The Garden Spa by L'Occitane

I have had a significant number of massages over the years. From health spas (Champneys etc), hotels, to local beauty providers. So, despite staying a stones throw from the Thermae Bath Spa, I opted for the one at Bath Priory as I love L’Occitane products, particularly their amazing smell. So, I was rather disappointed (particularly in view of their marketing material below) ‘From the moment you enter The Garden Spa by L'Occitane, fragrances transport you to Provence; the escape begins with scent’ to have a full body massage - with no aroma! Grape seed oil doesn’t smell. I mentioned this to the masseuse at the end of the massage who said that she’d sprayed aroma at the beginning and end of the massage - in the room. That’s not quite the same as leaving with it on your skin. This would have made me inclined to buy some products too (I wasn’t even shown any 😞). On leaving the Spa the reception staff asked if I’d enjoyed the massage and I imparted my disappointment about the lack of aroma. They said they’d ensure this was fed back. I said that the massage had been nice. However, if being completely honest, far too much oil was used so apart from my feet (where the message strokes could be felt more) the back section just felt very slippy. It’s not inexpensive @ £115 for 1hr and I’ve had better elsewhere. The room and ambience was lovely and the masseuse was very pleasant too.

Had some treatments here as part of a birthday present and I would highly recommend them also the staff were very friendly and helpful.

We had an amazing time, the spa was really relaxing and the staff were so friendly

We paid £155 for a spa day which started at 12.30pm and included a 2 course lunch and one hour treatment. We arrived for lunch, which was nice enough (although the restaurant could do with a facelift). We were surprised to be charged £5.50 for a bottle of water. We then got changed into our robes and slippers and sat by the pool for a while before our treatments. The pool was fine, and is a saltwater pool which is a nice touch. Our treatments were the highlight of the day (massage with mini facial) although my friend was not offered the scalp or foot massage which you are meant to have while the face mask is setting in. We then fancied a drink so we asked the staff if we could go to the bar and get one, only to be told you are not allowed to go to the bar/restaurant in your robes. This is the first spa I’ve ever been to where this is a rule. We were then told we could sit on the outdoor seating and have a drink brought to us. A member of staff gave us a menu and then backtracked and told us that they weren’t actually allowed to serve drinks in this area, but that we could get dressed and either go to the terrace or restaurant. We decided against a drink as it seemed pointless having to get dressed to do so, and then put our robes back on after (especially when you are wet from the pool/sauna etc.). We felt like we couldn’t fully relax because of this and were dare I say a bit bored because the spa is quite small and apart from sit by the pool and go in the sauna, there isn’t much to do. There isn’t even a jacuzzi to relax in. There is an outdoor pool but we had a look at this and the water was quite dirty. Generally, the spa could do with an update, and the prices are very high for what you get. Overall a disappointing day, even more so as my friend had an 8 hour round trip to get there.

We had a simply great experience and will 💯 be coming again. The pool is a gentle salt water pool which is great pre sauna or steam. Sauna was a good temperature allowing for a long stint but a good sweat and then some very comfortable loungers to relax in and cool down. The massage was the best I have ever had, Alice totally nailed it and the facial was a new and amazing experience for me. My wife also had an incredible massage with Sam and we both are pretty seasoned spa users. We then had a lovely light and tasty lunch in the hotel itself. Would highly recommend and can't wait to go again.