You can thank the Romans for this one. Two thousand years ago, Roman spa-lovers decided that it was really quite tiring to spend your days lolling about in heated baths – so they invented the plunge pool.
The frigidarium was a small, deep, freezing cold bath that was sometimes topped up with actual snow to keep temperatures as low as possible. It was situated near the caldarium (a humid steam room) and the tepidarium (a hot and dry room), and it was designed to be used at the end of a spa day, to liven things up after hours of relaxation.
But believe it or not, there was method in this madness. While warm water and dry heat helps lower the blood pressure and open up the pores, the short sharp shock of an ice cold bath kick-starts your circulation again, tightens up the pores and leaves you feeling more energised and invigorated than you did before. The cold water can also help repair aching muscles and boost a sluggish metabolism.
Modern day frigidariums are usually called plunge pools or ice baths, but the principle is the same. They are meant to be as cold as possible and as immersive as possible, so don’t be shy about it – jump in, jump out and enjoy the (somewhat surprising) benefits!
Stobo Castle
Rockliffe Hall Spa
Nirvana Spa
