UK and Ireland

THE CELEBRITY RETREAT

Where? The family-run Champneys is one of the most established names in the industry and perfect if you’re looking for something a little starry that doesn’t break the bank (the Beckhams, Kylie and, of course, Naomi Campbell have all put on robes here). The centres in Hertfordshire, Hampshire, Bedfordshire and Leicestershire are set in grand mansions — one a former Rothschild estate — with sweeping grounds full of, well, Botoxed bottle-blondes these days. The treatment areas feel a bit conveyor belt-ish and there’s a whiff of the fat farm (dining plates are imprinted with the proportion of protein, carbs and fats to eat), but facilities are top-notch. The trick here is to go home-brand. Champneys recently developed its own skincare range. It is excellent (drawing on the knowledge of its expert therapists, why wouldn’t it be?) and an absolute bargain. For example, the Champneys facial costs £49.95 — £25 cheaper than a basic facial on offer using products by one of the big-name brands. A weekend here is slightly surreal, but great fun.

Price guide: pools, saunas and steam rooms, gym, tennis courts, bikes, and a choice of exercise classes are all free. Mini-facials from £30, massages from £30.

How to achieve a perfectly pert bottom line: sign up for its online late-availability notification, which offers heavily discounted packages. Otherwise, the two-night package (excluding Saturday night) is the best value, including all meals, two massages, a facial, a thalasso or aqua-jet treatment and a relax wrap, from £300pp. Call 0870 330 0300, or visit www.champneys.com.

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