Why We Love Champneys Forest Mere – Review

Looking for one of the best spa days in the South? Champneys Forest Mere offers a vast range of opportunities for relaxation and revitalisation within a stunning Manor House setting and a sweeping 160 acres of charming woodland. We were lucky enough to review the BuyAGift Champneys Spa Day for Two with Lunch at Forest Mere and we loved every minute of it! Here is why…

Champneys Forest Mere is located in the South Downs village of Liphook. Think lush green hills and stunning woodland! Approaching the Champneys resort you are greeted with a spellbinding lake, which set the scene wonderfully for a serene and tranquil day. As soon as we received our complimentary slippers and our robe, we were ready to unwind and relax.

The resort has undertaken a recent period of investment and the results are utterly sublime! Within the spa you will now find a thermal poolside suite (including steam room, ice room, tropical showers and a Whirpool). The décor is most certainly playing into the recent Scandi trend, with dark woods, subtle lighting and a feeling of disarming warmth radiating throughout.

Another new addition to the spa is an outdoor hydropool, which was our place of choice for the majority of the day! The pool sits in a sun trap and is straddled by a handful of sunbeds within which you can recline and enjoy the sun. With the cooler weather approaching, we can still envisage many happy spa goers taking in the warm pool and enjoying an utterly relaxing outdoor experience.

At Champneys Forest Mere you will also fine a Thalassotherapy pool (where you can enjoy a complimentary class), a Rasul Mud Chamber, Floatation beds, plunge pools and there is an impressive 43 treatment rooms on site.

How was Lunch?

Champneys have a very simple philosophy when it comes to food. They want food to be “all about healthy, delicious and beautiful food. Steering away from all the fads and fallacies, [they] keep things honest and enjoyable”. This philosophy combined with a superb quality of produce paved the way for a wonderful lunch.

We enjoyed everything from grilled red snapper, to King Prawns, to lamb kebabs with a mint raita and salad with a range of dressings. There was also a live cooking section where you could request from a selection of pasta types, sauces and accompaniments. Throughout the meal, food perfectly balanced health with flavour and fulfilment. There was a super level of  freshness to every product and we were left very impressed.

Included Classes and Fitness

If you are looking to do a little more than relax, then you can also work up a sweat with a series of fitness classes. All of the classes are rated in terms of intensity, therefore making it a doddle working out which ones are suitable for your level. There are some supplementary charges too, which are clearly indicated upon your arrival.  Classes can be booked free of charge on the day, subject to availability. If you see a £ sign next to the class, this means there will be a £6 supplement charge.

This spa experience from BuyAGift costs £198 and includes a spa day for two, a three-course buffet-style lunch and full access to the spa and leisure facilities.