Spas – ancient and modern
JANET BRICE experiences a unique spa package which literally spans 2,000 years…
The historic English town of Bath probably has the most famous spa waters in the world. So it seems incredible that for nearly 30 years visitors were unable to ‘take the waters’ until the modern Thermae Bath Spa opened.
As a child I was taken on school trips to gaze at the geyser, containing 42 minerals, which gushed from the earth’s surface at a temperature of 45 C and used by the Romans for its healing properties.
So it was with great excitement that I ventured to the Thermae Bath Spa to enjoy a unique treatment which literally spans 2,000 years.
The day started by stepping back in time with a tour of the historic Roman Baths. To whet my appetite further I was invited to sample the waters before enjoying a three-course lunch in the Pump Rooms.
But it was now time to fast-forward 2,000 years and finally soak up the real culture with a dip in the spa waters which are cooled to 33.5C
The spa is housed in several Georgian buildings and is given a modern twist with an imaginative glass frontage
The piece de resistance has to be the 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 ).
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.
As I float above the rooftops of Bath I can’t help thinking this is a spa the Roman’s would have approved of.
