Hotel review: The Gainsborough Bath Spa

For 2,000 years, Bath has been a wellness and leisure destination for those seeking respite. The newest hotel on the block, The Gainsborough Bath Spa, takes this to a whole new level.

Located in the heart of the town that was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Gainsborough is a luxury spot that has the unique selling point that it has a direct link to the mineral-rich waters the area is known for.

I recently had the incredible opportunity to experience this hot property that is the newest member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World in person.

The Gainsborough Bath Spa occupies two historic buildings with distinguished Georgian and Victorian façades. Named after the artist, Thomas Gainsborough, the hotel is designed to be welcoming, elegant, vibrant and social and upon arrival it managed to exceed any expectations…

The hotel:

After nearly a decade in the making, the luxurious Gainsborough Bath Spa has left nothing to chance while keeping with the original design of the building that was once a hospital and an art school.

From the sweeping staircase in the entrance to the stylish Gainsborough Bar, there is no part of this hotel that isn’t as beautiful as it is welcoming – including the wonderfully attentive staff.

The rooms:

High ceilings, muted honey and blue-grey furnishings and one of the most comfortable beds I have ever slept in await you when you are ready to retire.

The large marble bathrooms with in-floor heating and a selection of Asprey toiletries are more decadent that most.

To top off the experience, the Gainsborough offers complimentary mini-bar, so there is no guilt when you really want that bottle of sparkling water of an afternoon to accompany your coffee or tea (made with the coffee machine in your room of course).

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The spa:

Taking the waters was once a cure-all for whatever ailed you, and while medical science has come a long way since then, a long soak in a warm pool is still a nice way to pass the time.

The Spa Village at the Gainsborough goes above and beyond a mere soak – offering up a simply luxurious experience.

Tapping into the original baths, which are fed by natural thermal waters from the aquifer that lies beneath the city - the newly built bathing atrium is so splendid that the Romans would have marvelled at its beauty.

There is even an exact replica of the floor mosaic that was found during construction as you wait near the treatment rooms.

A circuit of the facilities (access is private for guests and those booked for other spa treatments only) is recommended. There are three natural thermal pools of varying temperatures , traditional and infrared saunas, a steam room and a scented ice alcove.

All of this is appealing enough but if you truly want to relax, the Village offers a range of body and skin care treatments that are out of this world in their 11 treatment rooms. Your experience will also start and finish with your own time in the baths themselves.

The restaurant:

Already relaxed? Indulge even further at Johann Lafer at The Gainsborough.

World-renowned chef, Lafer’s 'Dining without Borders' gourmet philosophy is based on using fresh and locally sourced produce to create truly innovative dishes that will please even the fussiest of diners.

I am still dreaming about the soy-glazed pork belly entré…

Breakfast is also served here in the restaurant and you won’t walk away hungry!

Exploring beyond the hotel in Bath:

The public Roman Baths and Bath Abbey are only 100 metres from the hotel for the history buffs to explore. The main shopping strip is just beyond that if you need to get anything or just want to explore the boutiques.

If you walk just a bit further, you will get to the Royal Crescent – A sweep of 30 Grade I-listed houses that was completed in 1774. No 1 is now a museum which recreates 18th-century life.