The macdonald bath spa hotel

STAR TURN

Five-star treatment is the order of the day at the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel.  Sasha Lill explores its improved spa.

The Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath's quintessentially English five-star hotel, confirmed its place among the finest hotels in Britain when it re-launched in 2007 following a 22-month, £10m refurbishment.

The splendid Georgian mansion, complete with improved spa, is set in seven acres of landscaped gardens stretching down towards the Kennet and Avon Canal and has stunning views over the historic city, a 10-minute walk away.

Spread over two-floors, the £3.5m spa took 18 months to construct and has something for everyone. There is an air-conditioned gym for the active, while the spa is dedicated to providing serenity and harmony for body and mind. Open to hotel guests and non-residents it also attracts an external membership with an average age of 55-65 and a 50:50 male/female ratio.

contemporary look

Its look is contemporary, with natural influences such as dimmed lighting and candles in the treatment rooms to aid relaxation. The walls are local Bath stone, in keeping with the original Georgian mansion and off-set with cool shades of green.

The flooring varies throughout - laminate wood in the treatment area and hair salon; carpet in the gym; mosaic tiles in the thermal suite; and stone paving everywhere else.

Before and after treatment, guests can enjoy soothing music and herbal teas while relaxing in leather loungers in the relaxation lounge, surrounded by fragrant aromatherapy candles.

The fitness club is home to a suite of facilities, including a stunning 15m heated indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, and an outdoor hydrotherapy pool with sun terrace, which is surrounded by a fragrant lavender garden.

thermal suite

Within the thermal suite, guests can unwind in a variety of steam rooms, including the rock sauna, infrared cabin, salt infusion room, or the aroma steam room. There is also an invigorating ice room, as well as refreshing feature showers throughout.

The five treatment rooms (with potential for two more) include a large room for couples or disabled guests, and a dedicated Jessana manicure and pedicure room. All are equipped to the highest standards with sinks and motorised couches; three of the rooms have shower facilities.

 

signature treatments

Spa director Kai Adair and his team of eight therapists offer a wide-range of treatments, as well as complementary and holistic therapies, and a selection of signature treatments created exclusively for the spa by skincare house Babor. These combine the best of Bath's spa traditions with the hotel's Scottish heritage, including Highland Healing, Nourishing Milk Experience, Gold Elixir and Sea Infinity treatments.