The Baths of Bath: discovering an exceptional historical thermal site
The Baths of Bath are the only thermal springs in Great Britain and are a highly sought-after destination for thermal tourism enthusiasts, as they still maintain their ancient splendor to this day. Discovered by a Celtic king, built during the Roman Empire, frequented by the Royal Family, and not far from Jane Austen's hometown, the Roman Baths of Bath were also a place of convalescence for soldiers during World War I.
Today, they are a precious destination in the wellness industry because they perfectly combine archaeological charm with a thermal experience.
Let's explore this fascinating thermal destination together.
The history of the baths of Bath
The name "Bath" in Italian means "bath," and it is no coincidence that it is the name of this natural thermal location: a remarkable historical place whose history intertwines with legend, reminding us that the healing properties of the warm thermal waters and the benefits of thermalism are ancient discoveries.
The origins of the baths of Bath
We are around the 9th century BC, and the legend tells that the Celtic king Bladud miraculously healed from leprosy by bathing in the muddy waters of the springs, which were dedicated to the goddess Sul and became the first nucleus of the city of Bath.
During the Imperial era, the Romans arrived and, being great enthusiasts and connoisseurs of thermal waters, built a settlement there, which they called Aquae Sulis. The construction of the actual baths began in 75 AD, during the reign of Emperor Vespasian.
Aquae Sulis became a renowned healing center throughout continental Europe. However, after the Romans withdrew from Britain, the site was left abandoned, and the structures fell into ruin and were flooded. Nevertheless, the restorative and healing properties of its waters continued to be passed down, experimented with, and utilized.
Since then, Bath has always been a renowned spa city, and the Baths, continuously renovated and expanded, experienced their heyday in the 18th and 19th centuries when they were frequented by the British high society, including the Royal Family. At the same time, new structures were built to accommodate all those who wanted to visit Bath for leisure and healing treatments, and the city quickly became elegant and fashionable.
From the 1900s to today
Subsequently, during World War I, a large number of wounded soldiers were transferred to Bath for convalescence and rehabilitation. After a decline following World War II and final closure in the mid-70s, the Roman Baths of Bath saw the light again in 2006, reopened under the name Thermae Bath Spa. A new and fantastic facility brought back the splendour of Aquae Sulis to Bath, rising from the magnificence of the Roman-era baths. It remains one of the most beautiful and visited attractions in Bath, as well as one of the best-preserved Roman archaeological sites in the world.
Its highlight is undoubtedly the rooftop outdoor pool, from where visitors can admire the city's panorama from above while immersed in the warm thermal waters.
The water of the baths of Bath
Every day, 1.17 million litres of hot water flow into the Baths of Bath, gushing from the ground at a temperature of 46°C (115°F). Thanks to a series of underground tunnels made of porous material, this rainwater from the nearby Mendip Hills travels to a depth ranging from 2,700 to 4,300 meters (8,858 to 14,107 feet), where it reaches a temperature between 69°C and 96°C (156°F and 205°F) due to geothermal energy.
Wellness sector: the offer of the baths of Bath
Saunas, massage areas and a café-restaurant characterize the structure today, an ideal location also for meetings and ceremonies. As a popular destination and exploited by the wellness sector, Bath offers various treatments. Among those offered, the Timeless Thermae package stands out, a complete ritual lasting about four hours, a journey to discover true thermalism. In fact, the term thermalism is defined as the set of thermal water-based practices that provide medical benefits.
Today, however, this term has a wider meaning: thermalism does not only concern specific problems, such as joint and respiratory disorders, but the search for more complete well-being, which involves both the body and the mind through sensory rituals. After experiencing mud, hot stones, emotional showers and steam baths, the Timeless Thermae package allows you to choose between an aromatherapy massage, a personalized facial treatment or a bamboo massage. Finally, a light two-course meal and a non-alcoholic drink in the internal restaurant complete the experience in the brand-new and at the same time timeless Thermae Bath Spa.
The perfect Skincare for your trip to Bath
If you are planning a trip to Bath, it's essential to consider the health of your skin because the city's characteristic humidity often leads to excessive sweating, which can result in impurities and a dull complexion. Therefore, it is advisable to use products that aim to restore proper skin hydration, rebalance it, and purify it.
For this reason, Il Tempio della Salute has identified a series of perfect products for your journey, consisting of thermal cosmetics based on salt-bromine-iodine water.
Facial cosmetics for your journey
To ensure that the weather doesn't hinder your enjoyment of your trip to Bath, take care of your skin with our selection of facial products:
- Décomposée facial cream: lightweight and moisturizing, it also protects your face from UV rays, making it perfect for daily walks through the city streets.
- Nocturna night cream: a repairing and compensating product that soothes, moisturizes, and reduces skin redness after an intense day.
For a more complete skincare routine, you can also add the mini-size version of Vanitas cleansing milk to your suitcase, to keep your skin perfectly cleansed and purified, along with the Ra mask, which intensely nourishes the skin, counteracting water loss through evaporation, TEWL, for deeply hydrated and radiant skin.
Body cosmetics for your journey to Bath
During your trip, it's not only your face that needs care and attention, but your body too. Treat yourself to a spa-like experience in Bath with our beauty routines: Body Plus Routine and Body Routine Reducing.
The Body Plus Routine gives you renewed skin and a pleasant sensation of instant freshness. The routine includes:
- Renova exfoliating scrub bath: this product gently cleanses and exfoliates the skin, helping it regain its natural radiance. Additionally, it activates the skin's superficial microcirculation, making it immediately more even, firm, luminous, and receptive.
- Lactea moisturizing thermal milk: with its fluid and lightweight formulation, this milk is particularly suitable for hydrating the skin gently after cleansing, nourishing it deeply without weighing it down. It also provides a pleasant sensation of freshness while acting as an excellent emollient, toner, and antioxidant.
On the other hand, the Body Routine Reducing aims to maximize the effectiveness of thermal treatments. It consists of two products: the Renova scrub and the thermoactive cream Termogea, which offers a gentle draining, slimming, absorbent, and purifying action. This cream has a similar effect to thermal mud, targeting adipose tissues and microcirculation. Moreover, it stimulates the elimination of waste and excess fluids.
From the Roman Baths of Bath to Thermal Cosmetics
In the world of thermalism, the Baths of Bath have stood as a fortress of well-being for thousands of years. And today, as we have seen, thermalism still strongly influences the wellness industry. But is it possible to experience thermal benefits in everyday life, perhaps within the walls of our own homes?
The benefits of thermal experiences have a deeply rooted history spanning millennia, but what is less known is that thermal water can become an essential ingredient in home cosmetics, allowing one to enjoy the thermal experience without leaving home, taking a flight, or crossing the English Channel.
With our face and body products, the beneficial properties of thermal water can be directly experienced in the comfort of one's own bathroom… or even in a hotel!
Indeed, Il Tempio della Salute is the first cosmetics brand that has made Fossil Thermal Water an indispensable ingredient in its formulations, thus bringing together all the beneficial and healing properties of thermalism in cosmetic products for the face and body.
These are innovative and functional formulations that combine the Fossil Salsobromoiodic Thermal Water from Salsomaggiore with carefully selected precious active ingredients. They also stand out for their incredible sensory activation and their synergy with each other, allowing the creation of true thermal wellness experiences in the bathroom at home.
With the products of Il Tempio della Salute, the daily beauty and wellness routine becomes a ritual, captivating the senses and transforming into a moment of pleasant self-dedication.
