(Almost) limitless luxury: Cloud 9, Champneys Mottram Hall, reviewed

Rating: Everything you could want from a spa experience (and then some).

What: Access to every Champneys resort, including meeting rooms, spas and state-of-the-art fitness facilities, plus added extras. 

Where: The Spa at Mottram Hall, Mottram Hall Hotel, Wilmslow Rd, Wilmslow, Macclesfield SK10 4QT

The package

Luxury wellness brand Champneys has launched a new package designed to give those who subscribe the 'ultimate spa membership', and it's available at Macclesfield's Mottram Hall.

Synonymous with luxury, wellness and excellence, Champneys' Cloud 9 lifestyle membership provides users with open access to every Champneys spa, as well as the opportunity to work remotely in exceptional surroundings and meeting rooms designed to inspire. 

Members can also find their inner zen and unwind in tranquil spas, or feel the burn in state-of-the-art fitness facilities without the fear of a crowded, sweaty gym throwing off your rhythm. Situated on beautiful grounds across the country, like the beautiful Georgian country house that is Mottram Hall, there's plenty of scenic landscapes to take in if you fancy a breath of fresh air. 

Probably the best perk of all, members are able to bring up to three friends along at any one time on day visits - free of charge. 

Those who enjoy massages, facials and other treatments can enjoy one on the house, every month. Plus, they'll receive 20% off any further treatments, automatically scheduled with one of the premier therapists at the facility. 

Stays are made more affordable with a Cloud 9 membership, too. A suite stay for two, plus dinner and breakfast - at any location, on any night - is available for just £199. Boot camps, yoga sessions and weight loss favourites can also be added to your stay for £100.

Cloud 9 memberships are priced as follows and include access to a whole host of discounts and exclusive member events:

Annual membership
Single: £2,350 | Joint: £3,790 | Joining fee: £250pp

Monthly membership
Single: £215 | Joint: £345 | Joining fee: £350pp

To see whether the subscription is worth it, I became a Cloud 9 member for the day. Here's what I thought.

First things first

On arrival I was greeted at the reception with a warm smile from a member of the Champneys team. Your senses are immediately caressed. There's no harsh fluorescent lighting in sight. It's warm, but not too warm. None of that waft of heat you get from harshly chlorinated pools either. In fact, there's none of that eye-stinging chemical aroma - just calming, delicate smells of Champneys body lotion and candles. 

After having my coat and bags taken and safely stored in the cloakroom, I was told I could make my way up to Raffaella's spa restaurant for a complimentary two-course meal.  

On entering the restaurant, I'm met with tranquil music and another pleasant greeting before being shown to my table. The decor is neutral and homely - serine, not sterile. On inspection, the menu is compact yet complex, focusing on three, perhaps four, dishes per course whilst covering a multitude of flavour combinations and dietary requirements.

My partner who joined me chose the fresh Vietnamese spring rolls with pineapple and cucumber salsa in a sweet tamarind sauce for his starter. He described the dish as "refreshing" and "light". 

For my main, I chose the bubble and squeak en croute; a vegan-friendly dish garnished with carrot puree, pickled red cabbage and a vegetable jus - a perfect winter warmer that was filling enough without being stodgy or heavy. 

My partner went with the sea bream; a beautifully-presented dish that came served on a bed of rice noodles with Chinese water spinach, aubergine and cucumber salad. An adorable mini glass teapot of miso broth sat alongside it, ready to be poured over the fish. A dish that received top points for both presentation and flavour. 

Being a dessert person, I saved my second course and treated my sweet tooth to a toffee apple-style creme brûlée, served with a homemade gingerbread biscuit. It did just the job, combining all those winter flavours into a little jar of goodness.

After lunch, we headed back down to reception for a tour of the facilities, walking through the well-equipped gym and fitness studios and stopping off in the treatment area to browse skincare products before heading to the spa via the cafe (complete with an indoor fire pit, because it's just that cool).

I entered the spa and was pleasantly surprised to find a reserved cabana with my name on it by the poolside, accompanied by a platter of fresh fruit, two flutes of Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rosé and a gift bag full of Champneys skincare goodies. A luxurious experience indeed. 

I spent the next few hours between jacuzzis, indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and salt rooms, showering under tropical storms and shivering in cold rooms. And lounging in my cabana, of course. How could I not? 

3PM rolled around and it was time for my complimentary treatment; the 'radiance renewal facial'. The treatment, which is available at all Champneys spas, lasted 50 minutes and worked to rehydrate, moisturise and nourish by skin back to baby-freshness. 

Suitable for all skin types, this facial included a deep cleansing along with a Champneys mask and a scalp massage so relaxing I almost fell asleep on the heated massage table. The masseuse also worked some stubborn knots out of my shoulders - us journalists love to hunch while we write, apparently. 

At the end of my massage, my therapist Molly provided me with a personalised prescription, complete with product recommendations for my problem areas (dry skin and redness).

Feeling incredibly relaxed and rejuvenated, I managed to squeeze in another hour in the spa before it was time to head home. 

The verdict

After living the highlife for just an afternoon, I can see why people pay for this kind of treatment, well almost. I was thoroughly impressed with everything that Champneys Mottram Hall had to offer - everything (and I mean everything) has been considered with this package. 

But the real question: if I had that kind of money, would I pay it? Honestly, yes. If I could feel as good as I did during those few hours on a weekly (or even daily, if I chose to) basis, why wouldn't I? 

Those interested in signing up to Cloud 9 can apply now.

For more details, email cloud9@champneys.com

Enter 2024 with a new resolution; to feel refreshed and revitalised on the 'regs.

THIS WAS A SPONSORED VISIT

Follow Harley Young on X @Harley__Young

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