Thermae Bath Spa

History buffs will love bathing in the mineral rich hot waters, as people have done here for thousands of years (Scarlet Spy)

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Located in the historic Spa Quarter - nestled between the sacred site of the Cross Bath (which you can book for private VIP-spa-ing), the Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel, St Johns Foundation and close to the Roman Baths – the spa is fed from Hetling Spring, one of three springs in Bath.

The modern Thermae spa is built on the footprint of the old municipal pool; the square stone and glass building rises above the old honey-coloured stone buildings in the centre. From the eye-catching rooftop pool, you can gaze out across the city’s chimney tops to the surrounding hills. A beautiful, clever piece of design (by world-renowned architect Nicholas Grimshaw), it elegantly blends ancient and modern while still retaining the feel of a public bath.

WHAT’S ON OFFER?

We were warmly greeted, offered a robe and towel bundle, and handed a wristband which doubles as a locker key and a means of charging purchases.

Insta-addicts brace yourselves: phones are banned in the spa; your mobile will be locked in a pouch at reception before leaving it safely in your locker. Trust us, it’s liberating.

Head through the turnstile and up a flight of stairs to the unisex changing rooms. Here you’ll find banks of lockers and private changing cubicles.

Showers are downstairs - each contained shampoo/ conditioner and shower gel; you’ll find loos on most of the building's four floors. There's also a spin-dryer for wet swimsuits and a small vanity bar with mirrors and hairdryers.

The spa was rebuilt within the footprint of the original Bath Spa so space is at a premium - and has been mainly given over to the pools. Architecturally it’s impressive. Most visitors head straight up to the rooftop pool; leave your robe on a wire shelf and join the happy throng. Gaze over the golden rooftops and spires of Bath in the warm, steamy waters. Timed jets around the pool's edge allow you to gently bubble away.

The New Royal Bath's second pool is the large, curvaceous thermal Minerva Bath on the ground floor. Glass walls allow natural light to flood in. Step into the warm waters and enjoy massage-jet stations, a central whirlpool and a meandering river – where we watched visitors float merrily past us on their backs.

Loungers line the edge with hooks for hanging towels and robes - the no-reservation rule means you won’t need to fight to get horizontal.

If you're having treatments, quiet relaxation spaces can be found in each of the three treatment areas; help yourself to water, herbal tea, magazines and blankets before relaxing on a lounger.

You’ll find the Wellness Suite – with the thermal facilities – on the second floor. The striking, glass-front Infrared Sauna with its heat panels, does wonders for aching backs and was a firm favourite on our visit; the rose-scented Georgian Steam Room, complete with curved windows, was deliciously steamy, while the Roman Steam Room offers a gentler heat.

The Celestial Relaxation Room has tiled recliners and a star-lit ceiling and walls; lie back and watch the huge central screen showing inspiring NASA videos of our planets in honour of Caroline and William Herschel - who lived in Bath and discovered the planet Uranus.

Cool down in the Ice Chamber afterwards, with its a huge trough full of ice and seating around the edge; this was so misty on our visit we couldn’t see our hands in front of our face. The Experience Showers offer a walk-through of changing colours, music and sprays.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TREATMENT

We tried the Back To Nature signature treatment (85 minutes, £165).

My therapist, Ewelina, met me in the reception area – where I had filled in the consultation form - and led me to a large treatment room with tall ceilings, in calming neutrals. After explaining the treatment and discussing my needs – a rather achy neck – Ewelina left the room so I could disrobe and lie face down on the bed.

The treatment began with three deep inhalations of head clearing oil, before a foot cleanse and massage. Ewelina worked her way up the back of each leg, onto my back, before spending a good amount of time focusing on my neck – which I was very grateful for.

Turning onto my back, Ewelina covered my eyes and placed a restorative crystal on my solar plexus. She applied Elemis Warm Up Massage Balm to each of my hands and feet, before popping them in boots and hand-mitts.

The facial element began with Elemis Pro-Collagen Hydrating Cleansing Mousse, before using a Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator.

Next, she applied the Pro-Collagen Marine Mask - while this worked its magic Ewelina commenced the scalp massage - sending me into a deep state of relaxation. Face mask removed, the treatment concluded with a Superfood Facial Oil and Priming Moisturiser and Pro-Collagen Vitality eye cream. The gentle chime of a bell signified the end of the treatment.

The Result? My skin was super-smooth; my face, glowing. I found my spa partner afterwards looking suitably relaxed, sipping ginger and lemon tea.

FOOD FACTS

Spa guests can feast en robe in the light-filled Spring Café. We bagged a corner seat by a window for optimal people-watching and to admire the honey-coloured architecture. During the day, Afternoon Tea is on the menu; we enjoyed three tiers - finger sandwiches at the bottom: coronation chicken, egg mayonnaise, and tuna; freshly-baked scones with clotted cream (first) and strawberry jam; and at the top, a selection of sweet treats – including carrot cake, mini lemon tart and macarons. All washed down with a delightful glass of Prosecco.


WE LOVED…

The rooftop pool is a showstopper: get there early to beat the crowds and soak in those epic views. It’s spectacular in the sunshine (don’t forget your sunglasses).

Our signature treatments: an indulgent top-to-toe affair that left us feeling notably relaxed and soothed. We knew we were in good hands with Ewelina and our spa partner’s therapist, Karolina.

The phone pouches: after the initial panic of having our phones locked away (gulp), we absolutely loved being in the moment with no distractions.


WHICH BUBBLE RATING DID YOU AWARD THIS SPA?

We awarded Thermae Bath Spa a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 5 Bubbles for its glorious rooftop pool, natural waters, sense of being part of history, fabulous thermal rooms and skilled therapists.