When you arrive at a destination and someone comes out to take your bags and park your car for you, you just know you’re in for treat!
This is the reception Julia and I received upon pulling up to our most recent
blissed out bride
retreat, Ragdale Hall, a health hydro and thermal spa near Melton Mowbray, Loughborough.Situated in a tranquil, rural location the hall is vast, housing one of the biggest spas that we’ve ever experienced, along with a restaurant, gym and accommodation, plus numerous treatments rooms, quiet areas and shops! Impressive right?
Having heard from many friends and relatives that Ragdale Hall was the place to visit when it came to relaxation and pampering, we thought it only right to try out its facilities for brides-to-be looking for a chilled-out pre-wedding break, a refined hen do or a romantic minimoon.
One of the best things about Ragdale Hall, and perhaps one of the first things to hit you, is its dress code, which we can only sum up as ‘ultra-casual’ with guests encouraged to remain in their soft robes and slippers for the duration of their stay. Already we think we’ve died and gone to heaven!
Once changed into our robes (which would remain on our bodies until departure, excluding only sleep time) we had a tour of the building which revealed a Tardis of tranquillity for us to explore and enjoy, but first – lunch.
Joined in the dining room by fellow robe-donning guests we indulged in three courses, which made a refreshing change from our usual lunch of grabbing at anything edible between typing. It’s important to point out at this stage that the word ‘health’ in Ragdale’s description doesn’t mean solely green eating, and alcohol is (thankfully) on the menu!
We enjoyed starters of warm soup and soft bread (see, carbs too!) and then helped ourselves to mains from a buffet of adventurous salads and meats, plus hot options such as curries and paella were also available. To finish, vanilla sponge with a blueberry cream. Del-i-cious!
Right, spa time. Not to overwhelm ourselves we decided to start at one side of thermal spa and work our way over to the other, sampling all 12 of its luxurious and unique heat and water experiences along the way! We began by braving the outdoor waterfall pool in the chilly January weather. Though cold out, the steam rising from the pool kept us warm while message jets washed away any niggling aches.
Back inside we tried out the various sauna, steam and shower experiences, which offered different benefits and mood-boosters. For us highlights included the Scented Room, which really invigorated the senses, the Colourflow Cave, humid with a heady mix of Jasmine and Camomile, and the Candle Room, unlike any room we’ve seen at a spa before. Lit by flickering candles and a starry ceiling, the spacious cave-like area invites you to bathe in waters heated to a comforting 34 degrees. Pure heaven.
What’s particularly nice about Ragdale is that its thermal spa rooms are large enough to accommodate groups, making it an ideal option for ladies looking for a laid-back hen do (though the chat and gossip should be saved for areas away from the silent thermal spa).
Before returning to the restaurant for our evening meal we also enjoyed a dip in the whirlpool and 25 metre swimming pool as well as a little magazine-reading time.
Back in the restaurant (still wrapped in robes) we consumed another enjoyable three courses, this time full table service, before idling away two hours back in the whirlpool and then retiring to our room for a truly restful night’s sleep.
To keep relaxation levels high, guests don’t even have to concern themselves with making it to the restaurant in time for breakfast at Ragdale Hall, as instead a friendly member of staff will bring a tray of goodness directly to your bedroom door.
Day two for us was all about treatments (and a little retail therapy) so we headed to ‘The Beauty Express’. One of the best facilities we’ve ever come across at a spa, this inviting area has numerous talented beauticians on hand to provide small and easily-affordable treatments, meaning ladies can indulge no matter what their budget. HD Brows, anti-ageing treatments, hair styling and mini facials are all on offer, though we went for manicures to treat our tired fingertips.
Then came the real crème-de-le-crème – a heavenly 50-minute massage and facial treatment. My therapist Helen was super polite and helpful, enquiring of any skin concerns or muscle pain before the magic began. My back, shoulders, neck, arms, legs and chest were all rid of any aches and niggles before luxurious lotions and potions were used to hydrate and sooth my face. I emerged feeling both radiant and relaxed, as did Julia who had enjoyed a fabulous facial.
We were both recommended products for our skin to continue that spa feeling at home, though there is no pressure to buy with the Ragdale Hall beauty shop open for guests to visit as and when they so wish. Naturally we went straight there and were immersed in products from top brands including Clarins, Decleor and Elemis.
Before (somewhat begrudgingly) handing over our robes and departing we enjoyed one more trip to the restaurant and so left Ragdale feeling rejuvenated, relaxed and suitably full!
ragdale recommends
If we’ve whet your appetite for a heavenly pre- or post-wedding break, whether it be with your partner, mum or friends, Ragdale has a package to fulfil your blissed-out-bride needs…
For the bride-to-be
The Ultimate Day is Ragdale’s top of the range day package for top-to-toe pampering and great skin, with just over two hours of treatment time, full use of all the facilities, three course buffet lunch and then canapes and champagne before departure.
For the happy couple
The two or three night Taster Break is best if people want to select their own treatments, such as his and her treatments, and allows couples to add in a much or as little as they want depending on the budget. It also includes full use of all the facilities and all meals for the duration of the stay.
For the girls
Ragdale Hall have a special offer where if a group of four books, they get a fifth person free – so a hen do group could split the overall cost, sharing the saving between them.
how to book
Whatever type of break you desire, Ragdale recommends contacting its Reservations Team and Treatments Advice Team in the first instance, who are incredibly knowledgeable about all packages, deals and treatments, and can therefore recommend the most suitable/cost effective package and any current deals. The easiest way to do this is by calling the main switchboard on 01664 434831.
Also, you can follow Ragdale Hall on Facebook for details of competitions and flash sales, plus the spa also has a free app available to download, which features late deals, offers and news.
