Discover why Ragdale Hall’s scenic rooftop pool is the talk of Leicestershire

When I was told that one of my favourite British spa hotels had unveiled a brand, spanking new rooftop pool overlooking acres of emerald green countryside, I jumped at the chance to review it.

I took with me a spa-appropriate swimming costume and minimal clothing – the hotel encourages copious fluffy robe wearing throughout your stay for optimum levels of comfort.

I’ve always adored this about Ragdale Hall. Whilst I’m rather partial to dressing for dinner during my hotel stays, there’s something soul-soothing about mooching about all day and night in a grand country spa hotel wrapped in comfort. After an hour long aromatherapy massage, who can be bothered to change into a tailored dress and sky high heels to gorge on fine foods? Not I that’s for sure.

Our room was pleasingly plush and spacious, with an inviting, king-sized bed and floor to ceiling windows boasting views of the hotel grounds. A flat screen TV beckoned our lazy selves with the promise of mindless reality TV shows but we resisted and made our way down for lunch in the Verandah – a cozy conservatory with a charming outdoor seating area.

The food at Ragdale Hall is healthy and flavoursome with the blissfully naughty option to indulge. Our starters consisted of a hearty butternut squash bruschetta and a creamy prawn and crab cocktail – both etherial, yet satisfying.

I devoured a protein powerhouse of a superfood salad laden with avocado, quinoa and blueberries, adorned with thick slices of grilled chicken, whilst my carb-loving girlfriend finished off a creamy spinach gnocchi with glee.

The hotel also offers a plentiful and varied buffet lunch with mountains of fresh salads, healthy poached salmon, carved meats, hot jacket potatoes and more, which we had the pleasure of experiencing the following day.

After lunch and a quick snooze in one of Ragdale Hall’s comfy relaxation rooms, we made our way to the famous spa (aka the adult waterpark of your dreams), with its 6 pools and eleven heat and water experiences.

We let go of our city-induced stresses in the volcanic salt room before unwinding in the candlelit meditation pools. The water in this tranquil cave is heated to body temperature – perfect for releasing tension after a long, stressful week.

My favourite spa feature has always been the indoor/outdoor water path which allows you to swim or stroll underwater along a meandering pool in the open air. There is also the option of relaxing against various underwater massagers and waterfalls under the blue (or cloudy) skies of Leicestershire.

At my most recent visit, I was introduced to the new rooftop jacuzzi pool, which quickly took pride of place as my favourite spot in this escapist paradise. Set on the heady heights of this regal building and overlooking acres of lush Leicestershire countryside, this glamorous new addition to the hotel is somewhere you will want to visit again and again.

After simmering nicely in the warm, bubbling water and taking in the serenity of nature around us, we pried ourselves away, joyously wrinkly fingered and relaxed to make our way to the hotel’s treatment rooms.

After a complexion-rejuvenating facial and massage using 100% natural skincare products courtesy of Ragdale Hall’s expert therapists and Decleor, we pranced about the hotel in a zen-like state of calm – hence our delight at remembering we didn’t have to change and could dine in our robes. There’s no better way of prolonging that “I just had a massage”, lazy feeling whilst devouring a perfectly-cooked filet steak in optimum levels of snuggly comfort.

As we gave in to a “comfort pudding” of sticky date sponge and custard we made a mental note to return to this charming haven of bliss in the near future – and to purchase identical robes to relive the whole cozy experience at home in the meantime.

 

Ragdale Hall gift vouchers are the best way to give the gift of ‘me-time’ this festive season. With vouchers available for all packages, whether you’re looking for a stocking-filler or a stand-out gift, there’s something to suit all tastes and pockets. For more information or to book a stay visit www.ragdalehall.co.uk or call 01664 433030

 

 

Mitra Msaad

Editor in Chief