Escapism | Aire Ancient Baths, London
Aire was a breathe of fresh air; I felt as light as air! Lol! I could go on with the puns but I’ll stop there so you don’t stop reading.
A visit to Aire had been on my to-do list for over twelve months and I’m glad I finally pulled my finger out and booked an afternoon experience for my husband and I. It was a great rainy day activity to reconnect after a busy Christmas period.
Booking was rather straightforward via the website, I suspect the difficulty might actually be in deciding exactly which experience to pick, everything looks great - luckily we had a voucher for the Escape Together package, so one less decision for me to agonise over. I also chose to check in online and confirm important things like our medical status and all other boring but necessary safety confirmations. This made for a rather seamless welcome on the day.
On arrival we were whisked downstairs by a well oiled machine of hosts and attendants, some of who have military style earpieces and microphones which they use to communicate your arrival into different zones. All very high tech and gave hubby and I a right giggle. Bar yourself and a swimsuit you don’t really need much, everything is provided on site - cozy non-slip wet shoes which you have to wear the whole time for safety, a robe and towel. All of these are in your locker on arrival and you literally strip off your outside worries, leaving all anxieties behind including your phone because let’s face it - there’s water everywhere and also to protect everyone’s privacy!
I was worried about the amount of privacy you get to enjoy the baths, but the number of guests is also tightly controlled so you never feel crowded. Local pool this is not! It’s all dimmed lighting and hushed tones as well, so rather peaceful.
The seven baths themselves are fabulous and designed to create complimentary sensorial experiences. They have varying temperatures of hot and cold water, from the spicy Caldarium at 40°C to the Frigidarium with ice cold water at 14ºC and 10ºC creating different sensory experiences. There’s also a peppermint infused steam room, a super powerful jet bath, a floatation bath and a salt scrub shower. The idea of warm water and cold plunges seems counterintuitive but there’s well researched benefits - increased blood flow, removal of waste and toxins, endorphin and energy boost, reduces inflammation and strengthens your immune system.
We also had a 45 minutes massages booked as part of our package. The massage was sublime, just the right pressure to loosen sore shoulders. She took me out when she teased out the tension in my shoulder blades using a fluid elbow movement. I’d pay good money to have that every few days.
It was all rather blissful and a perfect activity for fallowing (you’ll have to sign up to #DijaMail newsletter to get this reference) and I’m already plotting my return visit. It’s an easy place to enjoy by yourself, the girls, the boys or with someone special. A proper escape from the daily hustle and bustle.
My top tips for your Aire experience:
Cleanse all make up and sunscreen prior to going down to the pool area, a light hydrating moisturiser will be sufficient. I didn’t have make up on, but I did have sunscreen which ended up stinging my eyes.
Check in online - just makes for a more fluid experience when you arrive and you get on with the business of enjoying yourself.
Don’t go immediately after a heavy meal, you will feel sick. Instead opt for the juices and nibbles (you can book this ahead of your visit) to keep you fuelled and refreshed. There’s water and green tea freely available to keep you hydrated.
Take the cold baths, it’s worth it and you will feel amazing afterwards. I felt great for a good few days.
Start your experience in the warm baths first before going for a cold plunge. Lot less shocking to your system.
If you have any cuts or grazes, the salt pool/scrub will sting. Nothing atrocious, but beware.