The historic English manor that's launched a new Italian-like wine terrace in time for summer
SPA-TACULAR The historic English manor that's launched a new Italian-like wine terrace in time for summer
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I FEEL like I'm in a quaint Italian town as I sit listening to live guitar while enjoying a glass of wine in a beautiful ivy-walled courtyard.
Yet I'm nowhere near Italy. I'm in the heart of Kent, visiting an historic health spa during its landmark 100th anniversary year.
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Champney's Eastwell Manor, near Ashford, Kent, has undergone extensive renovations, including a total spa refresh
Credit: PETER KOCIHA/Supplied
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Along with the standard indoor swimming pool, with sauna, steam rooms and hot tub, there's a newly revamped outdoor pool
Credit: Supplied
Champneys Eastwell Manor is part of the heritage health spa's empire, founded in 1925 by wellness guru Stanley Lief, who introduced us to the powers of holistic health, nutrition and rest and relaxation.
From its quirky beginnings as the nation's first 'health farm', pioneering hydrotherapy in the '50s, to introducing Ayurvedic therapies in the '70s, and launching Britain's first wellness bootcamps in the '90s, the brand has always been ahead of the curve in wellness trends.
This year, it is marking the milestone with a year-long 100 Years Young campaign.
Think exclusive treatments and great products you won't find elsewhere.
Eastwell Manor, near Ashford, has undergone extensive renovations, including a total spa refresh, and I marvel at the view via a new summer terrace, while tucking into local Gusbourne Vineyard rosé.
The wine is the only UK entry to make the top 50 in the 2025 World's Best Vineyards Awards.
A variety of amazing small plates, including a delicious whipped feta and flatbreads, are the perfect accompaniment.
Of course, you could go bigger, with pizzas, burgers and sandwiches on offer (the sea pizza being a feast of garlic chili prawns, salmon and pickles).
Relaxing among the backdrop of an 18th century manor house, there are frankly few better ways to spend an evening.
The next day I was transported from Italy to France, with a beautifully laid out picnic on the manor grounds.
Go on a virtual tour of the Champneys hotel - the perfect Mother's Day retreat
Hopping into one of the hotel Range Rovers, I am assured by the driver that the walk would be far too difficult to do myself.
Taking an entire three minutes, I feel slightly put out until I spot the size of the hamper being hauled from the boot with a bucket of champagne. Perhaps my driver was right after all.
My only company is an errant bee as he leaves me to enjoy a feast of fresh pastries and sandwiches.
With more than enough to feed two people, I should have asked him to join me.
Back at the spa, there are more centenary celebrations to delight, including two exclusive treatments.
My Champneys 100 Years Facial (£105) begins with a meditation, followed by a triple cleanse, exfoliation and anti-ageing cryotherapy globes.
Back at the spa, there's more centenary celebrations to delight, including two exclusive treatments.
For more ingulgence, you could opt for The 100 Years Face & Body Reset (£150) with a massage, wood therapy, and lemon tea to finish.
Along with the standard indoor swimming pool, with sauna, steam rooms and hot tub, there's a newly revamped outdoor pool, with cream-covered plush sunloungers and beautiful sunset views.
Tucked next door are the Mews Cottages, with my room hidden behind a baby pink door.
Inside, a comfy double bed and lounge look out over lush grounds, and I make the most of the roll-top bath and Elemis toiletries.
Complete with my leftover hamper strawberries.
Not bad for a spa that's been doing this for 100 years.
They've clearly learned a thing or two about la dolce vita.
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The Sun's Kara Godfrey enjoys the view from Eastwell Manor's new summer terrace
Credit: Handout
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