Total relaxation, luxurious pampering, great food and beautiful surroundings – sound like your idea of heaven?
Mine too – so when I was offered a day at Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa I jumped at the chance.
The spa, which is situated in the beautiful Leicestershire countryside, offers everything you need to unwind and forget the stresses and strains of everyday life.
My husband Dan and I were offered a Refresh and Revive Day, to which we added a Day Guest Overnighter so we could make the most of our time – and because the breakfast is gorgeous!
When we arrived at 9.30am we were welcomed by a friendly member of staff who got us a complimentary drink, explained the layout of the hall and its facilities and gave us our itineraries.
Our room wasn’t due to be ready until 2pm so we were offered large lockers in the changing rooms allowing us to change into the fluffy robes provided.
We had a enough time to change before we had to go along to the atrium where you wait for the therapist who is carrying out your treatment to come and fetch you.
The Refresh and Revive Day includes a Blissful Face and Back Therapy or a Soothing Back Massage and Soft Hands Treatment and we both opted for the former.
On top of this we treated ourselves to an extra treatment each. I chose an Elemis Sole Delight while Dan went for the Elemis Deep Tissue Massage. These were first on our agenda so within two hours of arriving at Ragdale we were both totally relaxed.
Once our treatments were done it was time for lunch.
A choice of starter is served to your table and then you help yourself to a varied selection of hot and cold dishes from the buffet.
After lunch we decided to spend some time in the multi-million pound Thermal Spa.
The area features an indoor and outdoor waterfall pool (heated to 35c), a unique candle pool and a series of heat and water experiences.
We tried all five of the sauna-type rooms.
The intense experience of the Volcanic Salt Bath was my favourite, while Dan preferred the tropical feeling of the Colour Flow Cave.
As all the rooms offer high humidity, it’s recommended that you spend a maximum of ten minutes in each.
Iced water flannels and the ice fountain offer the perfect way to cool down while providing health benefits such as improving circulation.
We finished off with a dip in the heated outdoor pool, and tried out some of the massage jets, which were lovely.
We were eager to check out the newly refurbished Verandah Bar (pictured right), so made time for some cake and coffee before our final treatments. The area has increased dining space, a new bar area and kitchen, new furniture and bespoke lighting, giving it a modern but relaxing feel.
We then made our way back to the atrium for our Blissful Face and Back Therapies.
Once our treatments were done, our room was ready so we went up to change for dinner. We opted for casual clothes, although many people choose to dine in their robes.
Dinner was delicious with plenty of choices, including a “comfort pudding” for those who want to indulge.
After dinner we took to the Lounge for some quiet reading time before bed.
The next morning we were treated to a tasty breakfast served in our room and then divided our time between the Thermal Spa and relaxing in the Pavilion – Ragdale’s ultimate chill-out zone where you can read or just relax.
We left at 11am feeling totally relaxed.
by Rachel Mayfield
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