Ever since we first heard word about The Gainsborough—the new hotel that will be connected to the famous geothermal pools in Bath, England—we’ve been keeping an ear to the ground for news of its debut. After all, the historic spa town is a major tourist destination, welcoming four million visitors a year.
As we reported in 2013, The Gainsborough Bath Spa will occupy three historic buildings with Georgian façades. It was originally slated to open in spring 2014. The hotel has faced construction delays because of the challenges of working in listed buildings- Gainsborough, Bellotts and Hetling House. (According to The Bath Chronicle, Hetling House is the city’s only surviving Elizabeth building.) It’s rumored that the hotel will now debut in 2015, with an official opening party around Easter.
There will be 99 guest rooms decorated by Champalimaud Design, a restaurant, and a lobby lounge for afternoon tea. Particularly noteworthy (and highly anticipated!) is the Spa Village. Located in a bath house with a four-storey glass atrium, the Spa Village will have mosaic-tiled thermal pools, saunas, steam rooms, an ice chamber, treatment rooms, and a 24-hour gym. The Gainsborough Bath Spa will be part of the YTL hotel chain (also behind The Majestic Kuala Lumpur). For more information, visit www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk
