Spa profile: chesgrove

ECO

ESCAPE

 Words like 'green' and 'eco' are used often today. But what is it that determines a business's eco-credentials? Annette Hanford checks out Chessgrove's all-round approach

One such person who has adopted this philosophy is Eve Toole, owner of the Bromsgrove-based Chessgrove Day Spa. 

Eve's environmental approach began when the price of oil started to rise. Concerned over the costs of heating the spa, she looked at alternatives before settling on a wood chip biomass-fuelled boiler. Not only would this cut energy bills, but it would add a green theme to the spa and set Eve on a path to evolve Chessgrove's eco element.

Eve explains that the initial cost of installing the system was high, but it promised good cost savings, along with heating the pools to a higher temperature of 32˚C - ideal as the spa also runs a swim school. The pool also benefits from a UV filter to help reduce the amount of chlorine needed, while the roof benefits from an expandable foam insulation to help reduce heat loss.

Eco chic is now at the forefront of a developing luxury market and Chessgrove's premium offering fits this new demand perfectly.

MORE FOLLOWS

With a nursery school and dairy farm for neighbours, the day spa is built around a sympathetically converted barn on farming land near Hanbury. Amid beautiful Worcestershire countryside, it seemlessly mixes modern contemporary design with a rural charm.

A high-spec interior reflects an Italian influence with fine paintings, drapes and fabrics, complemented by natural elements and materials to create a rural, yet stylish spa environment. Because of its location, the spa doesn't benefit from passing trade, so every effort has been made to create a destination of choice. Flooring is a mixture of natural stone and wood, while exposed oak beams are used throughout. Eve said that she wanted to keep as much as possible of the original barn and, rather than go ultra-modern, highlight its features instead. 

The reception and the stylish bistro area (which also incorporates various retail zones) benefit from natural light, therefore reducing the need for the lights to be on at all times. Similarly, one of the treatment rooms benefits from a quirky design where glass bricks have been used to fill in the original gaps in the bricks from when the building was a threshing barn.

The choice of products was more on a subconscious level, according to Eve. Already with a spa background, she particularly liked the natural oils used in Aromatherapy Associates' products and the rigorous testing for marine-based Phytomer.  

She is also just as passionate about what she doesn't want to feature in the salon. Tanning, she says, doesn't fit with the spa and she considers it more of a high-street treatment. Chessgrove won't be going down a medi-spa route offering injectibles either. Eve says the spa's reputation would be on the line if a client had a bad reaction from a visiting practitioner.

Taking a green stand also means giving something back to the local community and this is something close to Eve's heart. As well as supporting village events, she also has an involvement with the local schools (mainly through the swim club), and events for charities and local organisations.

Futher reducing her carbon footprint, Eve employs the services of a local florist and commissioned a local potter to create a range of bespoke manicure and pedicure bowls with matching pitchers.

"Our focus is about treating our clients as individuals. It's about valuing them and paying attention to all aspects of the business," says Eve. "We're clear on what we offer and we're proud to be green.

FACT FILE

TREATMENT ROOMS: six, including a double suite and dry floatation room, all with showers. While the spa's name is derived from the farm's herd, the treatment rooms are named after local fields, and include: Lazy Acre; Eades Meadow; The Orchard; Elmfield; Brickley Break; and Well Peace.

FACILITIES: thermal suite with experience shower; ice fountain; hydro pool; herbal steam; sauna and relaxation area. There is also an indoor pool (with resistance jets; waterfall; and water cannons); and an al fresco Jacuzzi; sauna and drench bucket.

KEY FEATURES: slate and natural theme, including a heated 'warm wall'; rainfall showers; new and reclaimed furniture.

PRODUCTS: Aromatherapy Associates; Phytomer; Ionithermie; Equavie (supplements); Erbaviva mother and baby range; Natural Magic candles; and Jane Iredale mineral make-up.

GREEN CREDENTIALS: locally sourced biomass fuel for the boiler; natural building materials; UV filtration; insulation; use of natural light; and a community spirit.