Thermae Bath Spa

First Impressions

Natural hot springs have been welling up from 3kms below the ground of Thermae Bath Spa for thousands of years - The Romans created it as a sanctuary for rest and relaxation in AD43; in Georgian times it became a fashionable place to ‘take the waters’.

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 up 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 and offered a robe, towel (no flip-flops here; bring your own) and 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 Yondr Pouch at reception before leaving it safely in your locker.

Head through the turnstile and up a flight of stairs to the unisex changing rooms. Lockers and shower cubicles are glass-fronted; changing cubicles open either side via a switch.

Oddly, showers are downstairs - each contained unbranded shampoo/ conditioner and shower gel on our visit. You’ll find toilets 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, which was lightly refurbished in 2018. Glass walls let natural light flood in, while four space-age white columns support the ceiling. Step into the warm waters and enjoy massage-jet stations, a central whirlpool and a meandering river. There are loungers around the edge for taking respite - 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, and relax on a lounger.

Don’t miss the 2nd floor Wellness Suite where you’ll find the thermal facilities, including three, glass-fronted thermal rooms, each with coloured lighting and large enough to seat 15-20 people. The Infra-Red 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 gently heated, while the Roman Steam Room was deliciously steamy.

The Celestial Relaxation Room has tiled recliners and star-light 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 metal-panelled walls and a huge trough full of ice; this was so misty on our visit we couldn’t see our hand in front of our face. The Experience Showers offer a walk-through experience of changing colours, music and sprays.

Tell us about the treatments

We tried the Roman Trilogy signature treatment (80 minutes, £165).

My therapist, Karolina, met me in the Minerva reception area and led me to a treatment room where she talked me through the three-pronged treatment (scrub, massage, facial) noting any area of concerns – knotted shoulders, lower back pain and dehydrated skin.

The treatment began with three deep inhalations, Karolina holding firmly onto my back as I breathed out. Karolina then commenced the body scrub, vigorously working Elemis Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow to the back of my body, before asking me to turn over so that she could continue on the front. Karolina then left me to take a quick shower to remove all the salt scrub and climb back on to the bed face down.

She then performed a lovely relaxing body massage using Vitamin E, almond and camelia oil, confidently focusing on the accumulated knots in my shoulders, easing out tension in my lower back, before working out tightness in my calves.

Turning onto my back, Karolina began the facial element with an Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, before using a Gentle Rose Exfoliator to remove any impurities and deeply clean my skin. Next, she applied Pro-Collagen Facial oil before massaging my face.

Next up: the Pro-Collagen Marine Mask - while this worked its magic Karolina commenced the scalp massage - sending me into a deep state of relaxation. Face mask removed, the treatment concluded with a mist of toner, serum, Pro-Collagen Marine Moisturiser and eye cream. The gentle chime of a bell signified the end of the treatment.

My skin felt super-smooth, and my face was glowing. I found my spa-partner looking suitably relaxed with her head in a magazine.

Thermae Bath Spa offers a range of massages, scrubs, Elemis facials and Vichy shower experiences, as well as signature rituals and treatments for couples, men and mums-to-be.

Food Facts

Feast in your robe in The Spring Café; this light-filled area with splashes of blue offers a choice of hot and cold drinks, including Prosecco and beer. During the day Afternoon Tea is on the menu; for our twilight package we feasted on a delicious and aesthetically-please sharing Charcuterie platter complete with a choice of cheese, meats, crackers, pickles and grapes, followed by ice cream for dessert.

We loved / we didn't love

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 (take your sunglasses) but has its own magic even when it rains or snows.

The Wellness Suite: we were impressed with the extra-large, modern thermal facilities. Once you’ve finished toasting, find your Zen in the Celestial Relaxation Room.

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

 
We didn’t love

Having to carry our soggy robe and towel back to reception: a laundry bin in the changing room would be a great improvement. 

Who do you think would like it?

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

Bargain hunters: Thermae Bath Spa is great value: a two-hour slot costs £40 on weekdays and £45 on weekends. Treatments start at £125.

City breakers: just one more reason visit the historic city of Bath. 

What bubble rating did you give this spa?

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

Scarlet Spy visited in August 2024 and awarded it 5 Bubbles.