Champneys acquires historic Buxton Crescent spa hotel

Champneys, the UK’s pioneering health and wellness resort operator, has announced the addition of a seventh UK spa, Buxton Crescent, to its portfolio.

This landmark acquisition is made in partnership with global alternative investment fund manager Cheyne Capital. It underlines Champneys’ commitment to preserving historic destinations while delivering transformative wellness experiences.

The announcement follows last week’s news that Champneys will invest £32m to refurbish its current portfolio of properties, again in partnership with Cheyne Capital.

Buxton Crescent – a spa icon

Buxton Crescent, formerly owned by Ensana Hotels, is a five-star, 81-bedroom hotel offering unique facilities, including a thermal pool and rooftop indoor-outdoor pool.

The site includes restored Victorian baths, saunas, steam rooms and modern fitness studios, alongside elegant rooms that blend heritage with contemporary luxury.

The acquisition also includes the Assembly Room conference centre and the Old Hall Hotel, a 36-bedroom, three-star property reputed to be one of England’s oldest hotels.

The deal has been welcomed by the Derbyshire’s High Peak Borough Council.

A landmark partnership

Champneys and Cheyne Capital  intend to ensure the future of Buxton Crescent as both a world-class wellness destination and a lasting symbol of Britain’s spa heritage.

“Our aim is to create a sanctuary where guests can truly focus on their health, recharge their energy and be inspired,” said Champneys CEO Alan Whiteley.

Investing in wellness

Champneys will ensure continuity for colleagues at Buxton Crescent, welcoming the existing team into the group. The team plans to maintain momentum by working with local partners and suppliers so that the economic benefit remains in Buxton, supporting the town’s visitor economy all year round.

“We look forward to continuing the good work since Buxton Crescent reopened, protecting jobs, partnering locally and investing in Old Hall so both properties, and the town, continue to thrive,” said Whiteley.

Boosting the local economy

Welcoming the news, High Peak Borough council leader, Councillor Anthony McKeown, said: “It is excellent news to hear that the future of the iconic Crescent and Old Hall hotels is secure, joining the well-known Champneys portfolio.

“This news, alongside the recent National Lottery grant to the Crescent Heritage Trust, will be a huge boost to tourism in the borough and supports our work with partners to develop Buxton town centre alongside Capital & Centric in a once in a generation scheme and further promotes our work towards the regeneration of the Buxton Opera House. This is truly great news for the town.”

About Champneys 

Founded in 1925, Champneys is an integral part of the UK spa industry. From opening the UK’s first health spa in Tring, to operating award-winning resorts today, the brand has continually innovates in the wellness space.

With four spa resorts, two spa hotels and two city spas, Champneys combines cutting-edge technology with time-honoured therapies.

Core offerings include expert-led retreats, signature treatments, immersive fitness programmes, nutritious dining and carefully curated wellness experiences.

Champneys currently partners with leading spa suppliers including Elemis, Voya, Natura Bissé, Proverb, Ashmira Botanica, Million Dollar Facial, Clarins, Lava Shell, Jennifer Young, House of Hair and Glazed by JC.

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