My bath runneth over

THERE are two types of people in this world: those who adore baths and those who think they're utterly pointless. I fall into the former category. There's nothing I love more than soaking until I'm wrinkly in a tub brimming with bubbles.

It was for this reason that I was particularly looking forward to the Sok Overflowing Bath treatment at the Kohler Waters Spa at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, the ultimate in indulgent bathing.

The treatment begins with body brushing to help the skin absorb the rich minerals in the bath water. Next, with the lights dimmed, my therapist asks me to carefully lower myself into a very deep, constantly flowing bath, before leaving me alone to relax in the water for 20 minutes. A number of minerals – including "dried seawater" – are added to the water to revitalise the body and soften the skin.

The water is lukewarm to start off. I'd expected to step into a cosy bath, but before long I have goose pimples and I'm feeling rather chilly. My therapist had assured me that the bath is at the optimum temperature for my skin to absorb the blend of products in the water, but warm or cold water can be added. Before long I start topping the bath up from the hot tap.

I finally relax and begin to enjoy the experience. My limbs are caressed by what my therapist describes as "Champagne bubbles", thousands of tiny bubbles that barely disturb the surface of the water, yet heighten the sense of weightlessness you feel in water. It takes a moment to get used to, but it feels very calming, particularly as the lights change the colour of the water in a kind of rainbow effect.

Twenty minutes pass very quickly and I'm almost reluctant to step out of the bath. The treatment ends with the application of a creamy body moisturiser which locks in the minerals that my skin has absorbed in the bath.

I leave feeling relaxed and with deliciously soft skin. Certainly a step up from a few tealights and a handful of bath salts.

The Sok Overflowing Bath treatment costs £55 for 50 minutes. Tel: [phone] or visit www.oldcoursehotel.kohler.com