At 7 Star Life we love a luxury spa hotel. The regal staircases, fine dining, soul soothing spa treatments and that general smug feeling of being pampered to oblivion all combine to make us deliriously happy. Saying this, there are those times when we crave all of the above yet in a more ‘homely’ environment.

This is when we hastily book a relaxing break at the inimitable Ragdale Hall – a sophisticated Leicestershire spa hotel steeped in history where you can mince about all day and night in big fluffy dressing gowns – even whilst devouring a three course dinner in the grand dining room.

A two night break is reasonably priced from £332 per person sharing, including all meals (three course lunch and dinner, and breakfast served to your room), unlimited use of the Thermal Spa and pools, gym, exercise classes and a 50-minute treatment. For workaholic types with limited time to frolic, day and evening packages are also available – starting from just £59.

Enter the grand Victorian style doorway and you’ll instantly feel at ease. Friendly staff run though your bespoke itinerary before showing you to your plush, exquisitely decorated room – a delightful mergence of modern and traditional country chic.

Ragdale Hall is a luxury hotel most famous for its enormous thermal spa – a sprawling indoor and outdoor aquatic paradise consisting of 12 opulent heat and water experiences.

Guests can reach a blissfuly zen-like state in the shimmering Candle Pool – an enticing mosaic cave with water heated to 34C, thought-eradicating relaxation music, twinkling candles and a mesmerising star-lit ceiling.

The outdoor waterfall pool features numerous underwater massage jets to soothe weary muscles, whilst evoking that magical feeling of bathing in a steamy outdoor lagoon. Damnit we love that feeling.

Those of you suffering from niggling winter colds and troubled minds can seek solace in the Volcanic Salt Bath – a relaxing humid haven infused with eucalyptus to help aid breathing and banish bothersome congestion.

More active types can frolic about in the Exercise Pool which offers a daily program of various water exercise classes and contains high tech underwater gym equipment (sadly, we were too lazy for this during our stay).

Ragdale Hall’s rambling green grounds boast a hedge-lined outdoor swimming pool, tented swing seats, quaint walled garden and an array of colourful flowering plants – perfect for sunny or frosty festive strolls on bright winter mornings.

The food served in this magical place is freshly prepared and extremely healthy, yet there are always slightly naughty dishes available if you fancy a spot of indulgence after a long lazy day.

Lunch includes an exciting ‘all you can eat’ buffet laden with colourful salads, oodles of protein and pleasing puddings, whereas dinner is a more civilised affair consisting of a three course a la carte menu and the option of dressing up or dining in your fluffy dressing gown.

We’d choose the dressing gown option every time..

Ragdale Hall are now offering Christmas gift vouchers starting from £25. To buy one for a lucky loved one or for further information contact voucher sales on 01664 433030 or visit Ragdale’s website. A video brochure is also available here.