There is nothing quite like a relaxing two hours at Britain’s original natural thermal spa. Flowing with history and natural minerals, the waters of Bath have made the beautiful city a wellbeing destination since Roman times. Centuries of visitors flocked to the city to relax, unwind and socialise – soaking up the benefits of Bath’s natural hot springs. At the iconic Thermae Bath Spa, just a five minute walk from The Francis Hotel, you can do the same with their two-hour spa sessions. Our Marketing Team were lucky enough to try it themselves…
The striking façade of Thermae Bath Spa, with its historic pillars and contemporary glass fittings, sets the tone perfectly for the experience – beautifully maintaining the long legacy of the spa and its thermal waters whilst combining it with the sleek facilities of a modern spa. Stepping into reception, we were provided with robes, towels and slippers, as well as lockable pouches for our phones. These were compulsory for the duration of our session – providing reassurance of total privacy from flashing cameras and freeing you from notifications whilst you unwind.
Spread across several floors, the spas allows you total freedom to enjoy their facilities in whichever order you wish. To start, we made our way to the very top for the Open-Air Rooftop Pool. The stunning 360° panoramic view of the city was truly spectacular. Combined with the hot water, air seats and bubbling jets, it felt very fitting to take in Bath whilst immersed in its famous waters.
After a long soak, we made our way down to the Wellness Suite. This multi-sensory experience combines a variety of wellness offerings; including two Aroma Steam Rooms (both with different soothing scents), an Infrared Room, an invigorating Ice Chamber and, our personal favourite, a Celestial Relaxation room. With its five heated loungers, calming sounds and beautiful twinkle lights, this room pays tribute to Bath-based astronomers William Herschel and Caroline Herschel who discovered the planet Uranus.
Some time later, feeling thoroughly relaxed and starry-eyed, we made our way to the ground floor and the Minerva Bath. Named after the Roman Goddess of Health and Wisdom, this large bath with its swirling whirlpool, modern columns and leafy décor, provided another perfect spot to chat and float in the natural warm waters. This floor is also home to the Minerva treatment rooms, where visitors can enhance their visit further with a variety of packages including hot stones, massages, facials and much more. Additional treatment rooms can also be found on the first and second floors.
Another sumptuous float later, we made our way up to the Springs Café, where visitors can enjoy light snacks and refreshments throughout the day. A cup of warming tea and a sweet muffin later, we were ready for another visit to the rooftop pool for one last, long look at beautiful Bath from above. Gathering our robes around us, and with a mental promise to return (perhaps for a refreshing evening experience – which a fellow visitor had assured me was every bit as beautiful as the day-time session), we made our way back to the changing rooms before exiting through reception.
On the way out, we made our way over to take a quick peek at the Cross Bath – an intimate open-air thermal bath that can be booked for swim sessions as well as exclusive events.
The walk back to The Francis Hotel was a very relaxed one. The route we chose took us past the exterior of the iconic Roman Baths, just a couple of minutes away from Thermae Bath Spa. Gazing at the historic site, I definitely felt that I had gone a way to walking in the footsteps of the generations who’ve come to reap the benefits of the healing springs, and it was a privilege to do so in Thermae Bath Spa’s cosy slippers!
Eager to try the waters for yourself? Click here to view our Thermae Bath Spa Package Stay.