USP Champneys is probably Britain’s best-known spa brand, with its centres at Tring and Forest Mere beloved of footballers’ wives and ladies who lunch. The opening of six day spas in towns and cities across the Southeast, and most recently in Bath, is intended to bring the luxury spa experience to those too time-poor to commit to a hotel-style break.

The new (ish – it opened in July) Brighton day resort has a plum location in the heart of East Street, the main and modish shopping drag, on the corner of a pretty glass-roofed arcade which allows light to flood into the ground floor shop-cum-salon.

AMBIENCE At first glance, the spa appears compact, though white and bright, but its Tardis-like basement reveals a sanctuary of small but perfectly formed treatment rooms, gorgeously decorated with outrageously opulent wallpaper, soft lighting and regulation piles of fluffy white towels.

The therapists are mindful of their clients’ need for relaxation and retreat, and keep noise to a minimum, murmuring to each other softly in the corridor.

EXPERIENCE One of the most popular treatments is the Spa Heaven Cocoon: an hour and twenty-five minutes of exotically fragranced bliss (£55). Spa manager Lorna Dumbleton describes it as a facial for the body: it’s understandably a hit with the London commuter crowd who pour off the early-evening trains to take advantage of the spa’s late opening (until 9pm on Wednesday and Thursday) during the week) before returning home wonderfully chilled out. There are other treatments aimed at men and pregnant women.

FOOD None of Champneys ready-meal Wellbeing range, of the sort sold in Sainsbury's, here. Just water, herbals and teas. But there's no shortage of choice in the nearby Lanes - a healthy and delicious option is the Terre a Terre vegetarian restaurant a few doors down on the other side of the street.

IN CROWD The diversity of the clientele reflects that of the city: holidaymakers, well-heeled wives, harassed commuters – and more than a smattering of men.

WALLET WATCH Reasonable. The most wallet-busting package is the four-and-a-half-hour Pamper Package, at £150, but with a brow shape for £10 and a 25-minute back massage for £30, there’s something to suit most people.

NEED TO KNOW 24 East Street, Brighton BN1 1HL (01273 777 155; www.champneys.com)

Rhian Lewis

TREATMENT REVIEW I had a 25-minute Champneys back, neck and shoulder massage (£30) followed by a 55-minute Pure Balance Champneys facial (£50).

The resounding feeling I was left with after the two treatments was the professionalism of Champneys' therapists. The pictures on the walls of the spa, though dated by the spa equipment being used and the customer's outfits (belted leotard anyone?), demonstrates the longevity of the brand. A point that's only strengthed by the company's therapists.

Confident, proficient and asking all the right questions: is the temperature of the room ok? Is the pressure ok (crucially asking this more than once), they are head and shoulders above the smaller and less professional spas where newly or poorly trained therapists lack confidence and knowledge.

The Champneys products too are a boon (although they also offer treatments using Elemis and CACI non-surgical poducts) are a winning combination of effective, nicely scented and affordable, so your bill doesn't double if you want to go home with a goodie bag.

The foaming facial wash, used during my facial and applied with a soft brush felt like one of the best cleanses I'd had, without being too harsh. I then had a mud mask applied to the more congested areas of my skin and a camomile and rose mask applied to the sensitive spots, which both smelt divine, followed by a final moisturiser.

I left the spa with my shoulders and neck feeling less knotted then usual and vowing to have regular massages. The skin on my face was smooth and pleasingly free of the red patches and mild inflammation that can result from some facials.

Ginny McGrath

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