There can be few better places to take a rejuvenating wellness break away, than this quintessential English spa destination. The city is found in the valley of the River Avon, and contains Britain’s only natural thermal spa, with healing mineral-rich waters enjoyed for over two thousand years by civilisations including the Romans and the Celts. Bath is a beautiful, historic city, surrounded by glorious Somerset countryside and the Mendip Hills; so whether you fancy a city getaway, or a country retreat (with plenty of pampering included), here are our top suggestions for some days and nights of pure bliss.
Woolley Grange
While spa breaks are traditionally the domain of adults, Woolley Grange offers a unique all-age experience. Mini-me pamper sessions catering to younger skin enable kids to get a taste of treatments and the large indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the charming Bath stone walled garden, is super for some fun splash time. But there are also zoned areas for grown-ups to relax away from the little ones. The treatment spaces are housed within a contemporary oak-timber building that exudes a sense of calm as soon as you enter. And there’s also an outdoor heated 12-metre pool, open from May to September.
Homewood Hotel & Spa
Book a stay in a grand Georgian country mansion with a bohemian edge. Homewood has a hydrotherapy pool, a sauna and a steam room indoors. While outside, you can swim some lengths in the heated outdoor pool and soak in the hot tub enjoying epic views over the valley. A menu of ila holistic treatments are available to book, each targeting different areas of the body; or you might like to have the signature Vitality treatment for a top-to-toe experience. Therapists practice the ancient Indian marma therapy and use energy-enhancing essential oils to leave you feeling restored and rejuvenated.
The Gainsborough Bath Spa
Stay in refined luxury at the 5 Star Gainsborough Bath Spa located in the heart of Bath. The only spa hotel in the city, the Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel is a contemporary take on the city’s thermal water heritage. Originally built in the 1800s, The Gainsborough Bath Spa occupies two Grade II Listed buildings with distinguished Georgian and Victorian façades. The hotel was completely redesigned in 2017 by award-winning Champalimaud Design and is a Leading Hotel of the World, Design and YTL’s first Hotel in the United Kingdom. All guestrooms and suites are custom furnished, subtly combining fine period details with graceful interiors and modern functional elements which range from classic and deluxe rooms to their Barth Spa rooms which include in-bath access to the thermal waters right through to their suite class of rooms. The hotel’s jewel in its crown is its Spa Village Bath, which includes thermal pools, infrared saunas, steam room and a relaxation area. After the spa take Afternoon Tea in the Canvas Room and in the evening enjoy a menu of locally sourced dishes in their three AA Rosettes restaurant The Gainsborough restaurant.
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The Bath Priory
Nestled within four acres of mature award-winning gardens, The Bath Priory Hotel is a tranquil oasis just a short walk away from the city centre, think country house in the city. The hotel feels like a private residence, rooms are named after flowers and each of the 33 guest rooms are different, and adorned with artwork and antiques, sourced by Andrew and Christina Brownsword the hotel proprietors. Rooms come in various categories from classic through to deluxe with beautiful views out to the garden and their own balconies and if you want to go for the ultimate luxury experience choose one of their suites which includes decadent roll-top baths and separate living areas. The hotel includes the UK’s only L’Occitane Spa, with treatments using products from the Provencal brand as well as an indoor pool, sauna and steam room. The 3 AA Rosette restaurant takes guests on a culinary journey with a focus on fresh local produce and garden views.
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The Royal Crescent Hotel Bath
A spa within a World Heritage spa town, this is arguably one of the most famous in the land. The iconic Georgian building is a city landmark and has received a Grade I listing. The Royal Crescent’s spa suite includes a healing water Bath House, a Tattinger Garden, a 12-metre heated relaxation pool and a Himalayan Salt Infused Sauna. Book a spa stay here and you’ll benefit from easy access to all the city sights, valet parking, an acre of stunning landscaped gardens, a carefully curated fine art collection, your name hand-written on your bedroom door and award-winning dishes from Executive Head Chef, David Campbell in The Dower House Restaurant.
Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa
The Lucknam Park’s Spa has been crafted using wood, marble and glass – the design of which was inspired in part by its parkland environs. Award-winning facilities include a 20-metre indoor heated pool, an indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pool, an outdoor saltwater plunge pool, a skincare mixology bar, five thermal cabins, a social lounge, a brasserie and therapy rooms where the range of 111SKIN, and Bath-based Natural Spa Factory treatments take place. This 18th-century Palladian mansion house sits 8 miles from Bath in the Wiltshire countryside and is home to its own cooking school and Michelin-starred restaurant, as well as an equestrian centre, football pitch and croquet lawn.