Hale Country Club & Spa

I was a member here for 3 years and I would never go back. My main issue with this place is whilst I was there one of their PTs scammed me, he got sacked and basically got away with around £200 of my money. When I raised this the gym basically said it’s not their fault, dismissed the situation, and offered me zero support. I want to be clear why this was so disappointing: The personal trainer in question was allowed to operate on site, wore the club’s uniform, trained members under the club’s brand, and represented the business, but Hale gets to pick and choose whether or not they are responsible for this. You have a duty of care to you clients to vet staff and not to let this happen. Just because legally someone is an independent contractor doesn’t absolve you of any moral responsibility when you set up the system that enabled them to scam your customers on your premises. Before the club responds I want to note, this incident occurred in 2022 and the PT was called Niall. It was a long time ago but I’m sick of people talking about this place like it’s good. Even without this happening I was ready to cancel, the premises are not great, things stay broke for years despite your membership increasing every two months. Do not come here if you want to train properly, the place is designed around families and children. People who actually train for sports are not the target demographic nor the priority. Customers are always loud and allowed to drink alcohol in the hot tub/sauna area, children are constantly running riot around the pool screaming and it often smells like urine. The gym itself is oversold and they got rid of most of the barbells when I was there. Let’s call it what it is, a glorified leisure centre aimed at lower middle class families. Also the food is mediocre, expensive, and mostly unhealthy and the price they charge for a protein shake is actually criminal. The word “luxury” gets thrown around a lot these days and Hale is a perfect example of that.

After being here for 12 months (minimum contract length), I feel like I can write an honest review, only because I feel like If I read this myself, I might have really thought about joining. I have a short summary at the end if you want to skip these sections. Spa: When I first joined during Jan, I loved the place, it really feels exclusive, top-end and the spa facilities are fantastic. Then the novelty wears off and you can see it for what it is. Summer came and the spa and outdoor facilities are overcrowded which is expected to happen in nice weather and the summer holidays! I feel like I never truly got to experience it as I never got a seat outdoors apart from 1 time so this may have contributed to my lower rated review. Gym: I'm really into bodybuilding so this was a big factor for me, I don't care for Hyrox but they really cater to that if you are looking for it. I love a good gym atmosphere, but do not expect anything bodybuilding from here, I used to go to Cosmos and that was like family community and you came to know everyone (even if you are the kind of person to stick to yourself!) I would honestly say the gym is for more 'lifestyle & hyrox' if that is a thing. The gym size itself is typical, they have a standard selection of machines, but only 1 of each. There is only 1 smith machine so this can be busy. There's plenty of squat racks though which is great. I wish they had a hack squat or a pendulum as the current vertical one I've had terrible experience with (weird angle!). This is obviously personal preference and I understand the staff on the gym floor shouldn't be left cold but they do have the heating on which has made a few visits really warm to workout in. Classes & Padel. I also was enticed by the classes as I used to pay for Pilates, unfortunately, I did not really like any of the classes. They would always be full by the time it was 8am (they release at 6am). I have never tried Padel before but you have to pay extra. Price: I decided to treat myself to a top-end gym as I wanted to see what you are paying for. I went at least 6 times a week so maybe I got my moneys worth. However, I initially signed up at a fixed price of £165, a month later, they changed this to £175. (as well as a £350 joining fee at the time) Of course I argued this, they would not honour the price I signed at, this rubbed me the wrong way. Customer service: I have seen some negative reviews on customer service, the security guard and receptionist have only ever been so welcoming and lovely but I never really spoke to them in 12 months. I honestly felt like the staff on the gym floor were cold, I'm not sure what you are supposed to expect from them but from previous gym experiences I always got to know the staff naturally as they would approach or say hi. The PTs are so so lovely though, I could not fault them! Restaurant & Cafe: I never got to try the restaurant, this was only open for 5 months of my membership, as in September, they closed for refurb. Cafe was fine, especially for pre-post workout, they have amazing pastries and flapjacks! again was closed for the last 5 months. They also have some co-working spaces when it was open. 3 STARS: 1 - Spa facilities 2 - exclusivity feel (even if novelty wears off) 3 - Hyrox and lifestyle -2 STARS: Price (I guess its to price people out and create exclusivity) Gym (lack of machines and atmosphere) Summary: Now I have had time to digest, I think it's overpriced for what it is, but if you are happy to pay, it's a great overall gym with an exclusive feel and you will love the outdoor facilities in the summer (despite it being busy). I see a lot of families here so it is brilliant for kids (park and pool) if you was considering joining with kids. If you are into bodybuilding, I would look elsewhere. The gym floor is adequate and more catered for Hyrox. I loved the spa but I felt like I was only paying for that at the end. I love a good atmosphere but there was not much one here.

I was given a voucher for the twilight treatment. From the moment I arrived I felt welcomed and every staff member I interacted with was lovely, Mo checked me in and was very helpful. I had a treatment with Gabby and the facial was exceptional, I felt so relaxed and my skin was amazing after. This included dinner and a glass of Prosecco, the food was also really good. Would highly recommend.