A spa virgin, having little more than a facial in my entire lifetime, I review my first experience of a real grown-up pamper day.
A 30th birthday weekend break often involves some trademark activities. Lots of food, drinking, shopping and probably some beauty therapy time. So when my friend invited me along to her birthday weekend, and chucked the word spa in for good measure, I was more than excited for some adult indulgence.
For our chosen day of relaxation - a therapeutic morning after the night before - we chose to visit the Thermae Bath Spa, renowned for it's treatments and fabulous facilities.
Facilities
✌ ✌ ✌ ✌ ✌
Clean, well-organised, complimentary tea, a relaxation room - with fashion magazines. That's before we even think about the four different-scented steam rooms, heated indoor pool with mini-rapids and the heated outdoor pool with the jaw-dropping view over Bath.
Now I really cannot testify to how amazing the rooftop pool was. I wish I'd been able to snapchat the moment we stepped out of the lift and into the glorious sunshine beaming off the steaming-hot pool. It was like something out of a James Bond film, only with middle-aged women and couples as extras.
The steam rooms were really a lovely cathartic experience. And the pools had water reminiscent of the Indian ocean. With showers - hot and cold - and water fountains abundant, it would have been difficult to feel any discomfort.
Staff
✌ ✌ ✌ ✌
Smiley, soft-spoken and calm. But when my beauty therapist appeared from nowhere and looked like she'd just taken early retirement from the marines I became just a little more tense. Further justified when your friend later whispers to you: "I'm glad she wasn't mine". And with questions about how you're feeling, how well you're sleeping and how emotionally stressed you are, the beauty therapy questionnaire began to feel like actual therapy.
Ultimately though, they were great. Top marks for not forcing small talk.
✌ ✌ ✌ ✌
We invested our bodies in the 'Treat' package: a back massage followed by a facial. The back massage was, at points, uncomfortable but ultimately a resurrectory experience. A few cracks and some knots popped straight out of my shoulders - it's like I've never slept on a floor or forgot to stretch. The facial, on the other hand, was so relaxing it sent me to sleep.
Points deducted for price only, but when you're working a student budget and living a Bradshaw lifestyle, anything that costs more than free is a sacrifice.
Bonus points for fresh, dry robes post-treatment.
Overall score:
✌ ✌ ✌ ✌ ✌
Now, I can't testify to the food or drink, but I can say that a glass of champagne would have just been the icing on the cherry on top of what was a really perfect visit.
It's hard to hate mondays when you're sitting in a jacuzzi pool, in the glorious sunshine with two of your best friends.
Treatments undertaken: May 2015 at www.thermaebathspa.com
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