The traditional British wellness brand is thus bringing its concept to the Costa del Sol for the first time – a milestone for luxury tourism in Andalusia.
Champneys takes the plunge and heads to the Mediterranean
For almost a century, Champneys has been considered one of the UK's most prestigious wellness brands. Founded in 1925, the company has built a reputation over decades based on combining state-of-the-art therapies with classic spa culture.
With the opening at the Gran Marbella Resort & Beach Club, the brand is now taking its first step beyond the British Isles – sending a clear signal in European wellness tourism.
The five-star resort is located on the Costa del Sol and belongs to the Iconic Hotels & Resorts group, which also includes properties such as Cliveden House, Chewton Glen and the Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido.
Gran Marbella itself opened in summer 2024 as the group's first property in Andalusia. The Champneys Spa now complements the resort's offerings with a wellness destination of international caliber.
Champneys Spa opens at Gran Marbella Resort
Slow luxury and British wellness tradition
The spa concept consciously aligns with the resort's "slow luxury" philosophy: quality over quantity, depth rather than superficiality. Champneys brings its signature treatments, complemented by a treatment developed exclusively for this location.
The "Tide of Tranquillity" massage was created exclusively for the Gran Marbella Resort. It combines flowing manual techniques with a deep regenerative approach, making it the only Champneys treatment available anywhere else. A clear unique selling point for guests visiting the spa.
“The brand premiere of Champneys in the Mediterranean was a dream come true,” says Nicola Eager, Chief Commercial Officer at Champneys. “This spa embodies everything we stand for – a well-thought-out, holistic wellness approach, expert treatments, and restorative experiences.”
What guests can expect in the thermal area
The centerpiece of the spa is a spacious thermal area with two pools. The 19-square-meter indoor pool is equipped with pressure jets, a hydrotherapy waterfall, and a counter-current system – designed to promote blood circulation and relieve muscle tension.
The second pool, with a water surface of almost 40 square meters, offers pleasantly tempered water for gentle exercise and relaxation.
The thermal bath is complemented by a cold water pool (15 °C), a whirlpool, a traditional sauna, a hammam, experience showers with different temperatures and a classic bucket shower.
The interplay between heat and cold is not merely a comfort feature, but a deliberate concept: Champneys relies on the proven effect of temperature changes on muscle regeneration, blood circulation, strengthening of the immune system and improvement of mental clarity.
Champneys Spa opens at Gran Marbella Resort
A milestone for the resort and the region
Six treatment rooms, including a double suite, complete the offering. General Manager Jeroen Nettekoven places the opening in a broader context.
“As the brand’s first wellness destination outside the UK, this opening underlines our commitment to providing our guests with valuable, restorative moments. Champneys’ tradition of holistic wellness fits perfectly with our slow luxury philosophy.”
For the Costa del Sol, the opening represents a further enhancement of the region's wellness offerings. Marbella has increasingly established itself as a destination for health-conscious travelers in recent years – the Champneys Spa sets a new standard in this regard.
All treatments and services at the Champneys Spa in the Gran Marbella Resort & Beach Club can be booked at granmarbellaresort.com/amenities/champneys-spa.
