SPAS Spas in Bath have upped their game. We went exploring

SO SPA SO GOOD This content was taken from Bath Life issue 399. This information was correct at the time

Fancy a warm, cocoon wrap or a Swedish effleurage? A rock sauna or a bamboo massage? Spas in Bath have upped their game. We went exploring… By Harriet Noble

Release your inner mermaid in the pool at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa

SPAS B ath is, of course, rather famous for its spas. It’s what most tourists do when they come here. But it sometimes feels like it’s so obvious, so quintessentially Bath, that we, as residents, actually forget to go to them, which is something of a shame. And they’ve progressed a lot over the years. Forget grating rainforest-sounds humming out of a tired CD player – these days you’re looking at tailor-made treatments designed to suit your specific needs and desires, whether you’ve got a dodgy knee, are seven months pregnant, are going through chemotherapy, or just want some time out from your busy life. Here’s a snapshot of what’s on offer locally to soothe both mind and body. SPA VILLAGE AT THE GAINSBOROUGH Beau Street, Bath In a lava shell: Spa Village is set beneath a glass atrium in the heart of The Gainsborough Hotel and is famous for its natural thermal waters. Guests can expect three natural thermal baths, 11 treatment rooms, an aromatic steam room, ice chamber, infrared and traditional saunas, a relaxation terrace and a fully equipped gymnasium. What’s unique about it? Your average spa, this is not. It stands over an old Roman Bath House and contains a replica of a 4th century Roman mosaic. The thermal waters which guests can bathe in today fell as rain 10,000 years ago, and contain over 42 minerals, which provide a range of therapeutic benefits. and warm cocooned wrap? “The magnesium is responsible for promoting energy levels, sleep, circulation, metabolism and muscle movement,” says Peter Rollins, director of marketing and communications at the Gainsborough.“This relaxing therapeutic treatment helps to replenish commonly deficient levels. Body tissues relax and pores take in the vital minerals from the products.” www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk THE SPA AT WOOLLEY GRANGE Woolley Green, Bradford on Avon In a lava shell: Set within the walled garden at the hotel, this is a mecca for all those in need of some downtime. Facilities include a sauna and steam room, heated indoor and (during friendly seasons) outdoor pool, beautiful 14-acre gardens, and a relaxing hangout area, decked out with comfy sofas where you can enjoy assorted drinks and refreshments. What’s so great about it? “The location is idyllic,” says marketing manager Caroline Mackay. “Take a walk around and see fresh flowers and produce growing, and the comical Indian runner ducks – who keep down the slugs and snails.” Or, if the weather’s not so great, enjoy a coffee in the panelled drawing room of this Jacobean manor. What special treatments do they offer? They’re big on skincare at The Spa at Woolley and offer Elemis luxury spa treatments – they’re famous for their anti-aging products – and Jessica Cosmetics nail treatments. “Bucking the trend for adult-only spas, Woolley Grange is very family orientated”

Any special treatments? Why not opt for the Magnesium Remineraliser, a body scrub, massage above: ‘I’ll get in in a second, stop pressurising me!” The Spa Village at The Gainsborough; below: Save me a bed! The L’Occitane Relaxation Suite at Bath Priory Hotel

Anything for the kids? Bucking the trend for adult-only spas, Woolley Grange is actually very family orientated. Children can use the pools and spa facilities – they even offer mini me treatments, if you actually think your kids are worth it – or, if you have young children in tow, they have an Ofsted registered crèche on site, aptly called Woolley Bears Den, which offers two hours of childcare. www.woolleygrangehotel.co.uk THE GARDEN SPA BY L’OCCITANE AT THE BATH PRIORY HOTEL Weston Road, Bath In a lava shell: This award-winning spa has four luxurious treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge, indoor pool, pool-side sauna, elliptical steam pod and shower, and a heated outdoor pool, set within the hotel’s four acres of beautiful gardens. It’s also the first and only L’Occitane Spa in the UK. What’s on offer: Expect a full range of luxurious treatments, from facials, body massages, body scrubs and wraps, to mini treatments, manicures and pedicures, alongside holistic and beauty treatments. What’s so special about a L’Occitane Spa? “Guests at the spa are invited to enjoy the facilities of the hotel, including its world class restaurant in which to enjoy lunch, afternoon tea or a drink, either on the terrace in sunnier months, or beside a roaring open fire in one of the hotel’s lounges in colder times,” says spa manager Sam Teifal.

“Slightly less exciting, perhaps – but always appreciated – is that we’re one of the very few spas in Bath to offer our guests complimentary parking in our car park, which eases arrival and departure and maintains the wonderful feeling of calm!” Any special treatments? “The spa’s signature treatment is a Verbena Relaxing Massage, featuring one of L’Occitane’s emblematic ingredients, the aromatic verbena,” says Sam. “Combining Swedish effleurage, Chinese acupressure and Balinese massage techniques, this treatment stimulates circulation, eases tension and relieves stress.” www.thebathpriory.co.uk BATH SPA HOTEL Sydney Road, Bath In a lava shell: The hotel is nestled in beautiful landscaped gardens, making it the ideal spot for a bit of me time. Their facilities include an indoor and outdoor pool, gym, hydropool, whirlpool, treatment rooms, sauna, ice room, and thermal suite. What sets this spa apart? The team here pride themselves on creating treatments that perfectly fit the individual. “Whether your aim is relieving muscle pain, de-stressing or to leave feeling energised, we’ll help you select the perfect combination of treatments, aromatic oils and skin rubs to work with your skin, mood and needs,” says general manager Stephen Browning. “We work to be as inclusive as possible, offering a carefully tailored men’s package, as well as pregnancy massages geared to support women through each trimester.”

They are also one of the first hotels in the UK to offer Jennifer Young treatments for those living with cancer. “Our staff have been specially and meticulously trained to offer sensitive consultations and treatment in this area,” says Stephen. “Guests can enjoy the sunshine in their robes whilst robins flit around the garden”

above: Having a cuppa at The Bath Spa Hotel; below: Make a splash at The Gainsborough Bath Spa

Anything else? Yes, the food! “Our executive chef, Jon Machin, takes his inspiration from his

early career working on the super-yacht, Octopus, for the late Microsoft co-founder, Paul Allen,” says Stephen.“He’s classically British trained, but loves to bring an international twist to everything he does.” www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

THE SPA AT BOWOOD Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Derry Hill, Calne In a lava shell: A mere thirty minutes drive from Bath, this spa boasts an infinity pool with corker views over Bowood’s pristine parklands. Facilities include aromatherapy showers, a rock sauna, a crystal steam room, a gym and a spa bar. [Read about Ané’s visit here on page 63]

What treatments do they have? “We’ve introduced Eminence Organic Skincare for most of our facial treatments,” says senior digital marketing executive Dan Robinson.

“Our spa manager, Angela Covey, was inspired by their unbound commitment to all things socially responsible and, of course, natural. We’ve been working closely with the founders to create skin specific facial treatments to help naturally reduce signs of aging, redness and acne, to name a few.” Anything else? They practice and promote Thai massage techniques, such as warm bamboo massages which are designed to break down fatty deposits and minimise cellulite, whilst providing lifting effects on the body. Another treatment is hot poultice massage, used to relieve aches and pains. www.bowood.org

THE SPA & BATH HOUSE The Royal Crescent Hotel &Spa, Bath In a lava shell: Six treatment rooms, a Himalayan salt-infused sauna, herbal steam room, 12-metre relaxation pool, vitality pool, fitness centre, and a Taittinger Spa Garden.

What sets this spa apart? “Hidden away at the end of a beautiful garden, the Spa & Bath House is a haven of tranquillity, where you can truly escape the hustle and bustle of the city,” says marketing above: Get wallpaper envy in the treatment rooms at The Spa at Bowood; below: the luscious Spa Gardens at The Royal Crescent

manager Mary Stringer. “Let the birdsong and quiet scuffles of squirrels burying their nuts soothe you on your walk across the garden, then slip into the cool welcoming embrace of our relaxation pool.”

What about the atmosphere? “This Spa is as closely intertwined with nature as is possible,” adds Mary. “Guests can enjoy the sunshine in their robes whilst robins flit around the garden. Even inside the spa there are elements of nature – such as the 3D-effect silver leaf wallpaper. And from the relaxation pool guests can view the garden through high, chapel-style windows.” www.royalcrescent.co.uk

MORE SPAS IN BATH LUCKNAM PARK HOTEL & SPA Colerne, Chippenham This country house retreat offers some rather kooky treats, like their Saddle and Spa day package, where you can go for a hack, have a spot of lunch in their brasserie, and then get horizontal in their spa pool and thermal cabin. www.lucknampark.co.uk

SPA 15, NO 15 GREAT PULTENEY No 15 Great Pulteney Street, Bath The vintage-inspired, underground spa offers themed treatments rooms and a plethora of holistic treatments. www.no15greatpulteney.co.uk

THERMAE BATH SPA Hot Bath Street, Bath Here you’ll find the Minerva Bath, a wellness suite, and the jewel in the crown – the open-air rooftop pool. www.thermaebathspa.com

HOMEWOOD SPA Freshford A range of treatments, spa days and spa packages are on offer; facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room, and a heated outdoor pool. www.homewoodbath.co.uk