Champneys has opened its first European property in decades at the 135-key Gran Marbella Resort Beach Club, which debuted in Q2 last year on Real de Saragoza beach in Spain.

The resort is owned and operated by Iconic Hotels and Resorts, which owns properties such as Cliveden House and Chewton Glen in the UK, as well as hotels in Palm Beach and Venice and is part of London and Regional Properties.

The spa has six treatment rooms, including one double suite.  Champneys will manage the spa.

There is an extensive thermal spa area which includes a cold water pool (15 degrees Celsius), a hot tub, traditional sauna, Turkish bath, various experience showers and a cold water bucket plunge.

The thermal circuit is anchored by two swimming pools. One measures 19sq m and features two pressure jets, a hydrotherapy waterfall and a counter-current turbine system. The other 39.9sq m pool is an ambient temperature and is designed for gentle exercise and relaxation.

Jeroen Nettekoven, GM of Gran Marbella Resort and Beach Club, told Spa Business: "Our partnership with Champneys marks a defining moment in the evolution of the Gran Marbella Resort and Beach Club. As we continue to elevate our guest experience, aligning with a wellness pioneer of Champneys’ calibre allows us to bring a new level of expertise, innovation and credibility to our offering. This collaboration strengthens our commitment to creating spaces that not only inspire relaxation but also actively support long‑term wellbeing.

"Looking ahead, this partnership sets the standard for the future of our development pipeline,” added Nettekoven. “It reinforces our ambition to embed world‑class wellness at the heart of our resort, ensuring that every new project delivers a more holistic and enriching experience for our guests."

Access and pricing

The spa will be open between 9.00am and 6.00pm, depending on the season. It will be open to hotel guests as well as external visitors. 

Hotel guests will have discounted access to the wellness area and complimentary access when booking treatments.

Non-residents can pay for day passes or sign up to memberships that are billed monthly, quarterly or annually. Memberships include access to the spa, gym and fitness classes – as well as other benefits such as discounts on treatments.

Treatment pricing starts at €160 (US$200, £100).

Iconic Hotels and Resorts

The existing portfolio of Iconic Hotels and Resorts includes 14 properties. Ten are in the UK and four are across the US and Europe. The group has a pipeline of upcoming conversions and new acquisitions.

Champneys

At the end of last year, Champneys extended its partnership with global alternative investment manager Cheyne Capital, with £32 million (US$41.1 million, €38 million) for capital expenditure for growth and refurbishment.

This extended funding will be used across Champney’s UK portfolio as well as driving its expansion at home and in Europe.

This news was swiftly followed by the announcement that Cheyne Capital had acquired Buxton Crescent spa hotel in Derbyshire, UK. The property will become Champneys’ seventh UK spa.