There’s something in the water…
There’s a reason thousands of people flock to Bath each year from around the world. Yes, the iconic architecture. And, of course, the boutique shops. Don’t forget the al fresco dining culture. But for many, it’s the city’s eponymous draw of the natural, mineral-rich thermal waters. So, when in Bath, why not join those that know, and make it a spa day?
Thankfully, we knew just the place. The Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel is the only venue in the city – other than the Thermae Bath Spa – which taps into the original thermal springs, supercharging its Spa Village with this ancient restorative water, yet with all the flair and indulgence of Asian spa culture (courtesy of the owning luxury brand YTL Hotels’ presence across the continent).
For the ultimate experience, there are four Spa Day packages to choose from, kicking off with a personalised aromatherapy blending session alongside a welcome drink; a 50-minute spa treatment with one of The Gainsborough’s knowledgeable and talented therapists, complete with post-treatment herbal tea; a four-hour Bath House experience (bathe in three natural thermal pools of varying temperatures, relax in the steam room, infrared and traditional saunas and cool off in the ice alcove, access the gym and relax on the terrace) – soft and cosy robes and slippers are provided, of course; and round off the day with an elegant History & Heritage Afternoon Tea along with a glass of something fabulous and sparkling. Seeing as I spend much of my week focused on my computer screen and typing in a frenzy on a keyboard – no doubt awkwardly hunched over, much to my Pilates teacher’s despair – I thought the Spa Village’s ‘Back to Vitality’ package was in order. Targeting the areas that need most (and in my case, urgent) attention, this experience begins with a tension-relieving back and shoulder massage, transitioning into a bespoke Revive facial that promises to leave your skin feeling beautifully cleansed and looking radiant.
Bathing in glory
A Spa Day spent at The Gainsborough feels a world away from the hubbub of Bristol, despite being less than 15 minutes on the train, then a short walk from the station. Bath’s streets can get busy too, but inside the spa, under the sun-drenched atrium (which I reckon would have also been a cosy delight to look at and listen to had it rained) there’s only the sound of water. Those taking the waters during the day don’t share the spaces with hotel guests, who are offered complimentary use at different hours, meaning there are no bottlenecks, no overcrowding and time to shut off from the outside world. And seeing as we’re on the subject of switching off, phone use is not allowed inside the spa at all. The staff place it in a secure pouch that can be unlocked at reception if needed. But this means there are no selfies and no notifications. It’s not often you have enforced zero-screen time, which means you can spend these four hours, plus treatment time, plugged into your body, prioritising self-care, finally finish that book you’ve been trying to read, or simply jot down your thoughts in a notebook.
But once you’re wandering around in your robe and slippers, the bustling boutiques and bodegas of Bath outside will be a distant memory anyway. And here’s why. From the moment you wander down the stairs to the calming depths of the hotel, it’s clear that this spa isn’t just about relaxation, it’s an experience designed to refresh every part of you. The check-in process alone is a treat. You’re welcomed with a cold herbal tea and a soothing aromatherapy-infused flannel that instantly melts away any lingering stress from the outside world.
Before diving into the treatments, you’re gifted a pouch of Himalayan pink salt, which you can personalise with one of three special oil blends. I opted for the ‘balanced’ blend, a rose-tinted fragrance with some spice. A few drops of this aromatic elixir are mixed into the salt, which you can carry with you throughout your visit. The idea is to inhale the scent whenever you need a little pick-me-up, and you can even take it home for a bath or a relaxing soak (I popped mine into a bath three nights ago and was transported back in an instant).
While you’re sipping your drink and finalising the details of your chosen treatment package with the friendly team, you’ll be given you a handy map of the ‘Bath House Circuit’: a perfect way to fill your time before your treatments. The circuit includes everything from the Warm Balneo Pool to the Cool Lymphatic Hose, Infrared and Dry Sauna, Ice Alcove, and a float in the main Atrium pool. The neck jets and effervescent bubbles in the pool are perfect for soothing tired muscles.
The map and circuit schedule make everything easy to navigate, meaning that if you’re visiting solo, or tend to feel self-conscious wandering around a spa, you have a guide to make your journey more seamless and comfortable – and help you feel like a regular on the spa scene.
There’s a huge clock on the wall, so you know when it’s your arranged time for treatment, then you can wander to the vaulted waiting room, which features an impressive ancient Roman mosaic – a copy of a relic from the original construction site preserved beneath. My therapist, Hana, who has trained many of the other therapists working at this Spa Village, greeted me warmly, showed me to the treatment room and got underway with my – what turned out to be a much-needed – massage and facial.
The treatment included a skin consultation, with Hana revealing how my current routine was affecting my skin’s protective layers (goodbye, salicylic acid). The team uses Elemis products, a renowned British skincare brand with more than 30 years of research behind its products, but you can upgrade to the luxurious Budapest-born Omorovicza if you prefer. I noticed the bed was gently heating my feet – perfect even on a hot day outside as my body adapted to being out of the warm water.
The afterglow
Post-treatment, I lounged on the relaxation terrace with a delicately-blended herbal tea and macaroons. Since I had a facial, I avoided any more time in the water to preserve the benefits. Needless to say, my skin was glowing more than it had done in about a decade… even Hana was impressed. Of course, if you’re booked in for a facial, this might affect how and when you take the thermal waters, but a quick call to the friendly team before booking will ease any concerns you have about your order of the day.
I left the Spa Village and got ready for my History & Heritage Afternoon Tea with Hana’s words gently swaying around my head. Why do so many of us living in Britain only embrace spa culture when we’re on holiday, or as a really indulgent treat? In many cultures, spa therapy is a part of regular health and wellbeing maintenance. The Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel can offer you both approaches – try one of its special spa days for the ultimate luxury experience, then enjoy the benefits of investing in your mind and body so much than you’ll be checking your calendar on the train going home to see how soon you can come back.
Spa days at The Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel are available between Sunday and Thursday, priced at £195 for one person, and £390 for a couple. This includes a 50-minute treatment (choose from a full body Swedish massage, which is also available as for a couple receiving treatment in the same room; relieving back and shoulder massage followed by a facial; and a full facial.
Call the friendly team on 01225 355 320 ; email spavillage@thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk and visit thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk to book
