Francis Hotel Spa

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Located on leafy Queen Square, the Francis Hotel is set across a row of honey-hued townhouses in the heart of Regency Bath; the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey are just a short stroll away.

Step through the revolving entrance door and you’re welcomed into an airy lobby with cool tunes setting the tone. To your left sits the elegant bar - all rich timber finishes, decadent upholstered stools and softly glowing lamps - an inviting spot for a pre-dinner cocktail (or two). Beyond here, you’ll find the Michelin Guide-listed Emberwood Restaurant, a buzzy brasserie where an open hearth takes centre stage. Alongside its 98 stylish bedrooms, you’ll find the brand-new spa on the lower floor, complete with a spa garden.

If you’re arriving by car, there’s a small car park behind the hotel, accessed via Princes Street, though spaces are limited (and cost £5 per hour or £20 a day for hotel guests). If it’s full, Charlotte Street’s car park is a convenient alternative just a short walk away (around £20 for 24 hours).

WHAT’S ON OFFER?

The spa at the Francis Hotel Bath opened in March as part of the hotel’s £14 million refurbishment. Set beneath the Georgian townhouses, it’s a self-contained space designed as a quiet retreat from the city above.

To the left of the hotel reception, a staircase leads down to the spa. If you’re staying overnight, you can change in your room and arrive in your robe. The spa reception area is centred around a timber-fronted desk with soft lighting, which gives it a warm feel. Wooden shelving displays rows of GAIA Skincare and QMS products for perusal.

We were warmly welcomed and shown through to the relaxation lounge, used for both pre and post treatments. A curved, built-in banquette wraps the room, upholstered in soft neutral tones and lined with patterned cushions. Two low upholstered footstools sit in the centre, with small side tables dotted around. Panelled walls are filled with landscape-style artwork, alongside a few sculptural busts and plants, giving the beautiful space a classical but relaxed feel. Small stacks of coffee table books from Vogue and Liberty to Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake demand a leisurely thumb through. We were offered warm flannels and a small apple cider vinegar, rose and berry shot (a nice touch) while we completed consultation forms.

A door from here leads to the small but well-designed spa garden. On the lower level, you’ll find sofas for relaxing; up a small flight of stairs, surrounded by Bath stone walls and simple planting, are three woven pod-style day beds lining the terrace, each with deep cushions and bright orange accents.

The changing rooms are modern and sparkly new, finished with large neutral tiles and a bank of pale wood, code-operated lockers. Inside: a notably soft white robe with subtle brown piping, along with a towel and flip-flops. The vanity area includes two oval backlit mirrors, leather stools and hairdryers, plus a selection of toiletries. There’s also a shower with brushed gold fittings, stocked with GAIA shampoo, conditioner and body wash.

The spa has three treatment rooms, offering a menu from GAIA Skincare and QMS Medicosmetics. The star of the show is Bath’s only private thermal experience suite. This includes the KLAFS ESPURO foam steam bath - a cocoon-like cabin where warm steam and soft foam bubbles create an extremely fun sensory experience (this Spa Spy loved it). There’s also an experience shower circuit with varying temperatures and pressures, a heated bench for relaxation. Guests can also opt for a traditional steam and Rasul mud treatment.


TELL US ABOUT YOUR TREATMENT

We tried the Thermal Ritual alongside the Collagen Reset Facial by QMS Medicosmetics (60 minutes, from £125).

My therapist, Eleonora collected me from the relaxation lounge and led me to one of three treatment rooms – with botanical leaf wallpaper and one of the most comfortable beds I’ve come across.

The facial began with a thorough double cleanse, followed by two stages of exfoliation to properly prep the skin. From there, Eleonora worked methodically through toner and QMS serums. A brief arm exfoliation and application of collagen body cream added an extra layer.

Knowing I had tension in my neck, Eleonora incorporated targeted stretching and manipulation through the neck, shoulders and upper chest. At this stage, I knew I was in experienced hands.

The masks were a highlight. First, a thick, cooling algae mask over the face and eyes, which set into a firm layer before being removed in one satisfying peel. This was followed by the QMS Age Prevent Power Firm Mask, while collagen cream was worked into the arms. The treatment finished with a day serum, intense eye cream and SPF 50, leaving skin with a noticeable glow. The result was immediate: my skin looked visibly plumper, smoother and instantly refreshed.

Afterwards, I was led out to the spa garden, where my spa partner was already settled into one of the woven pod day beds following her GAIA Upper Body Treatment (60 minutes, from £115) jasmine tea in hand.

FOOD FACTS

If you’re staying overnight, don’t miss dinner at Emberwood. The brasserie focuses on seasonal ingredients cooked over fire, served in a lively, well-designed space.

High corniced ceilings, pillars and chandeliers are paired with trailing plants and banquette seating. The open charcoal grill kitchen adds a sense of theatre; we loved watching the chefs in action.

We started with the pickled Cornish crab with crab oil mayo, tarragon and pickled lemon; our spa partner: the coal-roasted garlicky scallops served in their shells.

For mains, we both opted for Wagyu bavette steak with a delightful green chilli salsa that cut through the richness, alongside Koffman fries. On the side: seasonal greens with chilli and garlic, and shredded cabbage topped with Parmesan – every single dish was stand-out.

After much deliberation - mainly due to the excitement of a dessert trolley filled with cakes and puddings tucked away in drawers - we ordered a freshly made tarte tatin with ice cream (and two spoons). Two Hedgerow Margaritas – as pretty as they were delicious - rounded off a delightful evening.

SWEET STAY?

We stayed in a Cosy Room (123) – overlooking Queen Square - which, as the name suggests, is just about big enough for two. The design, however, makes the most of the footprint: deep blue walls, a mustard-coloured sofa and a comfy double bed, complete with crisp white Egyptian cotton sheets and a botanical-inspired upholstered headboard with rust-toned piping. A Roberts radio, Nespresso machine for morning brews and complimentary kombucha in the fridge were nice touches.

The bathroom continues the same look, with gold accents and a rainfall shower stocked with GAIA Skincare toiletries. A GHD hairdryer comes as standard, with straighteners available on request.

WE LOVED…

Our QMS Collage Reset Facial: want visible noticeable results? This is the facial for you. We will be returning.

The Thermal Suite: lathering our bodies with bubbles as they fell from the ceiling in the foam steam bath was an absolute highlight. Who says wellness can’t be fun? Our skin felt silky smooth after too.

The Spa Garden: sipping sparkling tea in the sunshine, while curled up in a rattan oversized egg pod - with a backdrop of honey-coloured Bath architecture - was a moment.



WHAT BUBBLE RATING DID YOU AWARD THIS SPA?

We awarded The spa at The Francis Hotel Bath a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 5 Bubbles for its beautiful design, fun thermals, innovative and results-driven treatments and incredible food at Emberwood.