MY MUM knows what she likes.

And, struggle as I did, I couldn't come up with anything with the 'wow' factor for her 6oth birthday that she wouldn't have previously experienced, such as a show or a nice meal out or a trip away.

Little did I know that the answer lay just one hour's direct train journey from Basingstoke at the Thermae Bath Spa in Bath. Opened in 2006, it's a stunning facility, one which manages to feel thrillingly luxurious, but is an experience which is completely open and accessible to all.

We decided to opt for a spa session, which gave us two hours to enjoy the fabulous rooftop pool, the Aroma steam rooms and the ground floor Minerva Bath. But we were impressed right from the moment we entered the communal changing area and sampled the technology at work to make it a secure environment to use. Our SmartBands for our spa session were activated by a brilliant system which selected a locker for us, one which only your wristband will then unlock. As we left our clothes and shopping bags stored safely behind, and slipped into our swimwear, slippers and towelling robes (extra cost, but you may also bring your own), we felt as we were leaving the cares of the world behind us. Fears about our own lumpy bits also dissipated as we saw that every size and shape of person was confidently strutting around the facility. There were many, many tourists, as well as locals, young families, and just those who wanted a few hours respite from Bath's busy streets.

As she slipped into the centre of the rooftop pool, my mother exclaimed, "This is heaven", and it absolutely felt like it. Thankfully the weather was holding up, so we were able to luxuriate there for quite some time, watching birds fly over our heads, and enjoying the amazing view. Once she discovered a Jacuzzi area at one side of the pool, I thought I'd never move her, but of course we had the promises of the next level to lure her with.

The steam room is separated into four circular chambers, each one scented with an essential oil, such as mint. The central waterfall shower provided a neutral cooling area before popping in to try the next one, trying to pinpoint what the aroma was before finding out from the notice.

Those who wish to can choose from over 50 health and beauty treatments, including a specially designed set of packages. Enjoy Watsu, the unique sensation of being massaged in water, or try the Kraxen stove, a traditional Alpine Hay chamber. Soothing herbs are released though a stove, gently radiating the back and shoulders in a warming and innovative way. Of course, you can just opt for any number of more conventional treatments.

There's also the option of using the small and very private Cross Bath, just across the street from the spa. An intimate, open-air bath with its own changing facilities, a spa session here lasts up to 90minutes. This spa, from where you can watch the natural thermal waters spouting from a fountain, has been superbly and sympathetically designed in keeping with both what the original spa would have looked like, and the surrounding environment.

In fact, every square inch of the spa emanates with the love and care which has been poured into bringing the spa experience wholly to life for everyone, not matter what level of luxury they wish to sample. It was such a wonderful afternoon that I'm inclined to move closer to the area just to avail of its bliss more often! But I know one thing for certain - my mum will be demanding a return trip.


Thermae Bath Spa is open all year round, excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Full information on its services is available online from www.thermaebathspa.com or the reservation line 0844 8880844.