Review: Lush Spa the 'Tales of Bath' Treatment

Total Bath were invited along to review “The Tales of Bath” treatment at the newly opened Lush Spa, a spa with a difference, hidden below the Lush Shop in Union Street. Here's how we got on...

Entering the shop I was warmly welcomed by the enthusiastic staff, who were clearly passionate about their job and the company they work for, which was really refreshing to see!

Whilst waiting for the therapist, I was given time to meander around the shop and explore the wide variety of colourful fragrant products.

I was greeted sweetly by Annalise the therapist, who guided me downstairs to the spa, offering to take my bags for me. The cozy stairway which lead down to the spa had a ski-lodge feel, which gave me a sense of warmth and comfort.

Annalise guided me to a snug, little sofa, offering me refreshments whilst I filled out a declaration form. It was clear that Annalise truly believed in the treatment and provided me with a detailed overview of what the treatment would entail, which put me at ease and helped me to get into relaxation mode...

“This 75 minute treatment consists of three parts beginning with a seated head and shoulder massage to help step down from your worries as you listen to the story unfold. Next, a private, mineralizing bath inspired by the city’s famous healing waters aids relaxation and eases muscles, before finally, a deep full body side-lying massage (snuggled up to a big cloud-like pillow) to target tension.

Specially Composed Music Each part of the treatment is beautifully choreographed to a unique and bespoke soundtrack composed around the city of Bath by Richard Evans with local musicians. Soak in a symphony of springs with warm, flowing music and celtic lore inspired by the underground tunnels below Bath, where legends lived long before the invasions of the Romans.  

As you near the end of the journey, the music subsides, slipping off into the deep ancient waters of the Bath Spa. The Tales of Bath is ready to take you on sensory journey like no other…”

We entered the room which was warm and dark with blue, dim lighting, and soothing water-like sound effects playing in the background. Annalise told me to ring the bell when I was ready, leaving me to change into my bath robe and get settled. Annalise re-entered the room. She switched on the recording and with gentle music playing in the background, a poem was read out. She began to give me a shoulder, neck, head and arm massage, moving and manipulating my body in rhythm to the music and poem.

The poem was called ‘Surrender’ which was about water washing away, along with our worries and stresses. The gentle words along with the massage made me feel very peaceful and chilled.

Once the poem was over, Annalise poured me a Vegan Orange Tea, served in a bronze goblet, along with a sweet treat, which represented Queen Sulis’ eye. The sweet treat tasted like marmalade on edible rice paper. Annalise then left me to take the specially made bath bomb into the warm bath with me, whilst I listened to the story. The story was an enjoyable, inspirational tale about King Bladud becoming a humble and better king, which related back to the treatment. After experiencing this treatment it’s intended that we come back to a better reality and a more humble person.

The bath and story were very different and quite unusual for a spa treatment, something I’ve never experienced before. Once the story was over I was told to get out by what sounded like a ghostly voice.

I dried myself, noticing my skin felt extra soft and silky, before heading over to the bed for my massage. Once I was settled on my side, snuggled up to the cloud-like pillow, I rang the bell again and Annalise joined me. She put some loud, Celtic music on and massaged and moved my body to the beat of the music - swapping to the other side half way through. Although I got pins and needles in the arm I was lying on, I really enjoyed the massage, however I don’t think the music needs to be quite so loud – but that’s just my personal opinion! Annalise completed the massage with a hot wet flannel on the back of my neck and feet, which really complemented the massage and was a pleasant sensation.

To end the treatment, Annalise let me dress in private and then offered me a tea and time to come back to reality. When leaving, I was presented with the scented neck cushion used during the bath section of the treatment, which was a lovely little complimentary keepsake of “The Tales of Bath” treatment.