Taking the plunge

Immerse yourself in London’s Ancient Underground Baths

Looking at these images you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in the catacombs of the Vatican City or some other epic historical building, but believe it or not the Ancient Aire Baths are in the basement of a townhouse in central London.

Hidden away in a quiet back street just behind Trafalgar Square and The Strand, this oasis of calm is located right in the bustling heart of London.

The experience begins as soon as you enter the building. You’re warmly greeted by the lovely hosts and asked to relax in a grand parlour room complete with roaring fire, chesterfield sofas and antiques. After a stress consultation and changing into swimwear in the chic changing rooms, I was escorted through a vault door and lead down an atmospheric, candle lit staircase to a magical space filled with water and blue light. 

The baths are a spectacular collection of underground pools, hot tubs and jacuzzis. Each intelligently lit with healing turquoise lights. The exposed brick work, arches and tunnels, along with historical looking urns and water holders, all give you the feeling that you’ve been transported to Ancient Rome. It’s a truly beautiful environment.

The Ancient Thermal Bath circuit is a tour through baths at different temperatures. It includes the Caldarium (hot bath 40°C), the Frigidarium (cold bath 14°C and ice bath 10°C), the Tepidarium (warm bath 36°C), and the Balneum (thousand jet bath). There’s also the Vaporium (a steam room with aromatherapy), the Flotarium (saltwater bath) and the salt exfoliation area. There’s a particular recommended route to take through the pools which makes the bodies temperature rise and fall in the right way to encourage optimum wellbeing. 

Midway through the circuit the masseuse comes to take you for your massage. They lead you down another candle lit corridor to a warm and cosy treatment room. I had the 60-minute, heavenly, deep tissue massage. It was bliss. 

After the massage you are invited into the final pools of the circuit, followed by a rest on the warm marble stones of the relaxation area. You’re given the option of a refreshing cava, tea or juice, accompanied by fresh fruit and nutty treats.

I have to say the whole experience from start to finish is so healing and nurturing. I loved every minute of it. The feeling of weightlessness in the pools and the massage, really induces the feeling of wellbeing. As you make your way through the circuit you can literally feel the stress dissolving from your body and being washed away.

Ancient Aire Baths are a wonderful experience whether you’re with your friends, family, in a couple or on your own. 

There’s a special Valentine’s Day Love Connection package available which includes a 60-minute massage using Amethyst stones plus the water circuit and refreshments. It cost £225 per person. It’s such a treat, it’s worth saving up for!

Ancient Aire Baths are situated on 2-4 Rupert Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2N 6BH. Booking is essential. For more details check out their website www.beaire.com 

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