What better way to escape the daily grind of your nine to five than to pay a visit to a luxury spa? The ideal treat for a spot of pampering, relaxation and rejuvenation, health spas and farms can be found all over the UK and abroad. However the Thermae Bath Spa in Bath is the only natural thermal spa in Britain.

With an opening date planned for mid-2004, this spa complex has involved renovation of historical buildings and baths dating back to the 18th century. Indoor and outdoor pools will be filled with water that has been cooled from springs that rise daily at 44 degrees centigrade. In the outdoor pool, situated on the roof of the spa building, bathers will be able to lie back in the soothing water with Bath's city skyline before them, and the rolling green countryside beyond.

If you manage to haul yourself from the thermal pools, there will be plenty more on offer, according to Fiona Humphreys, Sales and Marketing Executive a the Spa. The complex includes a steam room to cleanse your urban skin, as well as a range of treatments, such as the exotic-sounding Moroccan Mud Wrap and Aromatherapy Salt Glow - treatments with both healing and relaxation properties. When you're feeling sufficiently chilled and pampered, you could call into the solarium, have a wander on the terrace, learn more about the spa in the visitor centre, or visit the on-site restaurant. With no membership required, you can spend as little or as long time as you like at this spa, with prices starting from &163;19 for a two-hour session, and a range of accommodation nearby to suit your wallet.

More information on this natural thermal spa experience can be found at www.thermaebathspa.com. Look out for our special spa offer for dental team members in a future issue of Vital.