Cliffordhealthclub 

Ladies only Gym is full of cobwebs which have been there since sept. The floors are dirty and don’t seem to be hooverd. The machines are dirty and aircon has never been on even though though I’ve asked reception to turn it on, the shower floors are dirty and there’s never any soap. One day a locker door fell of its hinges and hit a ladies leg making it bleed. They didn’t even offer her anything as compensation whilst I was there, just said ok and walked off when she said she was alright. - even though she wasn’t !
The spa generally feels dirty. It’s very noisy and loud, not remotely relaxing. I’ve not managed to get a heated couch yet even though I’ve been at various times of the day and night.
I won’t use the foot spas as they don’t look clean.
My friend joined and paid but it took them 3 weeks of them chasing to get it sorted and the membership wasn’t back dated, even though there was evidence of payment.
Half the water machines dont work properly and the ones that do need cleaning.
My friend went to a class. Very clicky. They were asked to leave because a regular wanted to attend even though they had booked. No help adjusting the the equipment - tour expected to know what to do, people wouldn’t move either when they tried to go together with being new - to be told it’s my bike ! Wasnt aware that people brought their own bike. Positive though the trainer did help in the end. Also sick of being asked to upgrade.

Owners clearly only interested in profit. Customer service email is pointless. Wish I read the reviews before spending my hard earned money. - very disappointed ☹️

I’m wrote a few weeks to the customer service and no response ….I've decided to write here and try to understand and gain information on the process that Clifford Spa insist on carrying out, when asking about food intolerances, but do absolutely nothing about it.

I’ve attended their spa three times. Due to the fact that their packages are of a reasonable price and coincidentally my friends and family choose your establishment, I just happen to join them.
The experience of the spa and treatment has so far been good.

However, I’m struggling to understand why I’m always short changed and sidelined, when it comes to the afternoon tea experience at their waterfall cafe.

I’ve since discovered last year, I have diverticulitis and my food restrictions have increased a lot. I can no longer have milk, egg and wheat. Long short, I’ve unintentionally become a vegan that eats meat and no wheat.

Navigating menus in most food places can be hard work at the best of times. But I manage. I’ve been fortunate to receive superb advice and great service from most places I visit.

I will stress after the third attempt at visiting their spa, they have continually disappointed me with how they have dealt with my situation. I know I won’t be the only one. They’ve continually insulted my intelligence and exhausted my patience every time.

I continually endured their benign process and made to feel like I’m the awkward one.

At the booking stage (usually 6 weeks before ) someone on the phone will ask about my food intolerances……common sense tells me that this is enough time to sort out an issue.
They contact the day before, asking again about my food intolerances. Which apparently are being put on your data sheet …..supposingly!!!
Then when I arrive I get asked again, which seems acceptable, as you’re making sure you have all the information.
I am then instructed by the receptionist to then explain again, my food intolerances to the staff at the cafe.

At no point has anyone passed on the information to the next person or department. Which leads me to believe that they don’t record any of my information; which I find rude and a waste of my time.

Every visit that I have made, I have brought my food. They don’t supply vegan bread. All gluten free bread contains egg white. I thought they would benefit from knowing.

Each time I visit the waterfall cafe. I have to then explain my whole situation again, as though it’s the first time that they have received such news. I am then made to feel that I’m inconveniencing the staff.

I have received something different from the cafe, as an alternative every time. It comes across as an after thought by your staff.
unhealthy looking lettuce salad with a slither of ham.
Gluten free cakes that I was told were vegan/gluten free …..I know they were not. So gave to my friends instead.
A small bowl of fruit was my final gift, where they kindly cut up an orange into slices. I believe that was to make it look more presentable maybe.

So technically I pay, to eat my own food in a glorified canteen with my friends and family. Plus made to feel like I’m a nuisance for explaining my intolerances; which by the way the company boast they can cater for all. This is presented on every table. I’m short changed and the company have no intention of doing anything about it.

Six weeks prior when booking is ample time to get food that suits my dietary needs, if that is not possible, I believe compensating me for eating my own food is the least you can do.
It is not acceptable at management level to not train your staff. Therefore, I see your standard of work as lazy and ineffective. I have received poor service every time as a result.

Really gutted as I'd been here for my hen do and it was great. I booked for 4 friends raving about it however when we go there the rude reception staff told us our booking had changed. I had booked 4 90miniute massages all at the same time so that we could spend the whole day together, was told when we got there that 1 of us would be 40 minutes before the rest. this was extremely annoying as id booked for Sunday instead of Saturday for this specific reason. there were no apologies or anything was just told 'they're always subject to change'. The afternoon tea was pathetic. 3 measly finger sandwiches on dry bread and 1 pot tiny pot of cream between the 4 scones. I could show you a clear difference in afternoon tea from my hen-do to this one. Not only that, it took 40 mins to come out meaning that we weren't enjoying the facilities for this time and only leave 20 mins before the 1 of us had to leave for their massage. They were also a waste of time and money. The masseuses didn't introduce themselves or ask who we were so the form that we filled out were a complete waste of time because they dont use any of the information. They didnt walk us through anything like they did the first time I came ie tell us when they were going to put hot stones on our back. Also never asked how the pressure was (was basically a tickle) and just to top it off my friend had a panic attack after they put something over her eyes when she'd asked them not to.
Such a shame because we were all so excited.

I was told when I took a 2 year membership with 24 free massages included that I could gift them. They said this several times. I’m now a life member and still have massages owing from my previous 2 year membership. I tried to book a gifted one for my son’s birthday and was told they don’t do that. The integrity of this company is dubious and I’m so cross about it.

If I could give it one star I would. Email sent to customer services,however, as all have expressed in the bad reviews, i dont expect a response from them-

Hello

On my recent visit with my mum on Friday 7th Match we were disgusted with our experience and could not wait to leave.

I was not emailed the time of our treatments or afternoon tea the day before as advised by staff when I booked

Spa area was way too crowded (people were shoulder to shoulder) and the environment was far from relaxing and very loud

Steam rooms & saunas & jaccuzzi (the only operating one out of the 2) were at maximum capacity. No room for us to sit never mind relax. We also were not informed prior to our visit that only one jaccuzzi would be available

Floors were dirty-felt like i was treading on stones.

We could not wait to have our treatments so we could leave the spa area and over crowded changing rooms.

However, the treatments were the worst I have ever experienced. The therapists did not introduce themselves to us and just spoke amongst themselves. Treatment rooms looked tired&dull and were cold. The massage was more like a tickle/stroke than a massage. Felt like the therapist was stroking my hair for over half an hour whilst looking at her phone. Prior to the massage the therapist did not ask about my preferred pressure neither once did she ask if "the pressure was ok". Kept putting smelly damp towels on my face during the facial. I just wanted the treatments to end. In all my experiences of massages I have never felt so uncomfortable!

Afternoon tea-more like a kids birthday party food. Provided only tiny saucers to eat off. Had to que for ages at the door and waited over half an hour for it to be served.

I came out of your spa feeling more anxious and stressed than I went in and I am speaking on behalf of my mother also.

For christmas 2024 my partner bought me a package "just the two of us". Which we havent booked in for. I have recently read about the package on your website and it sounds amazing! DEFINATELY false advertising on your part! We will not be booking with you again.

Please accept this email as a request for a full refund for mine and my mothers visit and for the voucher that you misold my partner.

The place is like a cattle market,dirty and overcrowded. Your advertising is misleading at best and the whole experience was the worst ive ever encountered

So i raised a complaint was advised 5 - 7 working days that was 15th Febuarypurchased "The Ishga Retreat for Two" Package on black friday. This package included Hot stones full body massage and IShga Renew facial and scalp massage.

When I booked this I was advised I needed to be at the Spa about 15/20 mins before 8. I asked if we could come later as we live so far away we would need to set off at 6am to get there. I was advised at this time that when I get called 24 hours before when I am due to go (so the 14/02/25) we could discuss it then. I then called again on the 11/02/25 to make you guys aware I have had an operation on my foot and the doctor has signed me off and OK'd me to come. I was advised that is fine and I again asked if I could come later that 8am and was advised no as my treatment booking could change but when I get contacted on the 14/02/25 I could ask then as the time slots should be set.

14/02/25 No one called me.

Fast forward to the day 15/02/25 I turn up 7.45am as requested, there is a man who doesn't deal with Spa speaking to us as the girl I am assuming deals with spa bookings was crying, please no hate towards to girl if I was that upset I wouldn't have come to work. I was advised the spa wasn't open until 9 and the only reason we would be asked to come for 8 is if we had breakfast, to which I said I don't think we do. I didn't see it on the package. The girl walked over and checked and I said to her I mentioned twice previously that was advised to come at 8am. She replied that she would just let us in early, Passed us our robes and towels and let us in.

When we got into the facility there were a few issues with the facilities. The showers as soon as you walk out of the ladies changing rooms near the sauna even if you press hot there will be cold droplets of water coming from the other shower heads that didn't seem to be working.
When the upstairs finally opened for the "rainforest experience" the screens of the rainforest weren't working and the sets that are meant to be warm were stone cold. These issues with the facilities we a "it is what it is" situation and wouldn't have been an issue if the rest of our experience was pleasant.

We went to out treatments at our allotted time, sat down did our paperwork and waited. We was taken to a room and was advised it was a 25 min back massage or facial which you can guess I was very shocked at I explained no it should be a 90 mins hot stone massage and a facial and scalp massage. The lady with the pink hair said yes that does add up to 90 mins and went away and came back and said it says 25 mins on the system and there is no room to fit us in and she advised us to take the treatment and take it up with downstairs after because if we walked about there is a chance we won't get any treatments today. I asked would this jeopardise us getting anything sorted and we were advised no.

We had the back massage, so we requested a hot stone massage. The hot stones were on our backs for a matter of minutes. The lady who did my back literally was just rubbing oils onto my back. There was no massaging until she did the top of my shoulders and she did that for about 1 mins. This was extremely rushed as well. My Sister in law who had the other lady said she could hear music playing from either the woman's phone or if she had earphones in and she also felt the massage was lacking.

After the "massage," we went downstairs and spoke to the lady at the desk and she advised me that oh yes you have booked this, it's 75 mins you get a 25-minute back massage and the 50-minute facial. Sometimes they split the treatments but she couldn't see my other treatment and I was advised to come back in an hour.

I went to check my phone and it said Full body hot stone and a facial. I brought this back to show the lady at this time the duty manager was there and someone was being kicked out of the spa for being under 18 so she offered to take that place but the tall blonde-haired lady behind the desks told the therapist 50mins. When we went upstairs we was offered a range of options we could have with the timeslot; a full body hot stone massage wasn't on that list and neither was the full facial so we took a hotstone massage since the first one was terrible and a mini facial. After we was offered a deal for the exact same package and treatments we should have got! which was bit of a kick in the teeth.

While I was having my afternoon tea I was checking the packages online to see what could have gone wrong to see if there had been a mix-up and I came across the "signature escape package for two" which seemed to have the treatments we were offered but this came with breakfast. Now if we had breakfast on our package even by accident we weren't advised and maybe if we was told there was this mix up we wouldn't have been so annoyed. So we didn't get breakfast (as we didn't think we did) we were told to come 1hour earlier than we were meant to and then we got the wrong treatment.

This is my third trip to the spa! We absolutely love it and have booked to go back again in June. I agree signage could be better but always someone around to ask. Loads of different themed saunas and steam rooms, an ice water plunge pool, Swimming pool, jacuzzis , foot spa, heated beds, the treatments were out of this world! 90 min treatment including facial, hot stone back massage and full body massage, the ladies who gave our treatments were professional and friendly and highly trained, we had treatment in the same room which was nice. Afternoon tea was yummy and included, Hot or cold drink, Egg cress sarnie, cream cheese, ham, scones, flapjack and chocolate cake! All the staff we came across were so friendly and helpful. I cannot wait to go back . Such good value for money!

Upon arrival we expected a warm welcome. Instead were rushed through the turnstile by a receptionist and thrown a robe and 1 towel each which we'd pre booked in advance. Told to get changed and what time our treatment and afternoon tea was and left standing in reception. We had no idea where to go so winged it. Once in the changing rooms quickly changed but couldn't find my way out. My Son had no idea where to go either and couldnt find me either, after asking several visitors I found the door to the spa area. Signage is non existent in this place apart from outside each sauna/spa room. Took me 20 minutes to find my Son who too had got lost. Not a great start to the experience. The towels & robes which I expected to be lovely and fluffy were awful, small, smelt of greasy fat and felt like sandpaper (don't bother paying extra, take your own).

Everywhere was rammed, they had clearly let too many people in and every room was packed with people with no room to go into saunas or jacuzzi. We wandered around for half an hour trying to find something we could go in! When we did no hooks available to hang up robes! Not a pleasurable experience. Finally we went for a swin which was pleasant. Went for afternoon tea, again, no idea where to go, it was mediocre, pretty tasteless, wouldn't bother again. Went back into spa area which was much less busy and quite pleasant in the jacuzzi but again we had no idea where to go for treatments. Had to ask the lifeguard as didn't want to be late. The treatments were actually excellent, staff were nice and we felt much much more relaxed and happy and headed back down to the spa area.

The whole place has some shabby bits and definitely in need of some tlc, lack of signage and a shortage of staff 'on the floor' with way too many people crammed in didn't make for a great experience for my Sons 21st Birthday which, should of been a day of
relaxation not as stressful as it turned out to be.

Felt rather let down but again, no one available to voice my concerns too sadly more interested in trying to take photographs or sell you a package.

Today we're both full of a cold!

Would I return, probably not.

Relaxing venue. Gorgeous heated loungers by the pool. Fabulous massage and a restorative afternoon tea. What’s not to like? Can’t wait to come again 😊

Wow!
I cannot tell you how pleasantly surprised we were with Clifford.
Myself and four friends came for a spa day (on a Sunday). I had read numerous, frankly appalling, one star reviews on TrustPilot, and we were so concerned we tried to cancel. We are so pleased we didn’t!
Use of the spa, a 25 min treatment (thank you Abbie - my facial was amazing!) and a fabulous afternoon tea.
I had read multiple reviews saying the staff were rude, I can honestly say every staff member we encountered was friendly and helpful.
Yes, it was busy.
Yes, some of the areas could do with sprucing up.
Nevertheless we found space on heated loungers, in saunas, jacuzzis, and the pool.
For £55, for 11.30 - 4.30 , afternoon tea, a glass of Prosecco, and a 25 min treatment, is an absolute bargain.
Don’t go expecting a five star rural retreat, because it isn’t that, but then neither is the price!
Would we return?
We all said, yes we would!
Thank you to everyone at Clifford for a great day 😊

Brilliant value for money. If you take advantage of and buy another spa day on the day of your treatments you get 90 minute treatment afternoon tea and use of the facilities for £99 for 2 people. Lovely surroundings. We enjoyed relaxing in the rain forest area upstairs. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. They use top quality products for the treatments which they also sell
A wonderful relaxing experience. Highly recommend giving them a go. We have got 2 more booked.

The customer service at this establishment are terrible

After visiting here with my daughter in December they have taken two payments for something I wasent made aware of

Numerous emails to their customer service and not one reply

I would not recommend to anyone

My partner and I had a lovely spa day throughly enjoyed excellent massage and facial,lovely afternoon tea ,look forward to going back again

We have been coming to Clifford Spa for around 8yrs
Always had an amazing time and fantastic massages, lovely afternoon tea, all staff are so friendly
It has got busy over the years, due to the good deals on offer
We always look forward to our spa day here

They block you on social media if you post even the slightest criticism!

My friend and I came for a spa day a couple of weeks ago and we found the place to be okay, but not without its flaws.
It was incredibly busy, so busy in fact that some of the rooms were full and we didn’t experience the whole spa. Our treatment was cut short. We had paid for an experience with a 90 minute treatment included but this got shaved down to 40 minutes. The treatment was also very lack lustre and even though they use Elemis products, I counted only three products being used in my facial. The treatment rooms were also dirty and bland.

I feel that there is a case of overcrowding at this spa, they keep the prices low and push for volume which ruins the experience in my opinion. If you’re looking for a cheap spa day then fair enough but I have been twice and neither times I have gotten what I paid for, so I won’t be coming back.
I would recommend spending a little bit more and going to Eden or Ragdale Hall.

Honest Review of Cliffords Health Spa After 2+ Years as a Member

As a member of Cliffords Health Spa for over two years, I feel it’s important to share both the positives and areas where improvement is urgently needed.

Strengths:

The fitness classes have consistently been excellent. The instructors are knowledgeable, engaging, and offer great workouts. This has been a standout feature of my experience at the spa.
The membership is reasonably priced, making it an accessible option for many.
Areas for Improvement:

Gym Equipment & Maintenance:
Many pieces of gym equipment are frequently out of order, and despite reporting these issues, they often remain unresolved for extended periods. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are essential to ensure members have a smooth experience.

Facilities (Showers, Water Dispensers, and Coffee):

The showers often lack water pressure or fail to work entirely. This is a basic necessity that should be prioritised for member satisfaction.

The water dispensers need either proper maintenance or replacement, as they only trickle out water. It’s also common to find no plastic cups available.
The coffee served upstairs could use some attention to detail. It’s not up to standard poor quality and taste's awful and given the cost of beverages like prosecco (£6.50!), the quality should reflect the price. Serving at times with plastic glasses with no stems, would also be appreciated improvement.screen in rainforest has not been working since appox June 2024.

Spa Rooms & Pools:

Some of the spa rooms feel damp, musty and have an unpleasant smell, which detracts from what should be a relaxing experience.
The plunge pool and jacuzzi are often closed, which is disappointing as these are key attractions of the spa.

Spa Treatments:
Booking a spa treatment has been a consistently stressful experience. I’ve encountered frequent cancellations, last-minute changes to appointment times, and even had a therapist walk out on me five minutes into a treatment. These issues make it difficult to trust the reliability of the service and it's very unprofessional. I would not ever engage with again.

Staff Turnover & Training:
The high staff turnover is noticeable, and it raises concerns about whether adequate training is being provided. This inconsistency affects the overall quality of the experience.

Recent Issues:
The latest pool closure didn’t surprise me, given the recurring problems with maintenance and staffing. However, these issues can make what should be a relaxing or health-focused visit feel more stressful than it’s worth.

Suggestions for Improvement:

Implement a robust maintenance schedule for gym equipment, water dispensers, and facilities.

Ensure all staff are adequately trained, and improve communication regarding spa treatment bookings to avoid cancellations or disruptions.
Address the cleanliness and atmosphere of the spa rooms to create a more welcoming environment.
Improve the quality and presentation of food and beverages to match the prices charged.
While I appreciate the affordability and excellent fitness classes, I believe there’s significant room for improvement in other areas. I hope these suggestions help the management address the recurring issues and enhance the overall experience for all members.

It's such a shame because this place could be excellent, but for some reason it appears very poorly run and unprofessional and given the correct management and structures put into place it could run smoothly.

Please also stop trying to up sell every time we enter or leave the building.

I really hope people take notice of these reviews and save themselves the distress of having to deal with the vile ‘spa service team’ who is one person and vile in every way … nothing is ever appeased, refunded or apologised for no matter how intent you are on complaining… they have zero business acumen and zero interest in keeping any customer happy. Recent news reports of chlorine levels sending people to hospital were only answered by ‘there is nothing more to say on the matter’ : so whatever happens to you whilst you’re there… imagine their response …. They’re not interested. They could practically nearly kill people and wouldn’t even offer a refund! Disgusting. We have since visited other spas where therapists say they used to work there and told of terrible stories behind the scenes

This place is absolutely fantastic value for money. The staff are lovely, the place is clean. There is so many different things to experience like herbal rooms, salt rooms, the ice plunge pool. It has more to offer than any spa I've been to for a fraction of the price. The afternoon tea is lovely, very fresh tasting. I had a facial and the products used were really nice and my therapist was very friendly and professional. I have been 3 times prior to this but this time I brought my friends as a Christmas present and they have also fell in love with the place. We will be going back again soon. Cara.

Awful gym.
On entry, I am Badgered to pay for a life time membership.
I just wave my hand in their face now. They're rude, so I'll be rude back.
It's blatant the staff does not have training. I see new staff every week.
The owner, Mark Clifford, is despicable.
Raising membership prices to line his own pocket.
No staff are trained.
Broken equipment.
BROKEN LEAKING AIR CONDITIONER!!!!
I've done cross training while drips of water fall from a filthy, dusty air on. Probably so many have legions disease.
I got email from the gym to raise my membership fee after reading an article the owner became a millionaire.
I hope the owner gets sued for the pool poisoning. He deserves it! He deserves everything he gets.
The cleaner, I bet, didn't get their training. Hope the cleaner went to a lawyer after being thrown. Under the bus.
Probs mark himself that poisoned those poor swimmers.