Champneys Forest Mere, Liphook - 3 bubbles

Five poolside loungers, one hasty massage, forty minutes training, and a teeny-tiny locker for her clothes. It all adds up to three bubbles in our Spa Spy's book. But the health-oriented break at this Hampshire spa has had some long-lasting and positive effects on her lifestyle. And her muscles.

"I went to Champneys Forest Mere on Saturday 1st December 2007 on the 'Top to Toe' day package for £169.99 with 10 friends for a birthday.

After reading the above review I was nervous about going and whether or not it would be a good experience.

As I person who has extremely high expectations in all she does, I can safely say that it was, in deed, a wonderful day. The entire estate was very clean, all staff very helpful, and the treatments were very good.

After reading the review I specifically looked for the mould in the showers etc. and found none. The lockers are quite small, but there is nothing stopping you taking 2!! (there is no additional price). There is a slight lack of benches, but there are enclosed areas to change in should you wish, and the benches they do have are very large.

I was also concerned that, as it was a Saturday, it would be very crowded. I found that, although there were lots of people there, you never felt crowded, cramped or unable to use the facitities!

The facilities were excellent and the pictures on the website do not do the resort justice.

My advice would be to book treatments in the middle of the day (leaving time for lunch) as, if you are not taking part in classes, the day can go slowly.

All in all, an excellent day which couldn't have gone better. Treatments relaxing, staff friendly and facilities clean and excellent.

I hope to return soon."

"I visited this spa in November 2007 with a friend on their day package for £69 and was very disappointed. The whole feel of the place was more like a travelodge - changing rooms tiny, small lockers and only 2 benches in the whole place to put your bag on, grubby showers, black mould, rust spots around the pool, shabby toilets, dreadful buffet lunch. Nothing special about the facilities - basically a pool, jacuzzi, tiny steam and sauna - only 5 showers for all the ladies which meant constant queuing and bumping into people as it was crowded - and this wasn't even a busy day! I felt ripped off for paying £69 for facilities that were poorer than I have at my health club where the day rate is only £10 and much better. I would not recommend this and won't be returning."