China Fleet Country Club

Why strong client relationships lead to better spa design

Designing a spa is never just about tiles, lighting or the latest trends. At its core, it is about understanding people – the guests, members and visitors who will spend time in that space. That understanding does not come from a single meeting or a design brief. It comes from building trust, working together over time and truly getting to know the heartbeat of a business.

Our work with China Fleet Country Club in Saltash is a perfect example. We have worked with Managing Director Dean Bennett for many years across a range of projects, so we understand his vision and the expectations of his members. That relationship means we do not just design for the sake of aesthetics. We design spaces that work hard for the people who use them while adding long-term value to the business.

Transforming the Aqua Spa at China Fleet Country Club

One of the most transformative projects we have undertaken together was the complete refurbishment and re-planning of the Aqua Spa. The challenge was clear. The once popular spa was starting to feel dated. To compete in the growing wellness market, it needed more than a fresh coat of paint. It needed a full rethink to attract new members, increase spa day bookings and ensure long-term loyalty from its existing customer base.

We approached it as a complete journey. Guests would be guided through warm, hot and cold experiences with carefully considered transitions between each stage. The new design introduced a steam cabin, salt inhalation room, sauna, spa pool, foot spas, an ice feature and a panoramic relaxation lounge with views across the golf course. Every element was chosen to encourage guests to linger longer, explore different experiences and return for more.

Natural materials and high-quality finishes set the tone for a space that feels both luxurious and calming. Lighting design played a key role, with layered ambient, accent and detail lighting creating atmosphere at every turn. The now iconic colour-changing bubble wall added an unexpected touch that quickly became a talking point and a favourite spot for guests to pause and unwind.

The results were immediate. Membership numbers rose, spa day sales increased and the space began attracting a wider audience including visitors booking overnight stays specifically for the Aqua Spa. For China Fleet this meant not just a boost in footfall but a stronger secondary spend across the site from restaurant covers to retail sales and treatment bookings.

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An ongoing partnership

For developers or operators reading this, there is another takeaway. A well planned spa refurbishment is not just about creating a beautiful space. It is about driving revenue, increasing the amount of time guests spend on site and building a destination that people actively recommend to others.

The relationship we have built with Dean means that the conversation never stops at one project. Since the Aqua Spa’s transformation we have worked together on additional spaces such as The Barn Spa, a treatment led facility with its own relaxation area designed to complement the Aqua Spa while giving guests another reason to visit. These projects build on each other, creating layers of experience that keep people coming back.

Dean Bennett, Managing Director at China Fleet Country Club, shared his thoughts:

“Working with Jo at Designs Unlimited has been an absolute pleasure. Her creativity, attention to detail and professionalism over the many years we have been working together has truly set her apart. Time and time again, Jo took our vision and has turned it into a stunning reality, exceeding our expectations every step of the way. Her ability to listen, understand and execute on our needs was remarkable. If you are looking for top-notch design expertise coupled with exceptional customer service, look no further than Jo at Designs Unlimited. Highly recommended.”

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If you would like to discuss how we can help transform your own space, get in touch via our contact page and let us start the conversation.