[26/03/2009] The author rated this spa as 4 bubbles and it means it is great. This is the "only place" in UK with "natural hot springs". The spa waters are "so hot" that they have to be cooled before people can bathe in them.
The Cross Bath is separate and is the spring source, worshipped by the Celts from 500BC. The building is "small" and "open to the sky". The walls are tall and make it a "quiet and secret place" with"stillness and quiet".
The New Royal Bath is in the main building where "ancient and modern meet" in "glass cube" designs. The "Minerva pool" is "reasonable" in size but striking with "four huge pillars" which support the ceilings like the "branches of huge trees". Each pillar carries on to the next floor up to create "amazing circular glass steam rooms". In the centre of the steam rooms is a "huge water-and-light installation" for a few people to shower at the same time.
The "rooftop pool" is the "most dramatic innovation" which allows visitors to look across the city and the hills while swimming. The water is "wonderfully warm" and "silky smooth". You can sit on the "bubble seats" or the pool is "wide" and "deep" enough to swim in.
There are 20 "spacious and well equipped" treatment rooms which offer "a wide range of treatments".
The author had the "Watsu" treatment which is water-based exercise, flotation and massage in a "rather wonderful original small pool". The treatment was "amazing" and the author felt like she had "acupuncture" when the therapist pressed the "acupressure points".
The post-treatment "relaxation area" is "long", "narrow" and "very peaceful". The author relaxed on the "well-cushioned wooden steamer chairs" and there is supplied of blankets, magazines, water and herbal tea.
Overall it was a "real bargain" with the only downside the "small and dark" changing area.
This review is an interpretation of the above mentioned author
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