Champneys may well have celebrated its 90th birthday at the end of last year but like a fine wine it just gets better with age.
In fact it has had something of a rejuvenating facelift in the form of the new Detox and Wellbeing Spa.
Since 1925, Champneys Tring has offered a healthy escape from the cares and worries of the working week with an emphasis on wellbeing and relaxation. Its latest innovation is a sea and mineral treatment detox spa offering a selection of unique, water-based personalised treatments. Each detox experience is tailor-made for the individual and can be targeted to improve circulation, promote wellbeing, or to help you to slim and tone. I opted for a five-step wellbeing programme which began with a vitamin-rich detox drink followed by lots of cups of water while enjoying a 15-minute seaweed infused detox foot spa.
It really tickled at first but then the rhythmic massage worked deep and I could move my feet around in the warm water to work on the arch of the foot and heels. My therapist explained that the detoxifying seaweed is mineral and vitamin rich and is used to aid in the removal of toxins while also kick-starting the purifying process.
There were plenty of magazines on hand for me to flip through while my tired limbs were gently manipulated to improve circulation and help the lymphatic system do its job.
Next came a ten-minute stint in an oxygen and salt therapy where I was accompanied by a very talkative Italian on a weight-loss programme who told me women should take over control of the world. No arguments there from me. The sea water infused steam was very invigorating on his vocal chords as well as helping me to breathe easily but I was soon whisked away to take in a muscle-soothing ten-minute blast of infrared heat.
Then it was time to wallow in the mineral-enriched Thalassotherapy pool for 20 minutes. This was split into separate sessions in different sections of the pool to work on different areas of the body from legs and torso to arms and a fantastic plunge under the waterfall to work on back, neck and shoulder muscles. I could happily have spent a good hour under the jets but my skin was then suitably plumped to enjoy an exfoliating sea salt scrub followed by a Marine Calcium Wrap.
The wrap was pretty gooey and it has an unmistakable the smell of the sea, which makes you feel a bit like a boil-in-the-bag haddock while it is in progress, but it left my skin feeling super smooth.
The final step was to lie on a warm and comforting waterbed with sinus cleansing nasal balm and a cup of tea - a completely blissful experience.
The ritual allows access to areas of the spa that general day membership does not and since the relaxation areas elsewhere are pretty busy the waterbed is a godsend for ultimate relaxation and respite.
The other options available in the detox suite include a hydrotherapy bath, manual underwater massage, detoxifying Pressotherapy, iPulse Slimming Solution and Floatation therapy, have a chat with your therapist beforehand to find the right format for your individual needs.
Why Detox?
Detoxing is the perfect way to leave your body feeling renewed and refreshed. Our liver, lymphatic system, kidneys, lungs, intestines and skin already provide a natural detox system. But when these are working overtime, the body could do with a little help.
When it can no longer cope, symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, coughs, congestion and gastrointestinal problems can incur. Bolstered by the chemicals found in some foods, unhealthy diets and pollutants in household products – in today’s world, toxins can easily accumulate. A detox will give the body a break from its normal practice and support the breakdown of toxins in your system.
Five Signs You Need To Detox
1. Fatigue and poor sleep
2. Excess weight and trouble losing it
3. Inability to focus
4. Cravings for sugar and carbs
5. Dull skin and breakouts
Enhance Detox after Your Treatments
1. Precious H2O. Drink more water. Your body is made up of 70 per cent water and needs around six to eight glasses a day to stay hydrated and to help flush out toxins.
2. Go Organic. Eat organic food to minimise your intake of toxic pesticides.
3. Pick Up The Pace. Exercise daily for improved circulation.
4. Cut The Caffeine. Cut down on caffeinated drinks and alcohol as these can all dehydrate the body.
5. Fab Fibre. Eat plenty of fibre. Grains, cereals, brown bread, brown rice, wholemeal pasta, fresh fruit and vegetables help move food through the digestive system and provide energy.
6. Eat Natural. Avoid processed foods whilst eating less dairy, meat and sugary foods.
7. Love Your Greens. Eat lots of vegetables and whole fruit - especially berries, pears, apples and plums.
8. Brown Is Best. Avoid refined foods such as white bread and pasta.
9. Non Toxic. Swap your cosmetics and cleaning products for non-toxic alternatives.
10. Catch Some Zzz’s. Get plenty of sleep to improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.
As an add-on to packages at Tring, prices start from: £79pp
As part of the new Detox Day at Tring, prices start from: £149pp
Details: www.champneys.com
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