It’s been one of Britain’s best spas for the last 2 decades but Ragdale Hall is not one to rest on its laurels. This award-winning health farm in the peaceful Leicestershire countryside now has something else to add to its endless list of idyllic offerings with the opening of its brand new Thermal Spa. The multi-million pound development sets Ragdale Hall even further apart from its competitors who are already struggling to keep up with its exemplary customer service, exclusive treatments, superb cuisine and all the little extras that place it a cut above. Standards were set from the moment the valet parked our car and whisked our bags up to our room, while we relaxed with a herbal tea.
The team at Ragdale Hall are serious about health but the atmosphere is far from so, with relaxation very much the order of the day. The most stressful part of our visit probably involved choosing from the endless menu of breakfast delights (which were brought to our room to be devoured in bed!) or deciding whether to play tennis, have a swim or simply to doze off in the relaxation room. There’s gym for your mind as well as your body which is filled with a plethora of puzzles and games to challenge the little grey cells.
The new Thermal Spa, which has been 5 years in the making, is an unforgettable experience and the sort you find yourself telling people about for weeks. The selection of wet and dry heated rooms are unique to the UK, beginning with the Colour Flow Cave, a humid tropical hideaway where a curved glass river of light flows around a crystal mountain. There’s an underground candle pool, where flickering lights guide you towards curved marble beds for ultimate relaxation as well as the gently heated Rose scented sauna where I could have spent all day. There’s also the Thought Zone, with its ever changing imagery, the Scented Room, where fresh herbs fill the air with gentle aromas, and the Volcanic Salt Bath which is designed for deeper breathing, removing toxins and improving circulation. A warm stream runs through the centre of the spa leading into an outdoor area that’s warm enough to enjoy even in the winter.
It’s an experience that can’t be faulted but that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their age or gender. Take your partner, mum, friend or simply take yourself for some much deserved R&R. With its new Thermal Spa you certainly won’t find an experience like it in the country.
