Spas get a facelift

People are increasingly turning to spas in search of some rest and relaxation. We asked three disabled people to brave the steam rooms and bubbles at three top health clubs and resorts

CHAMPNEY’S TRING

Set in the middle of the Hertfordshire countryside, Champney’s Tring is a dedicated health club and spa offering a wide variety of treatments, relaxation programmes and health breaks. It is pitched towards the premium end of the market.

Sitting at the end of a sprawling driveway, the resort is based in a stately home. The words “stately home” and “accessible” usually don’t make the best of bedfellows but in Champney’s Tring’s case, things are different.

A recent £14-million refurbishment proves that buildings can be made accessible and yet retain their beauty and elegance.

I was initially surprised by the lack of specific accessible parking, despite there being “superior parking” closer to the entrance for premium guests, although in reality this wasn’t much of an issue due to the number of available spaces.

There are ramps up to the grand entrance and into a large, wide reception area and the vast majority of the building is accessible to wheelchair-users and those with mobility issues.

There are still some steps to certain older areas, though there were portable ramps nearby, similar to the ones used at railway stations to get on and off trains. There was also a lift to reach the upper level.

The building’s size does create a problem. My room was almost at the end of the new garden wing and quite a walk from the main facilities, so popping back to collect a towel was a workout in itself. It would be best to query the location of the room when booking.

The pool is accessible through a level changing area with separate disabled changing facilities and plenty of seating at poolside level. There is no hoist to access the water (which I was informed about before arrival) but personally this didn’t present too much of a problem as I tend to opt for the throw-myself-in approach.

A leaflet is provided on arrival with a detailed chart outlining which services are suitable (or not) for people with various conditions or impairments.

All the treatment rooms I looked at had fully adjustable treatment tables and were accessible by wheelchairs.

All the staff were extremely willing to offer help but most were happy to leave guests to relax until they asked for help.

The only time I needed to call for assistance was to lower the shower seat in my bathroom, although it turned out that it was down more to my incompetence at pulling a handle than a problem with the equipment.

All in all, my stay was very successful, though after a refurbishment on this scale, it certainly should have been.

Still, they should be applauded for managing to avoid the majority of the pitfalls and traps. Now if you’ll excuse me, the jacuzzi is calling. Paul Carter

THERMAE BATH SPA

The Thermae spa in the city of Bath offers a unique opportunity to bathe in naturally warm, mineral rich waters, just like the Celts and Romans did more than 2,000 years ago.

Bath’s three natural springs rise to the surface at temperatures of at least 45 degrees celsius.

They were first made use of by the Romans in AD 70, who built a sophisticated series of baths and a temple dedicated to their goddess, Sulis Minerva, to celebrate the water’s therapeutic properties.

Today, a dramatic, contemporary, glass-and-stone building allows visitors the chance to enjoy the waters in a relaxing, airy and beautifully lit environment.

The facilities include two pools, steam rooms and an extensive treatment area, along with a cafe and restaurant. There is good wheelchair accessibility to all areas, with lift access to each floor and hydraulic lifts to lower you in and out of the pools. Trained lifeguards are on hand to operate the hydraulic lifts and can position them at the same level as your wheelchair. Toggle floats are also provided in the pools to offer support.

The large Minerva bath offers an invigorating whirlpool, a massage jet and a gentle current to enable you to float lazily around the pool. On the top floor is an open-air rooftop pool where you can relax in the bubbles and warm water while enjoying stunning views over the city.

The steam room comprises four state-of-the-art glass cubicles, each infused with a different essential oil, and a central waterfall shower in which to cool off between sessions.

Treatments on offer include watsu, shiatsu massage in water, where you float in the private hot bath while a therapist gently stretches and manipulates your body. I took a fancy to the dry flotation, where you relax on a warm cushion of water covered in mud, minerals and oils. The majority of the treatment rooms are accessible and all the treatment beds can be lowered.

However, there are some instances where you will need to be able to step into a small shower cubicle to wash off therapeutic mud.

A chair can be provided to sit on in the shower. When you book a treatment you will be asked to complete a form specifying any requirements or medical conditions.

The changing area has three large cubicles that can easily accommodate a wheelchair, and there are suitable wheelchair toilet and shower facilities.

The Spa prefers clients to transfer from their own wheelchairs into a special manual chair if possible, but this chair has no rotating front wheels which made it very difficult for my carer to manoeuvre. The Spa is investigating more suitable alternatives.

Overall, with the good access and the unique opportunity to bathe in thermal waters, this spa is well worth a visit. Kathy Longley

RAGDALE HALL

I have been a member of Ragdale Hall for many years. I recently became disabled after an accident and have since found the access very difficult. I wish to remain anonymous, so as not to compromise my membership.

General access to the main building is not too bad. There is level entry into the reception area and in some of the internal walk areas there are ramps so you can get round most of the parts.

Of the open areas, the coffee bar has large stone steps so there is no way you can get up there without assistance. I can get to the garden but find general access very limited.

In the pool, there is no hoist and there are steps with handrails down to the swimming-pool itself. The training pool has four steps.

There is just one disabled toilet in the main building and one disabled changing area in the spa, but it is difficult to shower because the grate is too small and the floor area floods quickly. I also had difficulty adjusting the shower.

The disabled changing facility also has no lockers, so I usually leave my stuff in the disabled toilet and have to lock it with a coin. This has been known to be used by staff, though, which makes me angry.

My biggest problem is with the new £3.5 million spa area. If you use a wheelchair, like me, it is not accessible at all. It features a new “candle pool” that is only accessible down seven spiral stairs. There is another pool area with 15 stairs.

At present, I can access the existing jacuzzi as it only involves a couple of small steps, but this will soon be coming out to make way for new changing facilities. The other jacuzzi has five steps up to it and then steps down.

Personally, I’ve never stayed overnight so I cannot say for sure what the rooms are like.

Although there are none on the ground floor, there is a lift.

I am still able to walk a bit and can still get up and down a small amount of steps, but for anyone who uses a wheelchair permanently, or most of the time, like me, it is largely not accessible.

CHAMPNEY’S TRING
Hertfordshire
www.champneys.co.uk
Day package: from £59.95 Residential stay: from £89
Opening times: vary by package
Booking: 08703 300 300 or on the website

THERMAE BATH SPA
Somerset
www.thermaebathspa.com
Opening times: 9am to 10pm, with last entry at 7.30pm
Entrance fee: 50 per cent discount for disabled people and their carers, so £11 for two hours and £16 for four hours (each)
Booking: Simply turn up for a spa session but treatments must be booked in advance on 0844 888 0844 or reservations@thermaebathspa.com
Parking: Limited disabled parking directly alongside the Spa

RAGDALE HALL HEALTH HYDRO AND THERMAL SPA
Leicestershire
www.ragdalehall.co.uk
Day package: From £69 to £175
Opening times: 9am to 8pm on weekdays and 9.30am to 5.30pm at weekends
Booking: 01664 433000 or reservations@ragdalehall.co.uk