Within easy reach of the city of Leicester and east midlands airport, Ragdale Hall Hydro and Thermal Spa combines country house charm with up-to-date spa facilities. It’s the perfect place for a spa break, boasting beautiful views, sumptuous facilities and an innovative and exciting thermal spa.
A Health Spa and Country Retreat
A former 18h-century hunting lodge, Ragdale is an opulent home from home, full of character and comfort. Surrounded by miles of Leicestershire countryside, it is the perfect spot for a retreat from the stresses of life. The hall itself more than provides for guests' needs.
The beautiful grounds have plenty of hidden nooks where guests can read a book or simply unwind in privacy. Inside, the hall maintains its period features but informality is the key. Guests are encouraged to curl up in the house’s period lounges or bask in the light and airy conservatory and garden room whilst the friendly, accommodating staff see to their needs.
One special feature is the silent relaxation room. Equipped with comfortable beds, chairs, pillows and duvets, this is the perfect place to retreat to after a treatment – or simply to rest.
Ragdale’s Health Facilities
Guests can play croquet, pitch and put or boules on the lawns or swim in the sheltered outdoor pool during the summer months. Bikes are available for exploring the surrounding countryside and staff can provide routes for country walks.
Indoors, there is a top class gym where guests can overlook the countryside whilst working out. Two exercise studios offer an extensive range of fitness and relaxation classes whilst for a mental workout, there is the mind gym, a small room packed full of puzzles and brain training software.
The pool area is exceptional, equipped with an exercise pool and 25-metre swimming pool. Large picture windows allow guests to admire the grounds as they swim or as they relax in the raised whirlpool spa. A water massage can be enjoyed amongst jets and cascades of water in the corner of the pool.
The Thermal Spa
Ragdale’s thermal spa is a treat not to be missed. Consisting of a range of hot to warm rooms and water features, it offers a variety of innovative sensory experiences designed to relax the muscles and the mind. Rooms include the rose sauna, the humid volcanic salt bath, the mildly heated incense infused scented room, and the thought zone and colour flow cave which relax guests with gentle heat, colour, projected scenes and patterns and soft music.
The waterfall pool is a highlight, with its gently warmed water stretching outdoors into a rocky pool where guests can swim amongst mini waterfalls and enjoy a range of massage jets. Even the showers are an experience with the cave shower mimicking storm conditions or gentle rain.
But the pinnacle of the thermal spa is the candle pool. A domed under water grotto gently lit with candle light, this silent room is equipped with watery nooks and crannies where guests can float, enjoying gentle music in silence.
Comfortable Accommodation with Character
Bedrooms at Ragdale are of the highest standard- although guests are unlikely to spend much time in them. They are classified as economy, standard, superior, superior plus and suites. All are ensuite with television, drinks making facilities and mini safes. The later three categories are more spacious, have greater luxury in furnishings and views of the countryside.
But even the standard room boast more space than the average hotel bedroom. Decor is individually to each room, with homely touches such as cushions and throws. The beds embrace you, ensuring a good night’s sleep. If the pillows supplied are not to a guests liking, housekeeping will supply another, from a range of feather, synthetic and v shaped styles.
Dining at Ragdale
Healthy eating at Ragdale is a pleasure, not a challenge. All meals are designed to be nutritious, filling and delicious. Portion sizes may not appear large at first glance but guests are guaranteed to leave the table full and satisfied. So much so that they may not want to indulge in any of the delicious and healthy snacks on offer in the hall’s garden room and veranda bar.
Breakfast is delivered to the bedrooms and offers a choice of fresh juices and smoothies, cereals and baked goods. Highlights include the freshly baked superberry muffin and Ragdale’s Athol Brose which deliciously combines yogurt, oatmeal, raspberries and honey.
Both three course main meals are taken in the hall’s panelled dining room. Menus’ are varied and change daily, catering for both those watching their waistline and who enjoy a fine dining experience. At lunchtime, guests help themselves from the vast array of imaginative salads and daily dishes. Dinner continues Ragdale’s well balanced approach to food. Main courses include fish, poultry, meat and vegetarian dishes such as gnocchi with pesto and fresh summer vegetables.
Mineral water is complementary and an extensive wine list is available. Each meal can be finished with either fresh fruit and yogurt or a serving of the slightly more decadent dessert of the day.
Ragdale Spa Deals-Spa Weekends, Spa Day Packages and Treatments
Ragdale offers a range of packages, often at discount, ranging between residential stays and spa day packages. Residential packages are for a minimum of two nights and include lunch and dinner. Spa days include lunch but can be extended to an overnight stay if rooms are available.
Each package includes complimentary therapies from the hall’s wide selection of beauty treatments and holistic therapies. Inclusive treatments vary according to the package chosen. Ragdale offers a variety of speciality breaks including packages for Mums to be, mother and daughters and men.
Whatever package you chose and however long your stay, your experience at Ragdale is bound to be unforgettable.
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Natasha Sheldon - A writer since 2000, Natasha Sheldon holds a BA Hons in ancient history and archaeology and MA in ancient history and historiography.
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