Serene and free
OLIVIA SCULL takes at look at everything available for the upcoming Wellness Weekend in the city
Over the last year there has been a focus shift on to the concept of wellbeing and self care. With the world feeling stressful and overwhelming for the last 18 months, many people took to taking time for themselves as a form of therapy.
Whether your chosen form of self care is a few hours with a good book, a chat on the phone with friends or an evening of pampering, it is vital now more than ever to look after your mental and emotional wellbeing.
The city of Bath has recognised this growing need over the course of the pandemic, and in reaction is gearing up for a weekend of wellness events for World Wellness Weekend on Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19.
The weekend will bring together several of the city’s spa and wellness businesses which have organised a range of free or great value events for residents and visitors to enjoy.
World Wellness Weekend engages with towns and cities around the world to inspire and encourage people to make healthier choices and enjoy an active lifestyle with family and friends.
A range of wellness businesses across the city in fitness, spa, tourism and hospitality are opening their doors to the community.
At the Thermae Bath Spa you can explore mind, body and soul with expert teachers including Bex Bridgford, Lana King, Amy Williams and Lucy Stone, for a day of mindfulness, wellbeing and a Thermae Welcome - a two-hour spa session with use of towel, robe and flip flops.
Enjoy holistic Aquasana sessions in the rooftop pool, complimentary juice and wellness talks in the Cross Bath along with, yoga, meditation and movement sessions in The Chapel at the Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel. Passes are £15 per person for a half-day retreat and £20 for a full day retreat.
The Soul Spa in Hetling Court has organised a jam-packed programme of free taster events and workshops in support of local charity Bath Mind. Book ahead of time to be sure of a spot for drop-in sessions with specialist practitioners in a range of activities, including: hand reflexology, healing sessions, spirit readings, calming techniques for children and teenagers, a talk on Feng Shui, a Zyto personal wellness scan, mindful meditation, yoga, family guided relaxation and sound bath, reiki healing, an introduction to Tarot reading and Thai massage. A contribution to Bath Mind is asked for in return for attending the free sessions.
In addition to this, the
YMCA will host a one-hour free restorative yoga session on Saturday, September 18 at 10:45am with one of their practitioners, followed by free access to the gym facilities.
Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel is hosting an alfresco yoga and pilates taster session on its front lawn.
Bath Spa Hotel can be found nestled among seven acres of stunning private gardens featuring fountains, ponds and a grotto in the very heart of the historic city of Bath. This beautiful Georgian hotel provides an oasis of relaxation and tranquility. Members of the leisure club and guests of the hotel are welcome to take a leisurely swim in the indoor pool, sweat it out in the gym, unwind in the relaxation room, and breathe in the fresh air of the outdoor hydro pool.
Available at an additional cost, the hotel also has a spa providing luxurious Elemis treatments.
The event takes place between noon and 1pm on Sunday, September 19 and is weather dependant. Spaces are limited.