Forest Mere - well worth a visit (Champneys)

Member Name: Jo

Product:	Champneys
Date:	08/09/08 (291 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Stunning views, fantastic cuisine, good value for money

Disadvantages: Timing of stay meant late changes to some classes

I have just returned from my first visit to Champneys Forest Mere and it was an amazing experience. On first approaching the house I was gobsmacked at it's beauty, and then intimidated, which shouldn't have been the case. I was greeted by Agnes with a warm welcome and soon put at ease.

The weather was a typical English summer, but instead of hampering my time it ensured the grounds stayed lush and green and there were plenty of alternative classes that prevented me missing being outside. Accommodation was bright and airy, comfortable and relaxing without being outdated.

Unfortunately the class timetable changed during the stay, and for several days in a row we were told that the timetable would change. This meant that a handful of classes over 2 or 3 days were cancelled at short notice. Having said that the classes that did take place were extremely well taught. In particular Kirsty, Vikki and Tom were great instructors and encouraged and included everyone.

The highlight of the stay was the dance classes taught by Jaci Spencer, world salsa champion, and unsung hero as one of the pro choreographers from Strictly Come Dancing.

The treatments included in my package were relaxing and of a high quality, and I had no problems pre-booking additional treatments online prior to my arrival. Some of the ladies I met on the same package had no trouble changing the timings of their bookings to fit around their schedules. I did not feel the need to change anything preferring to fit everything else around the amazing dance classes!

Food was in abundance and spoilt for choice at every mealtime. Refreshments could be bought from the coffee shop during the afternoon, with a selection of homemade cakes that looked too good for a health farm! Each dinner was a choice of 5 selections in each course, including a muse bouche and sorbet for those dining in the Mere Restaurant, which I did at no extra cost for the package I was on which was an unexpected bonus and made an occasion of dining. Most nights I opted to eat at a sharing table for dinner and had a lovely week getting to know my fellow guests.

I booked this stay as a one off well deserved treat to myself, but relaxing in such amazing surroundings with fantastic beauty treatments and well taught classes ensures that I will definitely go back and not hesitate to recommend this to others.

Summary: Relaxing stay, definitely recommended