Spa operator Champneys is set to open its first property in the North of England at Mottram Hall in Cheshire, this September, following a £10m (€11.1m, US$13.2) spa renovation.

Champney’s acquired the Grade II-listed, 18th-century building in 2018, featuring a hotel, spa and golf course, completed with formal gardens surrounded by 270 acres of parkland.

The spa update is part of the operators’ total £15m (€16.6m, US$19.8m) investment into Mottram Hall, which also saw the revamp of the hotel reception, champagne bar and garden room, all while retaining the original features of the main house.

The updated 3,270sq m Champneys Health Club and Spa features 15 treatment rooms and was executed with the guidance of Champneys’ in-house project director Chris Maryon and Champneys’ owners, Stephen and Dorothy Purdew.

DaleSauna is responsible for supplying the new wet and thermal experiences, including a Brechel sauna, salt steamroom, monsoon shower, drench shower, ice fountain, cold room and organic sauna, as well as a new 20m swimming pool.

The facility is designed by architect, Darling Associates, while the interior design has been completed by Sparcstudio’s Beverley Bayes.

“The main vision for the spa was to offer the first Champneys experience in the north of England, but 2020 has been an experience in itself,” said spa director Steve Ewing, speaking exclusively to Spa Business.

“Throughout COVID-19, Champneys maintained its commitment to seeing this project through but there’s no doubt that the world’s changed, so I think now more than ever the ‘health spa’ needs to be an essential part of our lives."

Ewing began as club and spa manager at Mottram Hall in 2016, then served as spa director at the recently opened Carden Park starting in January 2019. In July 2020 he returned to Mottram Hall to resume the role of spa director.

“At Mottram Hall, we’ll have a ‘health spa’ that offers a 360-degree experience and we’re excited to finally open; immersed in wellness and driven by the belief that lasting beauty is more than just skin deep.”

Ewing explained that the on-site therapy team is training intensely to be able to offer an eclectic treatment range where quality is of the highest importance.

Mottram Hall will be the first spa in Northern England to offer the Champneys range of treatments and products, and will also offer Elemis and Clarins treatments, as well as using Lava Shells equipment.

“The Champneys name has been synonymous with health spa for 95 years – this knowledge and expertise built up over such a long period of time mean we’ve honed our offering to ensure the Mottram Hall experience is second to none,” concluded Ewing.

Facilities will also include a fitness space equipped with Technogym equipment, a spin studio and panoramic studio, as well as a beauty lounge with nail and make-up services and a barbershop.