DLL unveils Oyster spa concept

David Lloyd Leisure (DLL) has unveiled its new spa and wellbeing concept with the opening of its 57th health, fitness and racquets club, David Lloyd Kings Hill in Maidstone, Kent.

Branded The Oyster Spa Company, the spa includes six treatment rooms, four hair stations and a dedicated relaxation area. It also offers a unique hair service where guests pay an hourly rate, rather than a fixed price, for the undivided attention of the team.

A spokesman for DLL said that with the UK spa industry in its infancy, it sees huge potential for The Oyster Spa Company.

The concept will be managed by director Berni Hawkins, who recently joined DLL from its parent company Whitbread.

Kings Hill is the first of four planned Oyster spas: one will be included at DLL’s new Southend-on Sea club – due to open in the winter 2005 – and two more will be introduced at the chain’s existing Milton Keynes and Leeds clubs.

Built on the site of a former RAF base, the 7,500sq m (80,000 sq ft) David Lloyd Kings Hill club includes a fully-equipped gym, five indoor and five outdoor tennis courts, two squash courts, a 25m indoor swimming pool, a 20m outdoor pool and two aerobics studios.

In addition, the club has a multi-sports hall, with facilities for netball, badminton, five-a-side football, and basketball. In the Club Room for food and beverage, there is also a free members’ internet café.

The company has also just completed the £1.1m redevelopment of its Luton club.

The facility has been extended with a third floor to expand the gym with an increased cardio offering, more free weights, an express workout zone and a quiet training area. The club was named DLL’s Health and Fitness Club of the Year 2005.