Bathe in Bath
An exclusive glimpse of the new Gainsborough Bath Spa which literally taps into the mineral waters the Roman’s enjoyed 2,000 years ago…
The historic English town of Bath probably has the most famous spa waters in the world.
However, for more than 30 years visitors were unable “to take the waters” but today you can privately bathe in Bath’s mineral spring with the opening of much-anticipated The Gainsborough Bath Spa.
The new hotel, which opened this summer, boasts its own private water reserve which bubbles to the surface at 47 degrees and contains 42 minerals which the Roman’s bathed in for its healing properties.
THE GAINSBOROUGH BATH SPA
The piece-de-resistance of this spa hotel is that guests staying in a spa suite or room will be able to bathe in the cooled thermal waters, via a second tap on their bath – a unique touch which is sure to prove very popular.
The 99-room hotel also features a Spa Village Bath which revives the ancient practice of social bathing. The one-hour Bath Circuit includes a self-guided tour of the thermal pools, saunas, steam room, ice alcove and elegant relaxation rooms.
Visitors will embark on a bathing journey akin to ancient Rome, concluding with a special Water Ritual Ceremony. Three thermal pools lie in the heart of the spa set apart by Romanesque columns and beneath a glass atrium.
The Aroma Bar provides guests with a plethora of potions which will allow them to blend their own oils. The spa has teamed up with product partners Neal’s Yard, Kerstin Florian, and the Natru certified organic line, Amala.
THERMAE BATH SPA
The spa, which sits opposite the Gainsborough Bath Spa, is housed in several Georgian buildings and is given a modern twist with an imaginative glass frontage and stunning rooftop pool.
As you wallow in these ancient waters you can enjoy views of the Cotswolds and the 21st century skyline which is especially dramatic at night (available on the twilight package for £45 which includes a three-hour spa session, choice of one dish from
Springs café, drink and hire of towel, slippers and robe).
If you can tear yourself away you can also enjoy the indoor Minerva Bath, with its whirlpool and jets, the Hot Bath surrounded by therapy rooms or the Cross Bath which can be booked for groups of up to 12 people plus more than 50 treatments to choose from.
The nearby Thermae Bath Spa Shop, appropriately located at 2 Hot Bath Street, offers a range of products enriched with Bath’s natural spring water along with lavender pillows, swimwear and fleece robes.
As I float above the rooftops of Bath I can’t help thinking this is a spa the Roman’s would have approved of.
Additional information
You can experience a unique one-day spa package for £63.50 which includes a tour of the historic Roman Baths, a three-course lunch in the Pump Room plus two-hour spa session at The Thermae Bath Spa.
- If you’re travelling to Bath for the day it is easy to Park and Ride as parking within the city can be hard to find
- You can hire the more intimate Cross Bath for up to 12 people at a cost of £18 per person for a 90-minute spa session
- The Twilight Package is available Sunday to Friday from 4pm and last entry is 6pm
- Children under the age of 16 are not permitted in the spa
- Changing rooms are communal
- The package can been booked in advance to beat the queues
EARLY BEGINNINGS… THE ROMAN BATHS
History of Bath
The natural thermal springs were first discovered by Prince Bladud in 863BC who was cured of a skin disease after bathing in the waters.
The waters were then enjoyed by The Celts, Romans, Saxons and Georgians.
The water we bathe in today fell as actual rain 10,000 years ago and sank to a depth of two kilometres. Here it is heated by high temperature rocks before rising up through three hot springs in the centre of the city.
Bath has long been associated with wellness and the work SPA is associated with the Latin phrase Salus Per Aquam or ‘health through water’.
