THE Club and Spa at Hoole Hall officially opened its doors this week and hundreds of dignitaries, business people and Chester’s health-conscious flocked to get a first look.

The Lord Mayor of Chester, Cllr John Ebo, was among dignitaries and members of the business community who attended a preview event to explore the new health venue.

The Lord Mayor said: “The Club and Spa is an outstanding health and leisure facility. There is nothing quite like it in the region and it can only benefit Chester and its growing reputation as a world-class tourist destination.”

The three-storey retreat tucked within the Victorian walled garden is part of a £27.5m project to transform the former Hoole Hall Manor into a Doubletree by Hilton hotel.

It smashed its ambitious 1,000 opening membership target weeks before completion.

Paul Kelsall, The Club and Spa at Hoole Hall manager, said: “We have had more interest than we could have ever imagined in the build-up to the launch and guests who have seen the completed project certainly aren’t disappointed.

“The feedback has been amazing and people are mesmerized by our unique space and exclusive, world-class features.”

The health suite includes a Dreamwave meditation room, outdoor Watsu pool, underwater music feature, waterfall and Technogym studios among many other aspects.