earned spa break with my sister! She has just graduated from her final year at Uni and already has a job lined up, so it was a little bit of a celebration for her as well - I'm so proud of my little sis, and so happy all her hard work has paid off!

We stayed at the Champneys resort in Henlow a while ago over Christmas/New Year and it was great to head back - it's a beautiful manor house in Bedfordshire and we had a lovely Superior Twin Room overlooking the gardens. There was even a waterfall right outside our terrace!

After checking in - complete with complimentary juice - it was time to don the famous white robes and begin the relaxation...

My sister and I spent most of our 1-night break in the jacuzzi, chatting and catching up on our lives. It was so lovely to just sit and talk. Our package also included a 25-minute Thalassotherapy treatment - I'd never really heard of this before, so was intrigued to find out what we were in for!

It turns out that Thalassotherapy involves heading into a small swimming pool, filled with warm saltwater rich in minerals like magnesium, zinc, potassium and iron. The pool has a selection of hydrotherapy jets throughout which improve circulation and help with aching muscles and joints. Pretty perfect for someone who'd just spent three 15-hour days on her feet!

The food at Champneys is always fantastic and this occasion was no exception. I had scallops, duck and cheesecake for dinner and enjoyed the buffet breakfast and lunch the following day - it's such a treat to have great food provided and not have to cook for yourself for a couple of days.

We may have toasted Pippa's graduation and new job with a glass of prosecco as well!

All too soon our stay was drawing to an end, with just time to finish my book in the conservatory (Eat, Sweat, Play by Anna Kessel - highly recommend!) and enjoy a final cup of tea in the very impressive lounge. All Champneys stays include access to the gym and timetable of fitness classes, but this time around we decided to keep things pretty chilled and just did some gentle walking around the gardens in between our spa time. It just gives us an excuse to go back and try out some of the things we missed!