Hen Weekend Part 2 - The Detox

Next morning the Hens and I roused ourselves - some earlier than others - and had breakfast. Claire, Kathy and Sancha departed and so Julie, Jane and I headed for town to do some Sunday shopping. Julie bought loads, in particular at Pink Lemon, Bijoux Beads and the Roman Baths Shop, so that we worried that she would be unable to take it all back on the train! My sister, Shirl, arrived a little late and the four of us had a really good lunch at the Cafe du Globe before Julie parted.
The remaining three of us headed for the Thermae Spa for two hours in the large complex. We chilled out in the rooftop pool with beautiful views of the Regency buildings of Bath and the Somerset hills, detoxed in the aromatherapy steam rooms, and went round and round in the 'lazy river' of the Minerva pool. My skin always feels great after a visit to the spa, and I always feel very relaxed too. It might have been somewhat over budget but I think it's a great asset to the town.
After the spa it was goodbye to Shirl as she left to catch her train home, and Jane and I went to meet Patrick and Simon in the Moorfields pub where they too were looking very relaxed and happy after Patrick's stag weekend aboard Ripple.
Hey not long to wait now - only 3 more days till the big event!!

Girly Day at the Spa

Spent the weekend at Patrick's flat in Bath, with my sister Shirley joining us at Saturday lunchtime. We then gathered our swimming cossies and towels and headed off to the new spa in Bath, Thermae
Unfortunately the slightly cheaper Cross Bath was full, but we managed to get into the main spa with the rooftop pool. The views from this were beautiful - really good view of the city and the hills surrounding Bath. I cursed leaving my glasses in the locker! We did rather wish we'd brought bath robes and flip flops with us, as we got out from this 35 C (naturally) heated pool and got caught by the Autumn breeze, before padding soggily down the stairs to the steam rooms.
The steam rooms too were a wonderful experience - there are four, and the steam is scented with different essential oils in each room. We guessed eucalyptus, jasmine, pine and peppermint! We did not stay long in each as we are fainty types and found the steam a bit stifling, cooling ourselves down in between steam doses in the large central shower.
Lastly we made our way to the indoor Minerva pool - very modern, despite the Roman name. We had ago in the very gentle Jacuzzi before discovering the Lazy River, a current that pulls you round the edge of the pool. Great fun, we went round and round and round in it! One woman tried to swim against the current, she made very slow progress but no doubt it helped her fitness levels.
We loved it, and our skin felt lovely and smooth afterwards thanks to the natural Bath mineral water. A great idea, even if it was built SOMEWHAT over budget!
Patrick arrived back from the rugby somewhat overexcited - turned out Bath had narrowly avoided defeat, as Sale had missed a penalty just before the ball went out of play at the end of the match. Think our girly spa day was much more relaxing! Patrick had obviously enjoyed the rugby though.
Next day we visited Bradford-upon-Avon, a very pretty town but shhh, don't tel the developers! The Tithe Barn, canal/river area and Saxon church were particularly lovely. Near the Tithe Barn were also some lovely shops and galleries, one with displays from female artists, lending more girliness to the weekend! Patrick is quite easygoing though, he didn't mind us sisters doing our girly-things as well.
We had a good pint of Wadworth Malt and Hops at the Dandy Lion, also nice Sunday lunch.
Another superb weekend - didn't last long enough!