Thermae Bath Spa Review
Posted on: 2016-09-29
Our rating:
The Thermae Spa is Britain's original natural thermal spa and visitors can relax in the unique naturally warm, mineral-rich waters that fell as rain around 10,000 years ago. I went along to the spa to see how relaxing and special it really is.
As most of you will know Bath is a famous historic site. So it's no surprise that the outside of the spa is built using the same coloured stone as the rest of Bath's old buildings, to make it blend in. But the inside is where it starts getting interesting. When walking around the building, it is fascinating to see how modern the decor is especially considering that the star of the thermal spa, the water itself, is thousands of years old. It reminded me of the inside of a space-station (not that I've ever been in one of course) and had a sci-fi feel to it. The spiral white concrete staircase with portholes running throughout really does make you feel as if you have stepped into a spaceship. Once I got over that feeling, it was easy to see why Thermae Spa is so popular.
The rooftop pool is its main attraction because there's nothing like it nearby. Even when it's busy it is big enough to not feel too crowded and there's spectacular views from most points in the pool. The best view is of the top of the Bath Abbey and I'm told at night when the city is lit up, it is really stunning, which I can believe. The water itself is comfortably warm as it is heated to 33.5ºC.
It's also comforting to know that the lockers are secure because everyone has their own waterproof wristband that has a device inside that will only open your own locker. No keys or coins needed. This eliminates the worry in the back of your mind that your personal belongings could be being tampered with. Anyway back to the pools and after you're done enjoying the views from the rooftop pool, you can make your way down to the steam rooms or the lower ground Minerva Bath.
The steam rooms are unique as they offer four different rooms each with their own scent including eucalyptus mint or lemongrass and ginger. The steam is great for opening up your pores and the heat relaxes your muscles while the beautiful scents help you mentally drift away. If you then make your way to the Minerva Bath it's a big indoor pool with amazing architecture. The infamous 'lazy river' is fun and relaxing at the same time. It's called a lazy river because you can use some floats to keep yourself above water and literally travel around a gentle current that takes you on a little journey of its own around the pool. You can just relax and let the water take you away.
Me and my spa parter then thought it would be nice to head to the spa's own Springs Café Restaurant for a hot drink. There is a great selection of desserts, cakes, pastries, hot and cold drinks including gluten free options. The elderflower cheesecake jumped out at me as something for those who want to try something different, but they also have the usual suspects when it comes to cakes and pastries. The quiet and serene atmosphere of the cafe keeps you in the same relaxation mode which is perfect especially as you are permitted to sit in your robe, no need to get changed!
For private parties there is also a hidden gem, opposite the entrance to the spa, called the Cross Bath. The pool can hold up to 12 people so it's perfect for birthday parties, hen parties and all other celebrations. You don't have to be part of a group to use the baths though so click the link at the bottom of this review for more information. The Cross Bath has a specially-commissioned poolside fountain which is lovely to look at whilst you're enjoying the waters.
Depending on the spa package you choose you can have 2 to 3 hours of pool time, with extra time allowed for any food, drinks or spa treatments that you have. That's plenty of time to laze around in the warm waters and escape the stresses of daily life. There's no doubt that with its historic ancient water, featuring 42 minerals that some say help to heal the body, the Thermae spa is more than worth a visit when you're in Bath. There's nowhere else like it, so if you're in the area, drop by and see for yourself why it's so special. It gets a 5 out of 5 from me!
Head to their website here to find out about spa days, treatments, the history of the spa and more.
Article by:
Born in Bath, Safia has lived on the outskirts of the city her whole life. After studying journalism in Bristol she now spends a lot of her time searching for new things to see in Bath and soaking up the beautiful culture. You're most likely to find her sipping a soya latte in a lovely little independent cafe! Call Safia on 07468 516375 or email editor@365Bath.com.
