Thermae Bath Spa, located in the center of Bath, England, is a unique outdoor spa where the city’s history and future collide. Especially when the weather is frigid, visitors to the nearby Roman Baths and Bath Abbey can see steam rising from the pool on top of the building.
Over 2,000 years ago, Celts and Romans came here to soak in Britain’s warmest natural thermal springs. Today, these beautiful waters are one of the best day spas in the U.K. because they combine the “old” with the “new” features.
History
Archaeology shows that people have lived near the hot springs on which the City of Bath is built since at least 8,000 B.C. However, the location’s mysterious steam—which rose from a swampy area with plants—probably kept early settlers from settling there permanently.
Over the years, Romans, sick people, doctors, royals, and travelers worldwide have all used these hot springs. When other bathhouses sprang up in the city, investors lost interest in the older ones at that time, and they closed in 1978.
After being shut for 28 years, Thermae Bath Spa finally reopened to the public on August 7, 2006.
Mineral Hot Water
The mineral-rich hot springs that give Bath its name are remarkable natural resources. They provide the city with over 1 million liters/264,172 gallons of water daily. The mineral water is hot and comes from a source around 2 kilometers/1.2 miles below the ground’s surface, making it unique in the United Kingdom.
The underlying hot rocks heat the water to a sizzling 69 °C/156 °F before re-entering the city via one of three springs (the Kings Spring, the Hetling Spring, and the Cross Spring). The average surface temperature of the spring waters is 45 °C/113 °F. After that, it drops to a pleasant 34 °C/93 °F.
New Royal Bath
The New Royal Bath, the main spa building, is made of Bath stone and has a glass exterior. Spend two hours at the spa, where you’ll have full access to the Minerva Bath, the Rooftop Pool, which has stunning views of the Bath skyline, a multi-sensory wellness suite, and more.
There is also the Cross Bath, which has a single open-air thermal pool heated by its own spring. It’s housed in a Georgian building near the primary building. There are sessions for up to 10 people held throughout the week.
Other Amenities
An infrared sauna, an ice room, and a blissful relaxation room round out the offerings. The Hot Bath, which dates back to the 18th century and is used for water-based massage techniques like Watsu, is just one of the 27 spa treatment rooms available.
Choose one of the relaxing spa packages and spend the day relaxing in style. Hot stone massages, bamboo shiatsu, and other specialty services are among those provided. All treatments need to be booked with a 2-hour spa session.
When not included in a Spa Package, services are accessible daily. Pre-scheduled appointments are required for all services.
Details
Address: Hot Bath St, Bath BA1 1SJ, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1225 331234
Season: Year-round
Website: thermaebathspa.com
Millcroft Inn & Spa – Alton, ON, Canada