Though the beautiful Bath is inevitably famous for its, well, baths, it has much more to offer the weekend traveler; from culture and history to some of the best food in the west, you might find yourself hard-pressed to fit it all in.
For quiet luxury and city-centre sophistication, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is the only destination you need. The hotel, situated on Bath’s most famous street, combines stunning 18th century architecture with modern comforts. Following a multi-million pound renovation and restoration to its former glory, completed in 2014, the 45 rooms may be newly refurbished but still retain the character and period features of the original building. A little more on all that later, however…
Before relaxing into the joys of luxury hotel life, Bath has plenty to entertain a weekend visitor. For lunch, adults-only city centre pub The Raven (www.theravenbath.co.uk) comes highly recommended for its menu of proper pies (with mash, obviously). If you’re a fan of the stinky stuff, a number of friends swear by The Fine Cheese Co. on Walcot Street (www.finecheese.co.uk). Consistently ranked top of the cheese and biscuit pops by the likes of the Telegraph and the Sunday Times, it’d be rude not to stop by for a nibble. If you want to really push the boat out and splash the cash on your meal however, the restaurant at the Bath Prioryhotel (www.thebathpriory.co.uk) boasts the city’s single Michelin star.
Fans of Pride & Prejudice must pay a visit to the Jane Austen Centre on Gay Street www.janeausten.co.uk). A permanent exhibition in an original Georgian townhouse, with costumed guides and a wonderful Regency Tea Room. Experience the fashions of Austen’s era for yourself at the Fashion Museum (www.fashionmuseum.co.uk), showcasing a behind the scenes glimpse into fashions of the past, complete with the opportunity to dress up for yourself (Mr Darcy not included…) Plan your visit after 13th February and you’ll be in time to see the new exhibition ‘A History of Fashion in 100 Objects’.
Of course, one can’t visit Bath and not visit a bath. The spectacular Roman Baths (www.romanbaths.co.uk) are worth a visit. Aside from the fact that the structure is a bona fide slice of British history, it’s also been voted the most romantic building in Britain by the Royal Institute of British Architects. While the Roman Baths aren’t functioning these days, for a seriously luxe spa experience the Thermae Bath Spa (www.thermaebathspa.com) is a steaming, open air, rooftop pool with views across the rooftops of the city. Not to be missed.
The city is also a hotspot for shopping; alongside familiar high street chains sit a wealth of independent boutiques (check out Milsom Street), quirky interiors shops (Savannah Home is a must visit www.savannahhome.co.uk) and vintage gems.
After a day of lunching, mooching and shopping, what better way to unwind then heading back to a hotel that’s just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle? I did just that with my stay at the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. After a kicking off my shoes and enjoying a quick Nespresso and shortbread in my suite, my destination for the rest of the afternoon was The Spa & Bath House. Located in a separate Georgian building to the main hotel, accessed via the gardens, it simultaneously blends ancient and modern spa culture. Housing a 12 metre relaxation pool, hot tubs, sauna, steam room, Hammam and fitness room, there are also six rooms offering a menu of ESPA treatments to revive weary souls. In summer guests can also enjoy The Taittinger Spa Garden, a new addition to the hotel last year. After making the most of the facilities – there’s something particularly tranquil about the pool – I indulged in a much-needed massage, and emerged 60 minutes later floating back to my room on a cloud of bliss with the perpetual knot in my shoulder blade pummeled into obscurity. A spot of down time in my suite ensued pre-supper; had the weather been more cooperative I could have enjoyed a cup of tea on the balcony overlooking the beautiful gardens. Alas, I had to make do with the sofa and stack of glossy magazines that had been left for me.
Dinner at the Dower House Restaurant in the hotel was always going to be a highlight and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The AA 3 Rosette award-winning restaurant offers fine dining in a beautiful setting; I fell head over heels for the hand-stitched silk wallpaper. Executive Head Chef David Campbell creates modern takes on classic dishes while award-winning Sommelier Jean Marc Leitao is on hand to select the perfect pairing. The seven-course tasting menu was nothing short of exquisite. From the cep soup with roast pistachio, pickled mushroom and Wiltshire truffle through Everleigh Farm venison served with beetroot, horseradish potato, red wine salsify and rainbow chard to the absolutely sublime deconstructed banoffee pie, every mouthful was better than the last. If you have room after your feast, it’d be a shame to waste the sterling cocktail menu available in The Montagu Bar & Champagne Lounge, especially with multi-award winning head Barman Orlando Santana Garcia at the helm. If the buzzing atmosphere of the bar is a little much however, sneak off for a post-dinner sit down in front of the log fire in the drawing room.
The staff at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa are impeccable; from valet parking your car to bringing up fresh milk for your tea, they’re on hand for everything and no task is too small. The concierge can even arrange a hot air balloon ride across the city, taking off from the front lawn, if it so tickles your fancy. They’re the icing on the cake of what is the perfect destination for a luxurious city centre break.
Rates start from £265 per room per night, based on double occupancy, with suites starting from £495 per night. www.royalcrescent.co.uk
