Champneys has announced the acquisition of Buxton Crescent spa hotel in Derbyshire, UK, in partnership with global alternative investment fund manager Cheyne Capital.

The 81-key hotel and thermal bathing spa business has been bought from health resort operator Ensana’s owning company CP Holdings and the Trevor Osborne Property Group.

A spokesperson for Champneys confirmed to Spa Business that Cheyne Capital is now the majority owner and Champneys holds a small percentage interest. Champneys has a management contract and dual franchise agreement with Cheyne.

Champneys will operate Buxton Crescent as a Champneys spa hotel, making the location the brand’s seventh UK spa.

The freehold of the buildings will remain held by High Peak Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council.

The property’s existing staff members will be welcomed into the Champneys group.

Champneys recently extended its partnership with Cheyne Capital, gaining £32 million (US$41.1 million, €38 million) for capital expenditure to focus on growth and refurbishment. Cheyne Capital originally became a partner in 2022.

Alan Whiteley, CEO, Champneys, said: “We are thrilled to combine our expertise with this historic spa, blending centuries-old heritage with modern luxury and care. Our aim is to create a sanctuary where guests can truly focus on their health, recharge their energy and be inspired.”

Theo Hajoglou, director, Cheyne Capital, added: “We are delighted to extend our successful relationship with Champneys through this latest acquisition. Buxton Crescent is a property of exceptional heritage and quality that has been enhanced by its recent major restoration, and it will no doubt be a valuable addition to Champneys’ world-class spa hotel portfolio.”

Buxton Crescent

Buxton Crescent opened as a spa hotel in 2020 after 15 years of extensive renovations and refurbishment of an original Georgian building by Europe’s biggest health spa chain, Ensana.

Read the interview with Ensana chair Mark Hennebry in Spa Business about the development, facilities and programming when the property opened, here.

The spa is fed by a naturally warm (27˚C), magnesium-rich mineral spring and water from the area is also bottled and sold across the UK by Buxton Mineral Water.

The hotel has a thermal pool, rooftop indoor-outdoor pool, restored Victorian baths, saunas, steamrooms and fitness studios.

Ensana

The news that Ensana will no longer operate Buxton Crescent comes after a recent announcement that Ensana intends to double its international portfolio by 2030.