Ragdale Hall is what I would call one of the establishment spas, set in the Leistershire countryside area of Melton Mowbray.

My first impression was of a wonderfully efficient and charming country hotel. As soon as we arrived our bags were whisked away and we were shown to the garden bar where we enjoyed a welcoming drink over check in. Our hostess talked us through the classes, lay out of Ragdale Hall and reminded us of our dinner and treatment reservations.

It is efficiency personified!

As soon as our room was ready, we rushed up. It was a lovely country hotel type bedroom, nothing terribly boutique or swish about it, but very warm and comfortable with lots of room to spread out and put things away.

Neither of us particularly fancied an exercise class, I have to admit, and our treatments clashed with the country walk, which would have been our preference, so we headed to the pool. This was fantastic: lots of space for serious swimming combined with more than enough room to chill and enjoy the massage jets or jacuzzi.

But top of the list was the Hydrotherm spa where you'll a number of rooms such as the Rose Petal sauna, or underground candle light cavern,and many others, each one a mini treatment in itself.The Hydrotherm spa also houses an outside pool, so warm you can see the steam rising from the water on a chilly Autumn morning. It was utterly delicious, and we kept heading back there again and again, even enjoying it by moonlight.

The food was varied and substantial enough, and my companion, a professional chef, gave it the thumbs up. I. however, felt the lack of a decent coffee. Whilst you can get coffee in the bars, it comes from a machine, and I thought an investment in a professional Gaggia and some Illy coffee would be greatly welcomed by the coffee afficianados. After all, especially in spas, it's often the small details that make all the difference.

And finally, our treatments...once again, this was the very model of efficiency with a central room where everyone gathers to be whisked away for their session. My companion loved her Balinese massage and my Elemis facial really helped me relax into the weekend. The treatments rooms are lovely and tranquil and all our therapists were very knowledgable and friendly.

Overall, Ragdale hall is great value for money. The preponderance of giggly hen night groups and chatty parties of mothers and daughters (at least on our visit) mean that it's not the place to go for serious chilling of the peaceful soul searching kind, but for a pampering, friendly and enjoyable weekend away it's perfect.

http://www.ragdalehall.co.uk