HOT HOTEL
The Gainsborough Bath Spa
The Gainsborough Bath Spa
When I last visited Bath 15 years ago, I remember thinking it a shame that although we could walk around the beautifully preserved Roman Baths, we could not take a dip in the thermal waters. The arrival of Thermae Bath
Spa in 2006 changed all that, and three years ago, The Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel became the second place to offer access to the thermal springs.
After a three- hour drive from London, my boyfriend and I come face to façade with the Grade II listed Gainsborough Bath Spa’s Georgian pillars and imposing windows. In the lobby, New York- based interior design company Champalimaud Design has skilfully used art deco influences to complement the former 19th- century hospital’s character without over-modernising it.
Our room isn’t ready, so we grab our swimmers and head to the Bath House. In contrast to Thermae Bath Spa, which gets very busy, the spa facilities at The Gainsborough are elegant and intimate, with far fewer guests.
Beneath a four- storey glass atrium flooded with natural light, there are three pools, a steam room, two saunas and an ice alcove. I can’t help but indulge in the spiced hot chocolate available on tap in the baths, that’s made to the same recipe the Georgians enjoyed when they came for a dip.
It’s soon time for my spa treatment. I choose the Magnesium Remineraliser, a 90- minute body scrub, massage and a warm wrap which aims to enhance energy levels, sleep, circulation, metabolism and muscle movement.
Feeling refreshed, I meet my boyfriend in our large room, with its dark furniture offset by the grey decor and the white- linen bed laden with welcoming pillows.
There’s no time to linger, however, as we have a reservation at the hotel’s restaurant, named after its Devon- born chef Dan Moon.
We dine on the six- course tasting menu, which is elegantly presented and paired with wines.
We finish with a lemon mousse accompanied by a Sicilian dessert wine, before retiring to bed and drifting off, my rejuvenated skin feeling as soft as the sheets.
Book direct to enjoy a complimentary bottle of champagne, one 60- minute Bliss massage and 20 per cent off additional spa treatments. thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk