Established in 1925, Champneys stands as the UK’s pioneer and leading spa group. Operating four award-winning health spa resorts, two luxury hotels, and three day spas, the group is dedicated to a holistic "rest and rejuvenate" philosophy. To align their digital experience with their world-class hospitality standards, Champneys partnered with Wifirst to lead a comprehensive technological standardisation across their entire portfolio.
// THE CHALLENGE: CONNECTING PROTECTED HERITAGE SITES
Nestled within the prestigious counties of Leicestershire, Hampshire, and Kent, Champneys properties are set in breathtaking parklands and occupy historically listed buildings. While these settings provide a unique guest experience, they presented significant connectivity hurdles:
- Architectural Barriers: Thick, historic walls created critical "dead zones" and signal interference.
- Legacy Infrastructure: An aging network was struggling to keep pace with modern data demands.
- Operational Friction: Intermittent connectivity was hindering staff productivity, particularly for mobile payment terminals (PDQ) and essential management applications.
// THE SOLUTION: NEXT-GENERATION WIFI 6 ARCHITECTURE
Recognising that today’s wellness traveller seeks a "connected detox"—the ability to disconnect from stress without losing access to the world—Wifirst executed a precision network overhaul. Following a rigorous radio audit, we deployed a fully managed WiFi 6 solution designed for high-density and heritage environments:
- Quadrupled Speeds: Connection speeds increased by up to 400%, allowing for seamless high-definition streaming.
- Unrivalled Capacity: A robust infrastructure capable of managing a high volume of simultaneous device connections (BYOD) without latency.
- Seamless Indoor/Outdoor Transition: Comprehensive coverage extending from the luxury treatment rooms to the expansive outdoor grounds.
// THE RESULT: A FOUNDATION FOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
The implementation of Wifirst’s managed connectivity has redefined both the guest and staff experience:
- Amplified Brand Presence: Reliable coverage allows guests to share their wellness journey on social media in real-time, effectively becoming digital ambassadors for the Champneys brand.
- Network Convergence: By unifying guest and staff services onto a single physical infrastructure, Champneys has streamlined its operations.
- Sustainability & Green IT: Reduced active hardware leads to lower energy consumption and a smaller carbon footprint, aligning with modern CSR goals.
This project underscores that high-performance WiFi is no longer a mere amenity; it is the essential technical foundation for luxury digital transformation and operational excellence.
“Wifirst has provided Champneys with an updated WiFi infrastructure that enables faster connectivity throughout the resorts, within our budget. Our guests are now able to get online easily which has enhanced their ability to easily promote Champneys Resort through various social media platforms leading directly to increased bookings."
Anthony Bargery
Group CIO, Champneys Spa Resorts and Hotels
