 |
 |
 |
Champneys Town and City Spa, Milton Keynes - 4 bubbles
Champneys Town and City Spa in Milton Keynes is located in the large Boots store within the sprawling shopping destination, thecentre:mk. A smart set of treatment rooms offering a range of spa therapies in a surprisingly hushed environment, this little gem would make the perfect shopping companion.
First impressions?
What's on offer?
Which treatments did you have?
What were the treatments like?
What else could you have?
Food facts
Was it worth it?
We loved
We didn't love
Who do you think would like it?
Why did you give the spa this rating?
Would you go again?
First impressions?
Milton Keynes' thecentre:mk is noisy. We visited during half term and it was very busy. The treatment rooms themselves are located upstairs in the Boots store, hidden away at the back. When you get to the spa, you can completely forget you're in the middle of a shopping centre. Once inside your treatment room, you're sheltered in a peaceful, bustle-free zone.
What's on offer?
The Champneys Town and City Spas are sets of treatment rooms, so they do not have any wet or thermal facilities.
An extensive range of wellbeing and beauty treatments are available, and you can have a garra rufa fish pedicure, too.
Which treatments did you have?
I had the Hot Lava Shells Full-Body Massage (55 minutes, £70).
What were the treatments like?
My therapist, Lucy, greeted me in the little waiting area. It was barely a hop, skip and a jump to the treatment room itself.
Lucy explained the treatment then left me to get undressed and settled under the ethnic-style throw and chocolate brown towels atop the treatment bed. I changed accompanied by some tinkling spa music – loud enough to drown out any talking in the reception area that was located just outside.
My massage was intense. Lava shells are used to warm muscles before massage, in a similar way to hot stones. I found the lava shells to be even hotter than a hot stone massage, and the treatment took a little bit of getting used to!
Lucy and I had discussed my tense shoulders when I arrived. After massaging my legs and back, Lucy spent a long time working on my shoulders. The lava shells are an incredibly effective tool, and Lucy expertly used the wide, silky shells and the strong ridges around the edges to work deep into my muscles. By the end of the treatment I felt relaxed, but also like we'd made progress on my shoulders. I have a lot of massages and I felt this one had made a distinct difference to my stiff neck.
Lucy was a great therapist, checking that I was comfortable at all times, and that the shells weren't too hot. Her massage was thorough and the treatment was well-executed. The oil Lucy used smelt simply delicious!
What else could you have?
A range of facials, including CACI and Boots No7.
A range of massages, scrubs and wraps.
You can also try reflexology or Indian head massage. Grooming treatments include manis, pedis, fish pedicures, St Tropez tanning and waxing.
There are also a couple of men's treatments to choose from, and pregnancy treatments. Not bad for a little treatment rooms!
Food facts
No food is served, but water, herbal teas and coffee are available at the reception desk.
Was it worth it?
My treatment worked out a bit over our Good Spa Guide benchmark of £1 per minute. However, the treatment was very good and the location is really convenient for shoppers and visitors.
We loved
Lucy's expertise. I thoroughly enjoyed my effective treatment.
We didn't love
That there's no door on the reception/waiting area and the strange choice of music playing in reception. We enjoy Aloe Blacc, but we're not sure he's particularly "spa".
Despite the music in the treatment room doing its best to drown out any outside disturbances, the reception phone rang audibly for some time – a little distracting mid-massage!
Who do you think would like it?
Anyone spending a day shopping in thecentre:mk.
Why did you give the spa this rating?
We gave Champneys Town and City Spa Milton Keynes 4 bubbles. As the waiting area is in full view of passing Boots customers, and the choice of music was a little strange, our spa journey didn't really begin until we were in the treatment room itself. But, our therapist's expertise and the hushed quiet of the treatment room made for a great treatment experience.
See more on how we rate the spas
Would you go again?
If I was shopping in Milton Keynes I would most definitely pop in for a little refresher and a welcome lie-down!
We visited Champneys Town and City Spa, Milton Keynes in October 2011
See also:
* Contact details for Champneys Town and City Spa, Milton Keynes
|
|
|