Pampering with a view
Suzanne Holden takes a trip to Ragdale Hall for a luxury Twylight Taster evening which includes a two-course meal and a treatment
IF you look in the dictionary under the word luxury hotel, it says see Ragdale Hall Spa in Leicestershire.
I had the pleasure of enjoying a Twylight Taster evening during the week recently.
I went along with my other half. I have been to a few spas and this is possibly the grandest of them all the one that sets the bar for the others to beat.
The owners have continued to improve the facilities over the years.
In recent times the absolutely magnificent rooftop infinity pool has been added which is possibly the finest place to have a swim in the country. However, to be honest, not much swimming goes on as everyone just tends to enjoy the water and massage jets while taking in the incredible view.
At night, the entire pool is lit up in different colour lights. Obviously, it is heated so would be just as nice in the winter. It is worth a trip to the hotel just for this.
Ragdale is perched above much of the surrounding countryside and the view shows rolling hills which seem to go on for ever.
Arrival is always an important part of anything you do as it sets the tone for everything else. The building and grounds are magnificent as you drive up towards the hotel.
Once inside, we were greeted at reception by someone who took us through to the cafe area for a welcome drink and an explanation of what we could enjoy. We also had a pack with our itinerary for the evening enclosed so we knew where to go and what to do.
Very soon, we were on our way to the spa to get a robe on and enjoy the delights it has to offer.
There are several big indoor pools in the spa complex as well as a summer outdoor pool.
As you would expect there are numerous heat rooms which allow you time to relax and contemplate the meaning of life.
My favourite is the Volcanic Salt Bath which is heavenly. My other half says the candle pool his favourite and it is again unique and amazing. It is cavern which has been filled by warm water and tiled beautifully. It is lit by candles and is a wonderful place to lie back and almost fall asleep.
Each of the rooms offers something different in terms of heat and moisture but also in terms of smell.
The outdoor waterfall pool does what you would expect and allows you to go outside in heated water and relax with water jets and a waterfall if you want to stand under it. During the day this is nice. But at night, it is amazing.
There are so many other rooms, it would be hard to find space to describe them all. But they are the Thought Zone, Colourflow Cave, Volcanic Salt Bath, Scented Room,
THE venue offers numerous gift vouchers which would make a perfect Christmas present.
Ragdale Hall gift vouchers start from just £25, or why not treat your loved one to a spa day or a spa break? With vouchers available for all packages, whether you’re looking for a stockingfiller or a stand-out gift, there’s something to suit all tastes and pockets.
All vouchers are valid for a whole year and come beautifully packaged in a presentation pack with a voucher wallet and brochure, ready to place under the Christmas tree.
Gift vouchers can be ordered online at www.ragdalehall.co.uk or by telephone on 01664
433030. E-Vouchers are also available. For further information visit www. ragdalehall.co.uk or call 01664 433030
I have been to a few spas and this is possibly the grandest of them all - the one that sets the bar for the others to beat
Rose Sauna, Cave Shower and Experience Shower.
There is enough here to keep you busy for hours.
The big pools are very rarely busy and you can enjoy a good swim - if that is your thing.
There are also relax areas and jacuzzi to enjoy.
And there is a large exercise pool where you can take part in a lesson during the day.
After the spa it was time for my treatment which was a 40-minute facial.
Like everything else, this was an amazing experience and I could not imagine the person giving the treatment being any more professional than she was.
Another area that has been improved is the verandah bar which is where we had our wonderful twocourse evening meal. It is included in the Twilight Taster evening.
The choice on your menu was small but sufficiently different to make it hard to choose what to eat. I went for the garlic and herb lamp rump while my husband went for a wonderful goats cheese starter and a chicken katsu curry. I also had a cheeky dark chocolate mousse pudding. After all, I had been working hard in all the saunas.
To be honest, you would be happy to pay a lot of money for a meal as good as this.
Elsewhere, the hotel has added a cocktail bar which is, as you would expect, a bit special. We didn’t quite have time to enjoy it on the night, but it makes for another reason to return.
We also didn’t have time for the shops, exercise classes, gyms and anything outdoors including tennis courts. For a longer stay, these would be fantastic.
All in all, this really is the height of luxury but it does not make you feel as though it is just for the very rich. Price wise, it is an affordable luxury for most people and you can turn up in jeans and a teeshirt. You will not feel out of place. And once you are there, visitors wear a bathrobe so everyone is equal. To be honest, I can’t wait to go back.