The arrival of January after the Christmas excess is littered with good intentions that feel self-punishing and it can be a bleak time for many. But self-care doesn’t need to feel taxing and most importantly doesn’t need to end in a blaze of hedonism undoing all your good work come the 1st of February.
Take a visit to the beautiful city of Bath for a more wholesome slice of escapism. Without doubt the Victorians were on to something with their healing retreats to Bath to ‘take the waters’ as it were. This ideology has been seamlessly evolved by Visit Bath’s carefully curated Feel-Good programme, which runs from the 1st-10th February, a celebration of health and wellbeing with many offers and special events to be enjoyed throughout the city. Treat yourself to a break, escape to this historic and charming town and return to real life rested and rejuvenated.
Of course no trip would be complete without a trip to the city’s namesake, the Ancient Roman Baths. Beautifully preserved and further brought to life by the adjoining museum rooms. Be sure to take advantage of the complimentary audio tour and look out for the hilarious extras from Bill Bryson. Laughter is after all the best medicine. For an extra special experience take a visit at dusk, to see the rising steams highlighted by firelight.
Once you have paid your respects to the town’s ancient history, head down the street to the modern day incarnation by visiting the Thermae spa. Beat the winter chill in the warm mineral enriched natural waters in the open air rooftop pool, the perfect spot to take in the city from above.
Further indulge yourself in the multi-sensory wellness suite, visiting the steam, infrared, ice chamber and celestial relaxation room in turn and emerge fully restored. A fantastic choice all year round, but the Feel-Good programme sees some very special goings on, from free Aquasana classes, live music and expert talks, see the full itinerary here.
www.thermaebathspa.com/news-info/thermae-news/news/feelgood-february-in-bath-2019
A pool with a view, Thermae Bath Spa
When it comes to resting your head, check into the perfectly situated No 15. Great Pulteney Street, hidden behind its classical Georgian facade is a cosy eclectic boutique hotel over flowing with eccentric curiosities. Leave no corner unexplored for fear of missing an intriguing piece, the space is a true a feast for the eyes.
Great believers in breakfast being the most important meal of the day, the hotels Café 15 is an apothecary styled space resplendent with copper piece highlights and a menu that somehow has manages not to be out shined by its unusual setting.
British eccentricity at its best at No. 15 Great Pulteney Street.
The 40 bedrooms available at No 15. Great Pulteney Street range from showstopping suites to cosy loft rooms complete with bespoke wall murals, speak to the team for their recommendations as to best suit your visit.
Should you be keeping unsociable hours the 24 hour concierge is always on hand or you can help yourself to the complimentary larder in the main house, the rocky road from which makes for the perfect midnight snack.
If you are not all spa-ed out, make time in your schedule to visit their intimate spa with its exposed stone vaults and divine treatments from Natura Bissé.
Room start at £149 on a bed and breakfast basis, no15greatpulteney.co.uk
As a small compact city Bath is easily navigated on foot, great for anyone watching their step count or wanderers looking to stumble across hidden gems of independent shops and restaurants, of which there is an abundance. Should you have a special occasion to celebrate and you are looking for the grandeur to go with it, pay a visit to the atmospheric Koffman and Mr White’s restaurant in the historic Abbey Hotel.
As part of the Feel-Good February schedule Wild Swim Bike Run will be offering a 10% discount for guided cycling and walking tours, a fantastic way to make sure you don’t miss any of the city’s charm. If you are more comfortable watching other people sweat you can pay a visit to Bath University to see the BNP Paribas Women’s Tennis cup, taking place 7th-9th February at Bath University.
Not content to just spoil the body, you can attempt to clear away the winter cobwebs by exploring some of the cities many museums. Be it perusing the Turners on display at the Victoria Art Gallery, stargazing at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy or immersing yourself in a time gone by at The Jane Austen centre, there is something for everyone. Worth a special mention is the Fashion Museum, which through its unique and extensive collection serves as a walk through history with its countless iconic pieces.
fashionmuseum.co.uk
Step back in time at the Fashion Museum Bath
Self-care comes in so many forms, but rest assured with the sheer variety of what this enriched city has to offer, you will be able to find something to suit. Be it to bolster your resolutions or simply an uplifting escape from it all. And if that’s not enough, you can also take comfort in the fact your visit is doing good to the community.
The Feel-Good campaign supports the local mental health charities ‘Bath Mind’ and ‘Time to Talk Day’ charities that do such vital work.
For the full programme of events go to visitbath.co.uk/feel-good
Travel to Bath from London Paddington in 90 minutes with Great Western Railway. To plan your journey and book tickets go to gwr.com
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