If you’re planning a relaxing city break in Bath, the Thermae Bath Spa is a must-visit. It’s the only spa in the UK where you can bathe in natural thermal waters while enjoying panoramic rooftop views of the city. I visited recently with my husband for a much-needed couples’ spa day.

Read on for my honest Thermae Bath Spa review. 

Image Credit: Matt Cardy & Thermae Bath Spa

Thermae Bath Spa Review

Visiting Thermae Bath Spa

Thermae Bath Spa is somewhere I’d wanted to visit for such a long time. I’d seen plenty of photos of the incredible rooftop pool online, and it looked amazing!

We finally arranged childcare at the end of September and treated ourselves to the Thermae Welcome package in the New Royal Bath. The package included a two-hour spa session, luxury robe and slippers for, at first glance, a pricey £37 each.

Since going, I now think that price is totally worth it for a once-in-a-while indulgent treat. I’d misread the website and thought it was a four-hour session, so I was surprised it was only two, but actually that was plenty.

We even left a little early, feeling relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated.

If you eat in the spa restaurant, your timer pauses so you won’t lose any spa time. Unfortunately, the only vegetarian meal available at the time contained alcohol, so we didn’t eat there. That was a shame, as I really wanted to experience eating lunch in a restaurant while wearing a robe and slippers!

Image Credit: Dave Saunders & Thermae Bath Spa

The Minerva Bath

After changing into our robes and slippers, we followed the very white staircases to the Minerva Bath. I wanted to giggle walking up because the whole thing felt quite surreal.

It’s so white everywhere that it feels futuristic — almost like being in a film. As we passed other people in white robes and slippers, I half-expected a sci-fi scene to start! Perhaps this is normal for spa-goers, but the ones I’ve visited before have been on one level, straight from the changing rooms into a pool. This was the first time I’d been to one spread across several floors.

As soon as we entered the water, we were so impressed. It was wonderfully warm! I must have said to Ben ten times, “Why don’t they make all swimming pools this warm?”

Obviously, this is a spa, but I can’t stand when swimming pools are freezing; I spend the whole time covered in goosebumps and come out with blue lips! The temperature at Thermae Bath Spa was so much more satisfying.

The Minerva Bath has a lazy river, which was great fun. You can grab a float, lie back, and let the jets carry you around — super relaxing. We spent a lot of time just drifting around, enjoying the warmth.

Image Credit: Philip Edwards & Thermae Bath Spa 

The Rooftop Pool

Next, we went up to the pool I’d been looking forward to seeing the most - the open-air rooftop pool.

It was fairly busy, but we managed to grab a spot at the side overlooking Bath and the surrounding countryside. It was perfect.

Although it was the end of September and a little chilly outside, the sun was shining and felt warm on our faces. With my eyes closed, I could almost imagine I was abroad on holiday. It was so relaxing that I could have stayed there the entire time and happily paid the £37 just for that pool alone.

It felt like a little escape from everyday life and a much-needed short escape from everyday life from being “Mummy”. It also convinced me that we need a holiday abroad soon - somewhere with a pool that isn’t freezing!

Image Credit: Rob Slade & Thermae Bath Spa

The Aroma Steam Rooms

After Ben convinced me to finally leave the rooftop pool, we tried the Aroma Steam Rooms. These also had a futuristic feel, set inside giant glass pods.

There were four rooms in total, each filled with a different scent. I’m not a huge fan of steam rooms as I always feel like I can’t breathe properly, but I gave each one a go for a few minutes. It’s such a strange sensation not breathing fresh air and instantly starting to sweat!

Still, I do think the sweating does something good for the skin, and the scented vapours make it a more pleasant experience.

When we visited, the scents were Eucalyptus, Lemongrass and Ginger, Sandalwood, and Lotus Flower. My favourite was definitely Lemongrass and Ginger — I could have smelt that all day!

If you love steam rooms, you’ll really enjoy these. I think it’s just something I need to get used to.

Image Credit: Matt Cardy & Thermae Bath Spa

Finishing with the Minerva Bath

Before leaving, we couldn’t resist one more visit to the Minerva Bath for another go on the lazy river. There’s also a powerful jet spray which gives your shoulders and neck an intense massage — it’s brilliant!

My favourite part of the whole spa was definitely the rooftop pool. I felt completely relaxed, with the sunshine warming my face and the views stretching across Bath. For those few moments, I forgot about all the little daily stresses and worries.

I’d love to return again for another session and make it a yearly treat. Next time, I’d like to try the evening package with food (when they have a suitable veggie option for me). I imagine the atmosphere at night, with the lights and steam rising into the sky, would be even more magical.