Housed within the magnificent Georgian mansion of The Gainsborough Bath Spa, Spa Village Bath is the country’s only hotel spa with direct access to the natural, mineral-rich thermal waters of Bath. In this serene haven spread across 1,300sqm over two floors, guests can relive the ancient Roman tradition of bathing and enjoy signature treatments.
Housed within the magnificent Georgian mansion of The Gainsborough Bath Spa, Spa Village Bath is the country’s only hotel spa with direct access to the natural, mineral-rich thermal waters of Bath. In this serene haven spread across 1,300sqm over two floors, guests can relive the ancient Roman tradition of bathing and enjoy signature treatments.
The Deal: Still suffering from jet lag and fatigue, I’m delighted to be booked in for the Magnesium Wrap, a 90-minute treatment that promises relaxation and revitalisation. A vital mineral for our bodies, magnesium is known to promote energy levels, circulation and metabolism, while a deficit can result in poor sleep, muscle cramps and pain. The therapeutic treatment, inclusive of a body scrub, massage and wrap, helps replenish deficient levels using products by Kerstin Florian.
The Lowdown: The journey begins about an hour before the actual treatment takes place, as I’ve been recommended to arrive early to enjoy a thermal water journey. After receiving my personalised aromatherapy sachet – a small pouch of salts and essential oils to be used in the heat rooms later – at the Aroma Bar, I’m ushered into the Bath House where a range of wet facilities awaits. Like the Romans experienced in their glory days, Spa Village Bath has designed a sequential temperature bathing circuit, which recommends guests to alternate steam and saunas, as well as warm pools with cold showers and an ice alcove.
There are also refreshments to keep you hydrated, including shots of chilli chocolate, said to be a Georgian tradition. When it’s time for the treatment, I’m led to the relaxation chamber, and my therapist Kabir greets me with a kind smile. We begin with a contemplative ritual; listening to the quiet sounds of the thermal water running from a small fountain, I close my eyes and think of the worries that have been irking me. A moment later, I carve the words onto a wooden board and put it aside as a gesture of letting go.
Feeling calm I follow Kabir to the treatment room. I notice there’s no shower or bathtub in the room, but he explains that we’ll use a spray and towel today so I won’t have to leave the treatment bed after the scrub. He chooses Kerstin Florian’s Turkish Body Scrub for me, followed by a gentle massage using the Revitalizing Bath & Body Oil, which has the pleasant scents of lavender, juniper and rosemary to invigorate the senses. My skin is well prepped and my body relaxed when more products rich in essential minerals are applied during the wrap. While my skin soaks up the goods, Kabir gives me a scalp massage so soothing I soon find myself dozing off.
The Benefits: Immediately after the treatment I felt light and sleepy – but not tired. It was a wonderful feeling of not having a care in the world that one seldom experiences at this time and age. As I sipped tea lounging in the relaxation area, I noticed newfound suppleness in my skin. One prominent improvement was that my once dry and cracked heels were now smooth and soft to the touch.
The Verdict: The Magnesium Wrap is a nourishing treat for anyone looking to restore balance and de-stress. As for the spa itself, the attention to detail is remarkable (I was thankful to skip the often awkward and messy trip to the shower post-scrub), and I can tell a lot of thought has gone into the design of the spa and its treatments to reflect the history and culture of the region. Book one of the three Spa Suites to enjoy the healing waters in the privacy of your own room with unlimited spa access. www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk
