handbag reviews: Thermae Bath Spa

Bath’s heritage and aesthetic beauty make it perfect for romantic rendezvous and girly getaways. Never more so than now, with the addition of Britain’s original and only natural thermal spa to Bath’s cultural CV. In the pursuit of some rejuvenation Bridget March went on a mother - daughter trip to discover if it was all as promised

Bath is undoubtedly a unique city. Its hot springs and Roman Baths have always been a magnet for tourists, but it's only recently visitors have been able to bathe in those naturally warm waters, as the Celts and Romans did over 2,000 years ago.

The experience

Thermae Bath Spa has a soothing atmosphere. Despite attracting a large number of tourists this didn't especially detract from its purpose, as everyone was there for the same thing: to unwind. The loan of crisp cream towels, robes and slippers provided a feeling of luxury that helped put us in the mood to relax.

Our first sight, the open-air rooftop pool provided a stunning display across the city, with the cathedral in focus above rising steam. The breathtaking view promises to be even more so at night - you can visit the spa until 10pm, perfect for stargazing couples. However the sensation of the naturally warm waters with the crisp morning air activated the senses and was a great way to start the day (you'll want to get there early to avoid the crowds).

Between the main pools, in the middle of the stylish Grade 1 listed building, ancient and modern meet at the four glass steam rooms complete with foot spas. The atmosphere was heavy with soothing aromatherapy oils and - psychological or not - we were convinced our pores were opened, being gently infused and cleansed.

The lower-ground Minerva pool provided matching pleasure. The mineral-rich silky water had a gentle current guiding us round the dramatically lit pool as we floated and swam. We also soaked in the whirlpool Jacuzzi, letting the massage jets work their magic.

Post pool-time we used our extra allocated half hour in the restaurant café which provided suitably soothing background music. The hearty soups and salads were delicious, but at not-so-appetising prices. Still, where else can you overlook an architecturally rich Spa town eating and drinking publicly in a bath robe and slippers?

How to do it

There are comfortable two-hour spa-sessions or four hours on offer for extended sensual refreshment. Both offer access to two pools, steam rooms and extra time for the café restaurant. Alternatively take a full-day session and be pampered with some treatments. From body cocoons to hot stone spa massages to dry flotation baths, there's the chance to indulge every temptation. But be warned, the treatments can get fully booked up to six weeks in advance, as we were disappointed to find out.

However, this left us plenty of time to browse the fun boutiques and shops on the far from faceless Bath high street. A perfect addition to what was, a very memorable day.

 

www.thermaebathspa.com
Reservations: 01225 33 1234
General Enquiries: 01225 33 5678

 

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