By Emma D'Arcy
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Walking through the atmospheric Georgian streets, it’s evident that this ancient city is uniquely special. There is something in the water here. Quite literally. For thousands of years, humans have bathed in the mineral-rich waters from the Romans to the fashionable society of the nineteenth century who flocked to Bath. The restorative powers of the natural hot springs are well known and continue to attract visitors today, so where better to host a wellness festival than the UK’s number one spa city? Beau Monde Traveler recently visited Bath’s annual Rebalance Festival to learn about why England’s only World Heritage City provides an ideal destination for visitors seeking a UK wellness retreat during the festival and throughout the year.

Copyright © Visit Bath

Given Bath’s reputation as an international destination for spa retreats, the Rebalance Festival celebrates the city’s wealth of traditional and modern approaches to embracing health and wellbeing. The three-week event involves the participation of the city’s world-class collection of hotels, spas, restaurants, and wellness practitioners across different specialities. Visitors can choose from a range of wellbeing activities, hotel and spa packages, taster sessions and discover new feel-good experiences. Whether you’re excited to try a VR relaxation experience for the first time, or keen to luxuriate in a restorative massage, you’ll find experiences to suit and leave feeling refreshed and revived.

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"The Rebalance Festival offers over 200 different activities for participants to choose from including inspirational talks, physical and mental wellbeing, and of course, fun!"

The fascinating history of the city so synonymous with wellbeing is remarkable and well-documented. Strolling along York Street, a stone plaque declares to passers-by the site’s historic significance, ‘These hot springs were used by the Romans as early as the first century. In area. In grandeur. In completeness.

The baths of aquae sulis (Bath Spa) were unequalled. The remains of their magnificence are here disclosed.’ Between the 1st and 4th centuries AD the Roman Baths flourished but were lost beneath the city for centuries before they were rediscovered in the nineteenth century. Since then, the city has attracted travellers, artists, and creatives from around the world to the ancient hot spring site. Great writers from Charles Dickens to Jane Austen, Thomas Gainsborough and Mary Shelley have all taken inspiration from the romance of the city whilst writing some of their most famous novels here.

Copyright © Visit Bath

The Rebalance Festival offers over 200 different activities for participants to choose from including inspirational talks, physical and mental wellbeing, and of course, fun! For those seeking time out to unwind whilst admiring the city’s magnificent architecture, don’t miss the Thermae Bath Spa – Britain’s original thermal spa renowned for its mineral-rich waters. Take a refreshing dip in the steaming thermal pool on the rooftop whilst absorbing views of the city’s Georgian skyline and the distinguished nineteenth-century façade of the Gainsborough Hotel. Afterwards, relax in the state-of-the-art Wellness Suite’s Celestial Relaxation Room and aroma steam rooms.

Copyright © Visit Bath

Other restorative activities include taking a yoga class with Rebalance Bath’s wellness consultant and the Gainsborough Hotel’s in-house yoga instructor Bex Bridgford, whose classes focus on a combination of Yin yoga, sound healing and meditation. If you’re looking for a massage head to Bath Holistic Massage for a healing treatment with Sophia in a beautiful calming environment – just the tonic after a busy day exploring the city.

Meanwhile, if you’re open to trying a pioneering approach to mental wellbeing, the Soul Spa’s VR Dream Odyssey relaxation experience must be on your list. In the heart of the Spa Quarter, once your headset is on, you’ll be transported to another world: choose a landscape and audio track then drift off during an immersive meditative experience that helps to calm your nervous system – a powerful and unique approach.

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"Whether rebalancing means contemplative walks in the Mendip Hills, restorative spa sessions or dissolving on a yoga mat, Rebalance Bath envelopes you in a cosy hug as the last of the dark winter months recedes."

In the evenings head to Komedia, Bath’s live entertainment venue that offers a programme of illuminating talks curated by the new arts organisation Bath Arts Collective. Topics vary from the ‘Science of ADHD’ to ‘Finding Love’ with world-renowned relationship expert Paul C. Brunso during inspirational discussions full of fascinating insights and humorous anecdotes.

No trip would be complete without visiting the iconic Roman Baths to learn about how the city has centred around wellbeing for over two thousand years. If the fascinating world of Georgian High Society appeals, you can join Bath’s genteel hostess Lady Hetty Hetling who brings to life the leisure classes lifestyles and explains how tea became synonymous with wellbeing.

Other options include joining groups on hiking trails and wellbeing-themed guided walks or getting creative during drawing classes and candle-pouring at Paddywax Candles. However you wish to take some much-needed time out, there are plenty of options to help you feel rejuvenated.

Copyright © Roseate Villa, Bath

With its extensive collection of elegant hotels, there are no shortage of excellent accommodation options during your stay in Bath. The Roseate Villa Bath is a beautifully converted Victorian property only a few minutes walk from the city centre, in a convenient location opposite Henrietta Park. Wake up to birdsong in the morning and enjoy this charming boutique hotel’s exemplary service and bright rooms with fresh flowers. Perhaps what is most distinctive about the hotel is the attention to detail shown by the welcoming team, ensuring guests the most comfortable stay – ideal when you’re escaping from it all for a relaxing getaway.

For a cosy boutique townhouse experience, the Eight will delight with its chic interiors found in the heart of the old city. If you’re splashing out on a decadent retreat then the opulent Gainsborough Hotel with its divine spa won’t disappoint, or opt for the quirky, stylish Queensberry for its luxurious suites and Michelin-star dining onsite at the hotel’s Olive Tree restaurant.

The dining scene in Bath promises a great variety of cuisine, whatever you’re in the mood for. Undoubtedly one of the finest locations in the city must be the Royal Crescent Hotel’s Montague Mews – its recently refurbished restaurant and bar named after the influential original resident at number 16, Elizabeth Montagu. Walk through the hotel to discover this tranquil oasis located within the picturesque gardens behind the Royal Crescent. The warm bread rolls offer a delicious taste of what is to come – mains include seasonal dishes such as Cornish cod coated in warm St Austell mussel broth and braised lamb shoulder with spiced lentils washed down with refreshing handcrafted cocktails.

Copyright © Visit Bath

If genuine Italian pasta and pizzas sound tempting, head to independent restaurant Dough and opt between hemp, kamut or multigrain bases and a wide selection of tasty traditional and innovative special toppings. There are plenty of cafes and bakeries along the side streets of the old town, but if you’re looking for a more quintessential mid-afternoon treat, head for afternoon tea at the Roseate Villa. Indulge in the delectable selection of sandwiches and homemade cakes crafted by the in-house baker. The fine selection of teas includes the Jane Austen blend, the Lady Whistledown or the Bath City Blend developed in 1888 to suit the city’s hard water.

Roseate Villa Bath
Copyright © Roseate Villa, Bath

Whether rebalancing means contemplative walks in the Mendip Hills, restorative spa sessions or dissolving on a yoga mat, Rebalance Bath envelopes you in a cosy hug as the last of the dark winter months recedes. This celebration of wellness in all its forms offers a wonderful opportunity to recharge and rebalance whilst having fun. Visit during the next annual Rebalance Festival or take a trip throughout the year, and you’ll discover for yourself this beautiful city’s restorative powers.

Visit www.visitbath.co.uk for the latest news on spas and wellbeing in Bath, and details about the Rebalance Festival here.

Emma D'Arcy

Emma D’Arcy is a travel writer based in the U.K. After working in London and New York in the media and advertising industries, she recently completed a round the world travel adventure. Alongside her passion for capturing her travel experiences through writing and photography, Emma is also interested in wellness, yoga and exploring the great outdoors. Emma’s mission is to bring the world to readers through her writing, providing inspiration and ideas for their next adventure.