Let there be no excuse not to treat ourselves in 2026. We deserve it. So, if you’re looking for a good reason to indulge in some ‘you’ time, then Rosanna Spence has the answer. She tried two new packages now available at Thermae Bath Spa, and urges you to do the same.
Some people get all the rubbish tasks at work. Imagine having to spend time away from your desk to try out two new transformative packages at one of the UK’s most unique spa settings? Luckily, I’m a martyr at heart, so bravely accepted the challenge.
Many of us living in the region likely head on an annual or bi-annual pilgrimage to the Thermae Spa to take the waters there, much like our Celtic and Roman ancestors before us, but I can attest to the fact that these two latest spa packages are reasons to visit again ASAP.
The stars under the spotlight are the rather exotic-sounding Lava Shells massage and the Thermae Radiance facial. These are the transformative treatments that form the foundation of your time spent at the spa, and each package includes a two-hour spa session (plus treatment time), meaning you can unwind in the Minerva Bath, steam and sauna in the multi-sensory Wellness Suit and enjoy the iconic vista from the Rooftop Pool.
Your towel and robe are included – pro tip: footwear isn’t provided, so bring your own clean flip flops, Crocs or slippers to pad about in, and a water bottle you can re-fill at the drinking fountains because you’ll need to stay extra hydrated if you’re having a treatment – plus you also get to enjoy a cream tea in the Springs Café with a delicious scone, cream and jam, and a choice of Prosecco, tea or coffee.
Lava Shells (50 minutes)
Thermae uses silky smooth glazed ceramic shells, as this style of massage has grown in worldwide popularity in recent years and sourcing the natural tiger clam shells originally used in this treatment has become a concern over its sustainability.
These alternative shells are hollow – their centres filled with warm water and a ‘charger’ mix of magnesium, iron and lavender scent (the ‘lava’) before being expertly worked across the body.
The temperature of the shells can be tweaked to your preference – mine felt a little hot on my skin to begin with, so my therapist Karolina swiftly adjusted the warmth accordingly. She then continued to gently check in with pressure and temperature throughout the treatment so I was as comfortable as possible while she used the shells and her hands to work my feet, legs, hands, arms, back, neck and shoulders.
The contours of the shells are an ideal ergonomic fit to the human body: the ridge, ‘nose’ and ‘back’ of the shell all have different uses, provide different sensations, and can soothe and work into areas of tension – they’re ideal to apply very targeted pressure and movements in any niggly bits. Typing at a desk for eight hours a day means daily ‘cold war’-esque tension builds between my shoulders, and I could feel it literally melting away under the relieving heat.
This massage is for anyone looking for a different experience with the benefits of new sensations, and for those who love to use heat to unwind – it’s an essential addition to any sauna and bathing routine.
Thermae Radiance (85 minutes)
To call this a facial is – in my opinion – criminally underselling the treatment. What unfolded over the next 85 minutes was nothing short of an otherworldly transformation.
It began with a friendly skin consultation. My therapist Karolina asked about my skin type, of course, but the Thermae approach centres on using keywords to describe how you want to feel and look afterwards. Rejuvenated? Radiant? Younger, even? I chose ‘hydrated’, because winter has left my skin parched and uneven.
Within minutes, though, Karolina gently dismantled the belief I’d clung to for some time that I had combination-sensitive skin. In reality, I have very dry skin that’s also sensitive. As someone who has kept my routine minimal out of fear of flare-ups, this was liberating. I left with a far clearer understanding of what my skin actually needs.
The treatment itself unfolded in layers: gentle cleansing and toning, followed by two very different masks. The first incorporated LED technology offering a choice of seven types of light, each targeting different concerns, enhanced further by infrared therapy.
Later came a peel-off mask that set while Karolina delivered a spine-tingling scalp massage. Between and after these stages were rich oils, serums, moisturisers, and a full facial massage with extra attention to the jawline, where so many of us hold tension.
A hand and arm massage is included, plus some neck and shoulder work thrown in for good measure.
It’s no exaggeration: I looked like a different person in the mirror by the end – my skin’s texture had softened, I was beaming and my usual redness was soothed. Plus I was equipped with advice from Karolina to keep up the good work.
There are several health considerations to review before booking an LED facial. And if you struggle with claustrophobia, this may not be the right fit. Nearly two hours of cocooning between warm towels, eye patches and masks felt deeply comforting to me, but could feel confining to someone else. Don’t let this take away from the sheer luxury, though.
At several points, I realised I had drifted into a hazy waking dream, meaning I had to concentrate to stay alert enough to remember each detail so I could share it here. I suspect many people happily drift off completely. I certainly will next time.
For full details on each spa package, including when they are available, the latest prices, and who the treatments are not suitable for, visit the website thermaebathspa.com or call the friendly bookings team on 01225 331 234. Minimum age 18 years for both packages.