Ragdale Hall has won a whole host of awards and been named among the top spas in the UK by countless publications, so with it being right on our doorstep in Leicestershire we went along to see just how good it was!
The arrival at Ragdale is impressive, with the long driveway and imposing front, you know that you’re somewhere special. Being located between Loughborough and Melton in the village of Ragdale, we got the train over from Leicester and a taxi from Loughborough station.
It really is the ultimate in relaxation and the grounds made me long for summer as soon as I saw them. We were offered a tea or coffee whilst being taken through our health questionnaires (don’t worry, nothing too invasive!) and then had a tour around the grounds to get our bearings. We were on the Refresh & Revive day package, which included 2 treatments each; a back and shoulder massage and a facial. My only concern of the whole day was that I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy a facial and whether I’d find the whole thing more traumatic than enjoyable! Luckily as we went through for our treatments my concerns were immediately laid to rest as I was offered a scalp massage in place of the facial. If you’re unsure about anything be sure to ask and the staff are very quick to deal with any issues you may have. The massage I had was pure bliss. A little painful due to my knotted back, but completely worth it. If you don’t feel utterly relaxed when coming out of that then you may be beyond help!
You’ll be given a time for your treatments as well as a slot for lunch at the beginning of the day so you can plan out how you’d like to spend the rest of your time. We opted to go in the gym in the morning (we were planning a big lunch so at least we wouldn’t feel too guilty!) and then after our treatments relax in the pool and spa area all afternoon.
One thing to note is that if there’s one place you can feel comfortable about walking around in your robe, it’s here. The Hall and staff put you so at ease that you’ll soon forget you’re not in your ordinary clothes! The range of ages of the clientele went from early 20s to retirement age, with a group of friends sipping champagne for a hen party and mums and daughters having some bonding time.
Now, I could spend time focussing on the gym but that isn’t the gem of Ragdale Hall. As much as it was well equipped woth very helpful staff, we couldn’t wait for the afternoon to come around and make full use of the spa.
But first… lunch!
I’m not ashamed to admit that the buffet lunch might just be the highlight of my day. Having been trying to diet we’d been worried that we’d overdo but the options are so delicious whilst staying healthy that you have no need to feel guilty about it. With choices including salmon, prawns, salads, vegetables, sushi, chicken and duck or if you wanted something hot there was roast gammon, sausages and jacket potatoes, we had a lunchtime feast to remember. The best part? Dessert of the day was chocolate souffle, and even that came with low fat cream! Indulgence with an easy conscience.
On to the afternoon in the spa. My favourite part had to be the indoor/outdoor waterfall pool. With it being a cool day outside I wasn’t sure this would work, but being in the warm water made it an ideal setting, even if a little surreal with our top halves out in the open air. The Candle Pool and Thought Zone were pure relaxation and a unique twist to your regular spas with saunas and steam rooms. If you’re brave enough you can even head into the Cave Shower for a cool blast accompanied by thunderstorm sound effects!
With a luxury swimming pool with whirlpool spa and massage jets you’ll soon be left wondering where the time has gone! Of course we also managed to make sure we squeezed in a visit to the gift shop and cafe during the day too! It’s only polite!
One thing is for certain, you won’t get bored! Even if relaxing in the spa isn’t your ideal afternoon you can book to hve your hair and make-up done, enjoy a manicure, read and have afternoon tea in the coffee shop and there’s event a silent zone to have a sleep. For the men in your life why not send them to mind gym? (They have wi-fi in there too!)
Before visiting Ragdale Hall I’d always thought of it as more somewhere I’d recommend for my mum to visit and relax, as opposed to myself, but now I wouldn’t hesitate in going back. A full day there of exercise, treatments, lunch and relaxation and all we were left with was wishing we could stay longer! No matter what your age, take some time out for yourself and let yourself be pampered. You won’t regret it!
Ragdale Hall is located near Melton Mowbray and directions can be found HERE.
For a full range of day spa packages available please visit HERE.
Many thanks to the marketing team at Ragdale Hall for inviting us along and to all of the staff on the day for making us so welcome. We’ll definitely be coming back.