Written by Madeline Blackburn, Owner of The Soul Spa
Bath, in the UK, has been a centre of wellbeing and healing since ancient times. According to legend, Prince Bladud, a mythical British prince, discovered Bath’s hot springs around 863BC. After contracting leprosy and living in exile as a swineherd, he noticed his pigs’ skin improved after bathing in warm mud. He tried it himself, was miraculously cured, returned to become King and founded Bath as a place of healing.
Later, along came the Celts and worshipped the thermal springs, dedicating them to the goddess Sulis. When the Romans arrived in the 1st century AD, they built the famous Roman Baths, combining local beliefs with their own goddess, Minerva. They created the local goddess, Sulis Minerva. The city remained a spa destination throughout the medieval period and most famously saw a revival in the Georgian era as a fashionable resort, attracting royalty and the wealthy for its health benefits.
Bath continues to punch above its weight with its wide offering of independent and unique spaces supporting health. I wanted to share some of my favourites: the places and people I go to for that all-important self-care.
Results, Body and Mind – Lower Bristol Road
The idea for the Soul Spa came to me whilst in a flotation tank. I always seem to find myself in the creative part of my brain when all other information to the senses ceases and my mind, with nothing left to process, starts to play. I was overjoyed when James opened The Pod at Results, Body and Mind on Lower Bristol Road. I am a regular visitor to the clean, calm space that James has created.
Bath Fit Fam
The health and fitness community in Bath is so friendly and welcoming that there is something for everyone. Nobody epitomises that inclusive attitude more than Andy (Tinner) Watson and the team at Bath Fit Fam. You never need to feel that you would be left behind or shamed in any way with this fabulous bunch.
Toniq – George Street
When Moles closed, we were all very sad, but in stepped Arron and Antonia of Toniq and saved the building whilst creating more brilliant opportunities for us all to look after our health.
Thrive Bath
I must also give a shout-out here to David Gumbleton at Thrive Bath, who has invested in the very best equipment to give us all access to treatments that are almost impossible to come by outside of London. People are finding relief from long COVID symptoms, and he’s even keeping our Rugby players on the pitch by speeding up their healing!
There are many more yoga studios and gyms, as well as individual therapists, that all deserve a mention but I don’t have the space!
On a personal note, I have always felt completely supported by the wellbeing community around me in Bath and I am so grateful to all of them for keeping me going.
Please support the wellness businesses of Bath!
For anyone who would like to try one of the Soul Spa’s signature Guided Relaxation and Sound Baths, we have created a special offer in honour of Global Wellness Day. I you make your booking June, you will receive 50% off using the code BATHBID50. You can book for any time as long as you make the booking in June.