I love it when I find a great hotel in the UK and I sure have found one Luxe readers will love. The Gainsborough Bath Spa has just opened its doors and is the first and only hotel in the UK to offer visitors an onsite natural thermal spa.
It means you can dive in to Bath’s famed natural thermal waters in an incredible spa. It’s a modern-day take on the Roman Bath Circuit in real natural thermal waters, combined with brand new world-class gourmet experiences for the city.
In a city so beloved of Jane Austen, I just know she would have loved this incarnation of ‘taking the waters’.
Spa Village Bath
For centuries, the city of Bath has been the go-to destination for people to take restorative spa waters.
Now the hotel has made it possible for everyone to be able to check-in, pop on robe and slippers then retreat into the health-giving thermal pools.
The hotel’s private water reserve bubbles to the surface at 47 degrees centigrade, packed full of rich natural minerals, for the guests to reap the benefits.
Reviving the ancient practice of social bathing, The Gainsborough Bath Spa has created a one-hour ‘Bath Circuit’. This is a ritualised, self-guided tour of the thermal pools, saunas, steam room, ice alcove and elegant relaxation rooms. Visitors will embark on a bathing journey akin to ancient Rome, concluding with a very special Water Ritual Ceremony. Three thermal pools lie in the heart of the spa set apart by Romanesque columns and beneath a glass atrium. It is truly fabulous.
Each hotel guest has complimentary access to the spa. I enjoyed a 90-minute Magnesium Wrap. Magnesium is an important mineral, best absorbed through the skin, responsible for promoting energy levels, sleep, circulation, metabolism and muscle movement. This relaxing therapeutic treatment helps to replenish commonly deficient levels. Body tissues relax and pores take in the vital minerals from the products. The treatment included a body scrub, massage and wrap; I was truly glowing!
Enjoy a little fun and be creative at the Aroma Bar where you can play with a plethora of lotions and potions to blend a bespoke product.
The Spa works with the lovely organic brand Neal’s Yard and there’s also spa suite for couples.
Cool Design
The 99-room hotel has been designed by a New York-based design firm Champalimaud Design, to pay homage to the building’s fascinating history and Georgian characteristics in creating a modern interpretation of a classic design. All very Jaune Austen!
The design of each guest room is bespoke with details such as delicious two poster beds and playful toile antimacassars depicting traditional Bath scenes, to the marble bathrooms, luxurious burl wood in-laid wardrobes and dramatic draperies that frame the tall windows.
The rooms are flooded by natural light and promise to charm guests with the sumptuous furnishings and warm ambience.
Eating
The Gainsborough Bath Spa partners with world-renowned Austrian chef, Johann Lafer, as he lends his name to the hotel’s restaurant Johann Lafer, one of the country’s most celebrated Michelin-starred chefs. English products with the very best of Asian flavours to create innovative dishes. You won’t be disappointed – great food.
Chequers, a top gastro pub is a 15-minute stroll from the hotel, great for dinner with a lovely atmosphere. There is also the nearby Pump House which does great lunches.
Location
The Gainsborough Bath Spa is, as you might expect, in the centre of the ancient Roman city of Bath on Beau Street, minutes away from the city’s shopping and restaurant districts, the Theatre Royal and historical Roman Baths and directly opposite the Thermae Bath Spa.
A five-minute walk from the Bath Spa train station, this new spa hotel is accessible by car but if you’re travelling by train, get to King’s Cross then it’s a one hour and 20 minute train journey from London Paddington to Bath Spa.
Enjoy.
Nightly rates at The Gainsborough Bath Spa start from £285 on a room-only basis | thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk
