Thermae Bath Spa (Thermae Bath Spa (Bath))

Member Name: liz3yy

Product:	Thermae Bath Spa (Bath)
Date:	05/12/08 (156 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Relaxing, indulgent and pampering

Disadvantages: Changing rooms not next to the showers

For anyone who loves lazing about in a warm bath then the Thermae Bath Spa in Bath is an absolute must. I paid a visit there today with my boyfriend as a treat for my 30th birthday and I'm so glad we decided to go.

We chose a 4 hour spa session plus a couples aromatherapy massage, this cost about £160 for the two of us which is good value considering we spent practically the whole day there.

We arrived at 9.30am and were quickly signed in and handed "smart bands" to wear during our visit, these are blue plastic bands with an electronic chip which you wear on your wrist throughout your stay. They operate the lockers in the changing rooms and also eliminate the need for cash in the cafe should you want to eat during your visit.

The centre is laid out over 5 floors, the top floor contains the open air pool which is definitely something to be experienced. The small pool is heated (obviously!) and has wonderful views over the Bath city skyline. Luckily for us it was a clear cloudless day when we visited though very cold. I felt almost Scandinavian floating about in a hot pool watching the steam from my breath escape from my nose in the cold morning sky!

We also used the steam rooms on the 3rd floor, there are 4 of them each containing different scented steams to invigorate or relax you. In addition theres a waterfall style shower in the centre of the area which at times didnt seem to work too well, perhaps the centre still has a few teething problems?

On the lower ground floor is the Minerva bath which is similar to an indoor swimming pool but warmer and more relaxing. My boyfriend and I grabbed a sponge floating support each and let the current in the pool drift us around merrily. If you dont feel up to getting in the pool there are also sun style beds around the edge so you can sit back and watch the action instead.

Next to the Minerva bath is a seperate seating area designed to be a resting place after having a massage or other treatment. There a magazines to read and complimentary herbal teas and water (they encourage you to drink as much water as possible during your stay as the steam and heat can be dehydrating)

The best part of our stay was our treatment, a couples aromatherapy massage. This took place in a small circular shaped treatment room next to the cafe. We were led in, explained how the treatment would work and then left in private to change. We laid on beds next to each other whilst the therapists got to work. The massage lasted an hour and worked all our muscles in our backs, legs and arms. I was left so relaxed at the end I almost fell asleep!

We ended our stay with a light meal in the cafe, a sandwich with salad and orange juice then back to the Minerva bath for a quick final drift around the waters.

We definitey got our moneys worth today, we arrived at 9.30am and left at 3pm having being pampered and looked after. A couple of things which I think could be improved are the position of the showers, they were on the lower ground floor instead of being next to the changing rooms which I found odd. In addition the centre doesnt yet use Chip and Pin, we paid for our meal on the way out and met with some bother as the woman serving us didnt like the way my boyfriend signed the slip.

Other than that the day was perfect and something I would do again and recommend to anyone. The centre is easy to find from the centre of Bath. I have heard though that its closing in the New Year for a short while for some further works so bear this in mind if you're going to book.

Summary: A perfect relaxing day out