Baths

In the wise words of Sylvia Plath, "There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won’t cure, but I don’t know many of them." In Europe and Japan, bathing is widely accepted as a therapeutic activity. Even the Ancient Romans recognised the importance of a nice soak, and enjoyed bathing and socialise, often at the same time.

A spa bath usually takes place in a private room. It can be just for you but if you’re feeling romantic, bring your partner along. Your therapist will infuse the water with wonderful ingredients, as well as enhance the mood with scented candles. It takes your bathing experience to a whole new level. Remember to take your time: allowing yourself to enjoy this ritual is what makes this experience truly magical.

Here are some of our favourite baths:

Aromatherapy Baths

Scent is one of our most powerful senses. It is highly evocative and personal; a certain smell can trigger a strong emotional and psychological feeling. This is why aromatherapy baths have physical and emotional benefits. Your spa therapist will infuse your bath water with your chosen blend of essential oils. The warm temperature of the bath activates the oils and releases a soothing vapour. This permeates your skin and your respiratory system for a fully immersive experience.

Different essential oils have different benefits. If you have difficulty sleeping, choose a blend with chamomile and lavender for their relaxing properties. (Although please do not to fall asleep in the tub!) Eucalyptus is a powerful scent that has antibacterial properties. If you have a cold, this will help clear your nasal passages. Ylang-ylang is another popular choice. It’s calming and romantic – perfect for a couples bath.

Ayurvedic Baths

Bathing is an important part of ayurvedic treatment. Your ayurvedic bath will usually be preceded by a full-body warm oil massage to relax your muscles. Then you will soak in a luxuriant bath featuring rose petals, milk, honey and turmeric. This sounds like a dessert we can get behind. The ayurvedic bath is designed to realign your body, mind and spirit.

Flower Baths

Get ready to shower with flowers. Flower baths are a popular practice in Asia. Your therapist will infuse your water with flowers and herbs. Not only is it a relaxing experience, the flower bath is said to promote positive energies. The different colours of the petals carry specific vibrations to promote healing.

Mineral Baths

Civilisations have celebrated the benefits of mineral-rich water for centuries. The Japanese have their onsens, and the Ancient Romans turned mineral springs into beautiful bath houses. In a spa setting, your therapist will add salt and minerals to the water. If the spa is close to a hot spring, they will use this natural resource.

Bathing in these waters has several benefits. The bicarbonate in the water helps to open up your blood vessels, improving circulation. It can also help to address hypertension. The sulphur in the water is known as ‘nature’s beauty miracle’. It helps you to manufacture collagen for more youthful looking skin. Sulphur and also eases itchy, irritated skin; if you suffer from psoriasis or eczema, a mineral bath will do wonders.

Foot Baths

While not a totally immersive experience, the foot bath is the unsung hero of bathing treatments. It is usually done at the beginning of your spa experience. Your feet are a hot house of nerve endings that connect to various parts of your body. Did you know that soaking your feet in hot water can relieve congestion in your other organs? A relaxing foot bath or spa even relieve headaches, toothaches, pelvic pain, liver problems, and cold symptoms.

We encourage to work yourself in a lather, especially when the lather includes fragrant and healing ingredients like the baths on offer at Bookwell's spas and salons. Look through our bath treatments and make an appointment today.