Win a spa package at Thermae Bath Spa

Minerva Bath by Day. Photographer: Dave Saunders

From the time of the Celts, visitors to Bath have enjoyed bathing in the natural thermal spring waters which are supplied to the city via three hot springs. Bathing at the Spa is like bathing in history, there is something magical about immersing yourself in water that fell as rain over 10,000 years ago and I couldn’t wait for my day of pampering and relaxation to get started.

The Thermae Bath Spa building has been sympathetically restored, maintaining the history of the existing Georgian building, whilst incorporating large glass windows and of course Bath Stone.

I was booked in for the Thermae Harmony package and presented with a fluffy towel, robe and slippers I quickly changed and made my way to the open air rooftop pool. Here I lounged with my friend and took in the incredible views across bath, the warm water providing a welcome contrast to the cool spring air. With the sun shining on our faces we floated on our woggles and felt the stresses of the day start to float away.

We then made our way down to the steam rooms, here were four glass pods, each with a different aromatic essence. I often feel claustrophobic in a steam room and have to escape after a few minutes, gasping for air, however the large glass pods combatted this feeling and I was able to relax, lie back and breathe in the scented steam. This was followed by a refreshing blast from the waterfall shower, located in the centre of the room.

Steam rooms. Photographer: Matt Cardy

It was now time for my Watsu treatment. This is a treatment performed in the historic ‘Hot Bath’ and to be honest I was little nervous as I had no idea what to expect. I lay on my back supported by my therapist Jasmine, floats were put on to my legs so that I was suspended in the water. I thought it would take me a while to relax into this position but within seconds I was thoroughly relaxed, gazing up at the blue sky through the domed ceiling.

My body was stretched and guided through a series of movements using shiatsu massage and acupressure techniques, as the warm water supported my body. The treatment lasted for 45 minutes and the time flew by, I really didn’t want the treatment to end! Feeling utterly relaxed, I floated my way back to my friend who was cosied up on a lounger by the Minerva Pool reading her book.

Watsu in the Hot Bath. Photographer: Rob Slade

Once I had regained the ability to speak, we entered the Minerva Bath, the largest of the thermal baths and soaked up the atmosphere in this grand room, full of flowing curves and large columns we allowed ourselves to be carried along the ‘lazy river’.

Finally we headed to the Spring Café Restaurant for a two course meal. The food here certainly didn’t let down the experience. I had Halloumi with a sweet potato mash starter, followed by Royal Bream and Dauphenoise potatoes and a fresh juice of grapes, pineapple and apples. The fact that you are able to use your wrist band to pay for the food as well as open the lockers is great as you don’t have to worry about carrying anything with you and are free to completely relax.

Before we knew it, our time at the spa was over and we left feeling that all our troubles had floated away in the thermal waters and as if we had been on a short mini break, rather than just a day at a spa.

Win a Thermae Harmony Package at Thermae Bath Spa 

The Thermae Harmony (valid Monday to Friday excl Bank Holidays) offers a 4-hour spa session, 2 dishes from the menu, a choice of either Watsu treatment or a Hot Stones Vichy Massage or an Aroma massage and Body Scrub, use of towel, robe and slippers.

To stand a chance to winning, answer the following question:

The Watsu treatment is performed in which one of the thermal baths at Thermae Bath Spa?

To enter: make sure you are signed up to the Bristol24/7 newsletter (sign-in details below) and then email competitions@bristol247.com with your answer, using the subject line ‘Thermae Bath Spa’, your name and contact details. Enter by midday on May 8. Winner to be informed via email shortly after that.

Ts&Cs

1. This prize draw is open to people aged 18 years or over, except employees of Thermae Bath Spa.
2. The prize is valid Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays.
3. The prize is not transferable or extendable in any way. There is no monetary alternative.
4. Thermae Bath Spa Ts&Cs apply.