Thermae Bath Spa
Story Highlights:
- A Little History
- Healing Powers
- The Layout
A Little History
Bath has always had a hot spring but back in the 70s, this was brought to an abrupt end when the waters were contaminated with meningitis. More than 30 years later the clever people behind the Thermae Spa found a nifty way around this by drilling deeper - to a water level where the bacteria isn't present. With a little help from the Millennium Commission, the spa has taken the old school Gregorian Hot and Cross Baths, blended them with a tasteful, contemporary glass and steel structure and created a nifty little facility which without fail, will enhance your mood, your looks and your take on life.
Healing Powers
Natural, hot water from deep in the earth has been used for centuries to successfully treat a whole host of beauty impeding ailments. From inflammation and rheumatism, to psoriasis and neurodermatitis, these mineral rich waters offer a healthy, effective and natural alternative to steroid laden, man made creams and treatments. For pure Health and Safety reasons chlorine is added to the mix in Bath, but it's the bare minimum amount and you don't smell of it afterwards! From first hand experience I can tell you a bathing session here will help clear up itchy eczema and dried out elbows, hands and knees!
The Layout
Once you clear check in and changing, it's best to start at the bottom of the building and work your way up. On the lower-ground floor you will find the Minerva Bath. This is a big one and features the gentle currents of a whirlpool, a generous Jacuzzi and my personal favourite, the high pressure massage jet. Two minutes under this bad boy works out your knots - quicker that a greased up Swedish masseuse on Pro Plus. On the floor just below the roof you will come across a fantastical array of steam rooms, centered around a giant, I'm A Celebrity Get me Out of Here-esk shower. The nasal stimulation on offer includes mountain pine, lavender, jasmine and eucalyptus mint, but the flavours vary. The fiber optics and mood lighting also add to the stress busting atmosphere.
Finally you have the icing on the cake – the open air rooftop pool. Imagine this scene if you will. You're jet lagged, you smell of airports and trains and your back is contorted beyond belief from carrying your own bodyweight in life supplies - your backpack! Now imagine all that fading away as you float in this mineral rich water, with the crimson sun setting to your right and the cool blue moon rising directly above you. Throw in some stunning views across the valley, another Jacuzzi and an additional high pressure jet massager, and you have heaven on earth.
See the spa for yourself by visiting the official Thermae Bath Spa website.
- Rob Savage
