Stephen Purdew, the director of the UK-based spa group Champneys, is examining the possibility of opening a type of Champneys operation in the Caribbean.

Purdew is to visit Barbados in March to meet with Government representatives with a view to opening ‘some level of Champneys operation’ there.

Elsewhere within the spa group, it has reported a 9 per cent year-on-year growth in its annual results and reported that pre-bookings for both March and April 2010 are 14 per cent higher than for 2009.

There has also been confirmation that its luxury Champneys Marbella property in Spain will open in April 2011.

Champneys has teamed up with the development company Casa Nita SL to extend its offering. Champneys Marbella will be set on a mountainside location and contain both a spa retreat and residential apartments. Details: champneysmarbella.com