A nature-connected retreat immersed in the heart of an ancient woodland
Project Overview
At Butterscotch Design, we create spa environments that reflect the land they sit within. For Champneys Forest Mere, we introduced a creative concept centred on connection with nature – a direction that emerged from the site itself. Nestled deep in ancient woodland, the spa offered the perfect canvas for a calming, immersive experience rooted in the landscape.
This project became a signature expression of our nature-inspired spa design philosophy – one that gently draws guests into stillness, sensory presence, and a deeper relationship with their surroundings.
Deliverables
Spa interior design • Natural materials palette • Spatial flow and zoning • Forest-view thermal experiences • Integration with woodland landscape
The Challenge
Surrounded by protected woodland and a tranquil lake, Forest Mere offered a rare opportunity – but also a responsibility. The challenge was to design a luxury spa that felt contemporary and elevated, without interrupting the quiet character of its setting.
The original brief focused on improving guest flow, updating interiors, and enhancing the thermal experiences. Our creative concept took this further — proposing a design narrative that placed nature at the centre of the experience. The challenge became one of restraint and sensitivity: to design a spa that felt like it belonged to the forest, not simply beside it.
Our Approach
From the outset, we allowed the woodland to guide the design. Rather than replicate nature through motifs or imagery, we focused on how the forest makes people feel — grounded, quiet, and calm. That emotional connection informed every part of our process, and became the heart of our nature-inspired spa design.
Inside, the materials and palette evoke the softness of the forest. We layered natural stone, hand-finished timber, woven textures and forest greens with soft, grounding neutrals. The result is an environment that feels warm, tactile and instinctively calming.
Lighting was intentionally low and layered, mimicking the dappled light of the woodland canopy. Carefully curated finishes and details offer a quiet contrast to the crisp white and clinical feel often found in modern spas.
We devised a layout that supports a natural and restorative guest flow. The thermal suite, cocooned in a cave-like setting, features immersive thermal cabins, while hydropools and loungers beneath a glass roof offer guests a visual connection to the outdoors. Medieval influences and architectural details ensure a seamless transition between wellness experiences and the castle’s historic structure.
Working closely with the team at Champneys, we shaped a spa experience that not only reflects the forest – but brings guests into it. Using our deep knowledge of spa innovation and the transparent beauty of nature, we created spaces where guests can walk amongst the trees while engaging in deeply restorative thermal rituals.
Real pine trees, specially treated for interior use, were integrated into the architecture — creating sculptural, living focal points that anchor the experience in nature. Rustic wayney edge panelling lines the walls, adding an organic texture and warmth that echoes the raw elegance of the woodland outside.
Guests are invited to revitalise in the UK’s first real snow cabin, offering a rare moment of alpine cool within the embrace of the forest. The journey continues in the luxury woodland Jacuzzi bath, positioned for quiet reflection among treetop views. These experiences are not simply functional – they are designed to awaken the senses, restore balance, and gently return guests to themselves.
Throughout the thermal journey, large panes of glass frame uninterrupted woodland views. The forest becomes both backdrop and companion — always present, always part of the healing.
The Solution
Champneys Forest Mere is a reflection of design that listens – to its setting, to the senses, and to the unspoken needs of the guest. Our nature-inspired approach allowed the forest to shape the experience at every level, resulting in a spa that feels quiet, rooted and restorative.
This project continues to guide our work in nature-inspired spa design, demonstrating that true luxury lies in stillness, simplicity
THE WORK BUTTERSCOTCH DESIGN HAVE COMPLETED SO FAR FOR CHAMPNEYS HAS BEEN A RESOUNDING SUCCESS, MAKING A REALLY POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO OUR EXISTING GUESTS AS WELL AS ATTRACTING THE YOUNGER GENERATION WHICH WILL HELP FORM THE FUTURE OF CHAMPNEYS FOR YEARS TO COME.
RAY PIPER, DIRECTOR
Immerse yourself in the full height glass experience showers where you can relax amongst the trees while enjoying the soothing sounds of birds.
Explore a tranquil forest… Real pine trees were specially treated and integrated throughout the space, and rustic wayney edge wall panelling really bring the forest inside.
