henlow is big and pretty corporate - have been several times and by then you know what you will be getting. This time had a fabulous facial acupuncture and a tui na massage. Both by a chap who was great. Needles in the face and cold rollers also might sound strange but is one of the best facials I've ever had in terms of relaxing and looking good afterwards. I will definitely have it again next time. It is expensive but I always feel like I can do my own "cleanse exfoliate mask" type treatments.
Apart from that, lunch was fine (very limited low carb choices) and thalassotherapy is fun. It was quite cold in that pool there (was snow outside) compared to our previous visit when it was baking hot - in conservatory like area - could do with more temperature control at both extremes.
Overall another good visit with exceptional treatments.
The venue is great in itself, a nice building surrounded by lovely gardens. However, the whole place looks just tired and needs a facelift quickly.
That already does not set you in the luxury that you expect to start with.
Putting that aside, the important thing, which is the quality of the treatments was quite average. Again, I expected better.
The fitness classes and the food was good though.
The staff in general was not up to scratch either.
Overall, not a good experience and won't be returning.
Just returned from week of hell at Henlow, feeling worse than when I went. I came home with a streaming cold thanks to the 24 hour failure of all hot water to ensuite bedrooms. Staff did not inform us, explain alternative sources of hot water, they did not apologise and there was no compensation offered at all. Trying to pretend a disaster is not happening, Henlow, just makes it worse. Guests do not pay upwards of £100 a night for cold water! Add to this the stained and ripped carpets throughout the building and you do not have luxury, you have seedy. Young and inexperienced therapists were pleasant but ineffectual. Reception staff in the rest of the building were either surly or hopeless or both. But the piece de resistance was, wait for it, fire alarms sounding, twice, at 4.30 am on the morning of Saturday 5th September. Hordes of female guests streamed out of their rooms and down the corridors towards the exits until someone managed to get in touch with Reception to find that it was in fact a false alarm. No word of apology, remorse or reparation from any member of staff. I was glad to get home to hot water and a good night's sleep. The word "rip off" spring to mind. You have been warned!
Visited Henlow with my sister for a two night break after I had just been made redundant to have a couple of days of pampering.As you drive up the building is very impressive gravel drive way etc etc.We were greeted and bags taken up to our twin room which was rather pokey!
The food was good and the ability to have breakfast in bed was fab!
I had a mud wrap which was great - the choc could be smelt on my boday until I showered,A massage /facial.Having been to many other spas before I have always found Champeneys to disapoint due to its production line approach to getting people in and out!The facilities are not as impressive as Ragdale or Aqua Sana!While we were there the X Factor rejects came for a couple of days and if you want to spot a celeb you prob will here!
I would go if there was an offer on but would not pay full price!