Imagine completely and utterly relaxing in a candle lit pool with the soothing echo of the water splashing on the side of the cave-like walls.
Imagine treating yourself to an array of healthy yet filling food. Imagine an outdoor pool that weaves amongst greenery with secluded hydrotherapy stations to relax and revitalise the body. Sound too good to be true? Not at Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa.
As the nights draw in and the crisp winter air becomes one to be sheltered from, a welcomed spa break was just what I needed! Set in the beautiful rolling countryside of Leicestershire this multi-award winning spa is a secluded yet picturesque retreat fit for even the most ‘spa-tacular’ spa lover. With quintessentially British touches and architecture, the building itself is charming. Finding a perfect balance between traditional interiors and state-of-the-art facilitates, Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa ticks all of the boxes.
Outstanding and elegant customer service is apparent as soon as you pull up to the stunning entrance. With the concierge ready to take your bags and valet parking available, one will feel like a princess. The decadent touches and attention to detail is one to be praised at this spa. Experts at welcoming their guests, Ragdale Hall know how to make you feel relaxed from the moment you step through its doors. After our warm welcome we were courteously directed to our table in the grand and striking dining hall. With hungry bellies after a long drive, we couldn’t wait to tuck in. Lunch time is a relaxed and casual affair at Ragdale Hall where the adorning of robes and lounge wear is welcomed, nay encouraged – perfect! A choice of healthy, indulgent and simply delicious options are on offer, from jacket potatoes and salads to homemade casseroles and chocolate puddings. With happy tummies and ready for our day of pampering, we headed into the spa.
Upon entering the extensive spa facilities, it is clear to see why Ragdale Hall is multi-award winning. Exclusively designed for Ragdale Hall, the Thermal Spa area is unlike anything us spa junkies have seen. The state-of-the-art facilities are so exclusive, they cannot be found anywhere else in the world! You can enjoy the pampering facilities which include 12 luxurious and unique heat and water experiences, all while being surrounding by natural rocks, stone and lush planting. As if stepping into another world, the thermal spa area has plenty of secluded areas to cocoon yourself away and read a book or recline into the dry heat of the Thought Zone. A highlight would be the Cave Shower, complete with starlight, thunder and lightning!
The addition of the 25 metre pool in the main spa area makes it the perfect place to fit in a few gentle lengths before dinner. Open until 10pm, a late night swim is a must (especially in the indoor/outdoor waterfall pool)! We had a few hours to enjoy the spa facilities, from relaxing in the sauna and dozing in the Thought Zone and it wasn’t long until we wrapped ourselves up in our robe and headed to the treatment lounge. A beautiful naturally lit atrium, complete with its own Express Treatments Shop, it is the perfect place to unwind. With no need to check in, the process was very smooth with my wonderful therapist picking me up from the lounge and leading me to my treatment room. A walk through the winding corridors lead me to an elegant treatment room. Booked in for Face and Back Therapy, I was ready spend the next 60 minutes being pampered. It wasn’t a disappointment. For someone who likes their massage firm, my therapist wasn’t shy in making sure I had the perfect pressure. Working her way around my back and spending time on my needy shoulders, she managed to release the pressure and rid some nasty knots! An Elemis facial followed with a deep cleanse, moisture and facial massage. Returning to the treatment lounge with weary eyes, my skin was positively glowing. The relaxation room was calling. With strict rules of total silence, the room is adorned a swinging chair, various bean bags and a large (and very comfortable) day bed – perfect for some pre-dinner snoozing!
After a day’s pampering a decadent and sumptuous dinner menu was calling. Plenty of choice and expert service, the evening meal was delicious. Everything on the menu is 100% fresh and local produce, only adding to the extra touches to this award-winning destination spa. Staying in the elegant rooms of Ragdale Hall with views over the picturesque countryside was dreamy. Subtly woken by a knock on the door the next morning, our breakfast in bed trays arrived – perfect for those wanting to treat themselves.
A couple of days R&R at Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa were just what we needed. The visit wasn’t to be completed though until we had visited gym. With an extensive list of activities, Zumba was the top of our list. Chatting to a lady in the waiting area who has been a member for 24 years (!) it is clear to see that this spa is loved by many. As we drove away from the spa and into the green countryside of Leicestershire, we couldn’t wait for a return visit!
Visit www.ragdalehall.co.uk