A thermal soak and a massage, ahh, the antidote to city life and the perfect London getaway for a spa day in Bath, England.  It’s the city that’s been soothing achy joints and restless spirits for more than 2,000 years.  I return time and again not just for the charm afforded by the UNESCO World Heritage city but for the restorative powers offered by the Thermae Bath Spa (Hot Bath Street, Bath, England).

The bath complex has just undergone a major facelift to its five buildings, most notably in the new Wellness Suite.  Gone are the chroma/aroma therapy steam pods which I adored. The replacements are a variety of new steam, shower and ice rooms that have most visitors walking around dazed and confused.  The steam creates such a cloud between rooms that it’s often difficult to see where you’re going, leaving spa guests to bump  into each other and not truly relax.

I enjoyed a soak in the mineral rich rooftop pool.  Although crowded, everyone hugged their own pool noodle and respected each other’s space.  The pool is filled by the natural Bath spring waters, containing over 42 minerals with high concentrations of calcium, chloride and sulphate.  They add just enough chlorine to make it pass the health inspectors.  Good to know!  I moved from the roof into the Minerva Bath with its lazy river.  You literally go with the flow as the artificial current gently lulls you along the perimeter.

Thermae Bath Spa offers a wide variety of massages and treatments from vichy showers and body wraps to massages and facials but when you need a true London spa getaway to relax, there is nothing that is better than a signature Watsu treatment (£65 for 50 min.).  Part massage, part body manipulation and part out of body experience in the privacy of the historic Hot Bath.  My therapist, Adriana, masterfully incorporated elements of shiatsu, acupressure and stretching techniques, morphing me into an amoeba so that my body seemed to float above reality.  It’s a sensation so difficult to put into words.  Suffice to say that it’s so supremely enjoyable that it makes it difficult for this spa junkie to sample any other treatment when at the Thermae Bath Spa.  Yet, the new signature treatment, the Roman Trilogy (£98 for 85 min.), just might have me returning sooner rather than later.

You can end your day by grabbing a bite to eat at the light and airy Spring Cafe, although we noticed the later in the day, the more limited the availability of certain menu items.  The food was good and it was a pleasant way to relax for 30-40 minutes before grabbing a train back to London.

Thermae Bath Spa carries a full line of products by  Aromatherapy Associates in its gift shop.  If you like a particular item used in your treatment, you can pick it up in the gift shop on your way out.

TOURIST TIPS:  Spa guests can enjoy special offers such as the Twilight Package (M – F/4-9pm) which includes a three hour spa session, inclusive of towel, slippers & robe and a light meal and drink in the Springs Restaurant (£47 for one or £88 for two) or the Sunday Taster (Sundays 10a-9p) which includes all of the Twilight Package elements (£48 for one or £90 for two).  If you’d rather just enjoy the spa, the £35 regular admission includes a two hour spa session, towel, robe & slippers.  The all-inclusive pricing is much better for day spa guests who no longer need to schlep stuff on the bus or train for their London spa escape.

GETTING THERE:  Trains leave every half hour from London Paddington.  The 90 minute ride leaves you in the center of Bath and Thermae Bath Spa is a short 10 minute walk from the station.  Buy your train tickets in advance online and you can save as much as 50% over tickets purchased at the station.

Our London travel specialist can help plan your London getaway to Bath Spa or any other dream journey