Ragdale Hall

Bathing and anointing was a big thing back in Ancient Israel. It wasn’t allowed on Yom Kippur, but the rabbis generally approved of personal hygiene and the Talmud even says that ‘it is forbidden to live in a city that has no bathhouse’. Ragdale Hall is one classy bathhouse.

Nothing quite prepared me for my visit to Ragdale Hall. It is an oasis that is even more beautiful than its brochure, a spectacular castle surrounded by fields, a stunning sight for city-sore eyes.

The varied site offers a host of lounges and relaxation rooms, a stunning swimming pool/hydro complex, deliciously enticing grounds and state-of-the-art gym & exercise studios. So much to do, but where on earth to start?

The accommodation at Ragdale has a feeling of opulence and luxury. Little things make the difference and they’ve got it just right. I stayed in an amazing two-storey suite complete with lounge, study and a 360-degree shower. Perfect for cleaning the bits that other showers don’t reach.

Ragdale Hall’s marketing manager described to me how the Health Spa industry has developed over the last 30 years and although it was once fashionable to restrict people’s diets to 750 calories per day, this is no longer the case. The food is now abundant, with a variety of healthy meals available. It was nice to leave the table feeling full and without a trace of guilt, even when I’d devoured the chocolate pudding that was offered.

‘I think people come to Ragdale Hall to kick start into a healthier lifestyle’, explained Vicky. ‘We are able to help them with healthy eating plans, floor exercise plans and whatever advice they need to get them moving in the right direction. They come here to refresh and relax, and our job is to make it as pleasurable as possible’. My travelling companion, took the Body Composition Test and Healthy Eating Plan. ‘It was incredibly helpful’, she said, ‘as they gave me advice which was specific to my body, about my physical make-up, including muscle weight, water content and fat content. Best of all, they recommended I did not lose any weight!’.
 
Ragdale’s 140 therapists offer exciting treatments including the decadent Chocolate, Coffee & Almond Fondue Envelopment and the Ragdale Multi-Method Massage (two therapists at once!). My first treatment was the Elemis Aroma Spa Seaweed Cocoon, a combination of aromatherapy, massage & heat wraps. The juniper and lemon essential oils brought my calves & feet to life whist a seaweed mask was applied to my arms and legs. I was then wrapped up in foil like a Kit Kat as the therapist massaged my head with a relaxing Tea Tree oil. Wow.

The Decleor Men’s Complete Detox is part of a small range of treatments offered men who are lucky enough to make it along to the spa. It is a combination of detoxifying products, facial and all over conditioning. The heat wrap with an electric blanket was possibly not the best treatment to choose during record-breaking August temperatures, but my skin was much shinier and clearer as a result.

On top of all of this, there is a marvellous selection of inclusive classes available, ranging from a 7.30am Tai Chi wake-up (yes, I went), to pilates-in-the-swimming-pool, Crystal Relaxation, Tai Chi Sword, and on it goes.

Find an excuse and get yourself down to this joint. It isn’t cheap, but there is definite value for money. I don’t think Health Spas can get any better. It’s also a perfect romantic getaway, and almost worth getting married just so you can spend your honeymoon in a Ragdale suite complete with a 360-degree shower.

An earlier version of this article appeared in ‘Life’ magazine.

Marcus stayed at Ragdale Hall Health Hydro.  Tel: 01664 434 831  www.ragdalehall.co.uk . Health spa vouchers start at £25 for day packages, and a two-night stay in a twin room begins at £372 per person.