The thermal spa: Bath, England

Thermae Bath Spa, Bath, England, thermaebathspa.com.

It’s no secret: The Romans knew a thing or two about communal bathing, even in the prim English countryside. The Thermae Bath Spa, in the quaint Roman-turned-Georgian city of Bath—a UNESCO World Heritage site—draws from the same natural springs that the Romans bathed in 2,000 years ago. According to legend, the spa’s mineral-rich thermal waters can boost the fertility of women who bathe in them. I indulge in the signature in-water Watsu treatment, and my tension washes away as a massage therapist manipulates my body into a series of yoga-like floating poses. Later, I slip my feet into the soothing mixture of goat’s milk and macadamia and jojoba oils used in the Cleopatra Bath and Foot Massage. Lo and behold, upon my return to Canada, I happily discover that I am pregnant!

In your own backyard:

Body Blitz Spa, 471 Adelaide St. W., Toronto, 416-364-0400, bodyblitzspa.com. This women-only water mecca ($48 for pool access) boasts multiple pools, perfect for soaking muscle pains away. Follow up with a sauna, steam and shiatsu massage (from $90). —Adriana Ermter

Find out how to get this spa experience at home.

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