From Roman times to the present day, people have flocked to Bath to bathe in its natural, mineral-rich thermal springs. It’s no surprise then that many of Bath's luxury hotels offer their own alluring spas, with bliss-inducing treatments and pampering facilities.

So whether you’re in need of some serious muscle-soaking, much-needed me-time or a really special treat, restore yourself to full splendidness at one of Bath’s spa hotels.

Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa

Six miles outside Bath, sitting at the end of a tree-lined avenue, is 18th century Palladian mansion, Lucknam Park Hotel. Surrounded by vast swathes of peaceful parkland and manicured lawns (500 acres to be precise), it’s a quintessential rural English paradise for guests seeking peace and pampering.

The handsome spa complex has eight state-of-the-art treatment rooms, plus five thermal cabins, featuring Japanese Salt, Amethyst Room, aromatic steam, and sauna. There’s also indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pools, an ice bar, experience showers, and a stunning 20-metre indoor swimming pool with a roaring fireplace feature spanning its length.

Book a spa package with a meal at their Michelin-star Restaurant Hywel Jones and you’re guaranteed to leave feeling like Lord or Lady of the manor.

Image - Lucknam Park Spa 

The Royal Crescent Hotel

Encompassing two Georgian townhouses on one of Bath’s most magnificent streets, this city centre sanctuary manages to play host to an acre of pristine gardens and a spectacular spa.

Exposed stonework and gothic arch windows wrap around a dreamy indoor heated pool, vitality pool with massage jets, Himalayan salt-infused sauna, and herbal steam inhalation room. There’s also a fitness room and six treatment rooms for some extra special R&R.

After your spa sojourn, indulge in some additional luxury with one of the hotel’s famous afternoon teas.

Image - The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, credit Pete Helme Photography

Spa Village at The Gainsborough Bath Spa

Make like the Romans and tap into Bath’s famous hot springs – The Gainsborough is the only hotel spa in the UK that gives guests access to the city’s natural thermal waters. Inside, the decor has strong Romanesque vibes, harkening back to the city’s historical spa beginnings 2000 years ago.

Three colonnaded thermal pools offer excellent wallowing opportunities and there’s also an ice alcove, saunas, steam room, relaxation terrace, and 11 treatment rooms for ultimate five-star rejuvenation. There's never been a better time to visit, with the Gainsborough recently partnering with innovative Hungarian skincare brand Omorovicza to offer five new mineral-based rituals inspired by the healing properties of thermal waters, from a mud detox or scrub to revitalising facials. 

Image - Gainsborough Bath Spa

Homewood Spa

One of the highlights of this stylish revamped Georgian estate just outside Bath is its peaceful spa. Tranquility pervades within the walled gardens where you’ll find a haven of cossetting – outdoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, indoor hydrotherapy pool, outdoor sauna, steam room, treatment rooms, and a terrace laid out with double day beds and sun loungers. You can also enjoy afternoon tea or a lesiurely lunch in one of their dining domes once you've finished your pampering session.

Image - Homewood Spa, credit Kaleidoscope Hotels

Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel

Take some time out at this sleek spa, set within a grand Georgian mansion hotel and its seven sweeping acres of gardens. Show your skin some love with a candlelit Elemis treatment before hibernating in the cocoon-like thermal suite where an infra red cabin, sauna, salt infusion room, sensations shower, ice room, and aroma steam room await.

Chill out in the outdoor hydrotherapy pool or swim laps in the the heated indoor pool.

Image - Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel

The Garden Spa at The Bath Priory

Overlooking four acres of gardens, the picturesque, ivy-covered Bath Priory has all the charm of an upmarket country house hotel, yet is within walking distance of the city centre.

Home to the only L'Occitane spa in the UK, luxurious treatments here use products from the French beauty giant. Melt away tensions in the relaxation room, sauna, elliptical steam pod, dip your toes in the indoor and outdoor pool (open during summer months), or pop into the L’Occitane shop and nail bar for an instant boost. 

Image - The Garden Spa at The Bath Priory Hotel 

Bowood Hotel & Spa

Blow away the cobwebs at this boutique-style hotel, set in the vast grounds of the Bowood Estate. Home to a smart spa and well-equipped gym, there are a whole host of therapies to treat your limbs to, plus a rock sauna, crystal steam room, and aromatherapy showers.

Once suitably chilled, while away the hours in the large indoor infinity swimming pool, whose glass walls let you gaze over the estate’s golf course to woodland beyond.

Image - Bowood Hotel & Spa

The Spa at No.15 by GuestHouse, Bath

Feel fantastic at The Spa at No.15, a subterranean spa set in the stone vaults of this boutique hotel on one of Bath’s showpiece terraced Georgian streets. The focus is on wellness and mood-boosting treatments with rituals, facials, and classic massages that utilise eco-luxury products. The spa came second in the country in the Best City Spas category at The Good Spa Guide Awards 2024.

Couples who enjoy a bit of shared pampering will love The Copper Room with its huge round copper bath for two, followed by a body scrub and soothing side-by-side massage. There’s also a serene Spa Lounge where you can continue to relax while enjoying some refreshments. 

Image - The Spa at No.15 by GuestHouse, credit GuestHouse Hotels

Montigo Resorts, Somerset

Journey south-west of Bath to the peaceful town of Shepton Mallet, where you'll find Montigo Resorts in the beautifully restored Charlton House. The hotel has drawn inspiration from the natural springs of Bali and the ancient thermae of Bath in the design of its Asian Spa, where you can enjoy a range of ritual treatments, Indonesian wellness therapies, steam rooms, and a hydrotherapy pool. Afterwards, withdraw to the restaurant and take your pick from Montigo's contemporary take on afternoon tea, a Sunday Roast, or a selection of flame-grilled meats served alfresco. Best of all, rooms are available within the hotel's spa complex, meaning that you'll never be too far away from the pool! 

Image: Montigo Resorts, Somerset 

The Newt in Somerset

Nestled among gardens, lakes, woodland and orchards in the stunning Somerset countryside, The Newt has an indoor-outdoor pool next to its extensive gardens, as well as a steam room, sauna and treatment rooms. Make a weekend of it by booking their Great Garden Escape, which includes train travel from London.

Image - The Newt in Somerset

Read more:

• Spa and wellbeing in Bath
• Wellness activities in Bath
•  Spa breaks and special offers