We've all been there. Sat in traffic on the roads when all we want to do is just get home and relax after a long day at work.
But how many of us actually do relax? Far too often we will think relaxing is turning the TV on, sitting on the sofa and then aimlessly scrolling through, let's face it, nonsense on our phones while ignoring the television.
While we did encounter a bit of a nightmare journey with heavy traffic on the motorway, my wife and I chose for an evening of genuine relaxation when we headed to Ragdale Hall Spa. The venue, which sits in the heart of rural Leicestershire near Melton Mowbray, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Given the aforementioned traffic, we arrived at around 6.35pm and were advised that we were booked in for our treatment at 6.40pm. We rushed to get changed and collected our complimentary robes before heading back to where our treatment would be.
The second we laid on the treatment tables and were greeted by our therapists, the stresses of the working day and traffic on the journey evaporated as quick as the scents in the room. The treatment was a Divine Glow Express Facial which was labelled as a 'truly luxurious experience'.
It certainly was but, for me, the most luxurious part was the 10 to 15 minutes of pure relaxation. No distractions and constant notifications, just peace.
Ragdale Hall also offers spa breaks and overnight stays and you certainly wouldn't be lost for what to do during a break. It has a thermal spa, with no fewer than 12 different heat and water experiences, and perhaps the venue's star attraction is the rooftop infinity pool, which opened in 2018.
It even has an outdoor pool with sun loungers for the warmer summer months. The scented room in thermal spa was a particular highlight, with the scents really helping with the feeling of relaxation.
The venue also has an exercise pool - complete with in-water equipment, main pool, fully-equipped gym, a beauty shop, gift shop and boutique. There are also three bars and a main dining room.
The rooftop pool is up 30 steps and we headed there at around 8.30pm. Stepping into the Austrian-designed pool, you'll forgive us for thinking it might be a little cool but it is heated to 35C so it doesn't matter how chilly it is.
The pool has built in benches with pre-timed massage jets and offers stunning views over the Leicestershire countryside. It felt as though we had been transported to some exotic island as we enjoyed the views from the rooftop of the stately Georgian hall.
After enjoying all the facilities, there was only one thing left do and that was to sample the cocktails on offer. We headed to the Twilight bar, which had quirky and modern furniture and decorations to enjoy a passion fruit martini.
Sitting in a bar drinking a cocktail while wearing a robe was a slightly surreal experience for me but, such was the sense of relaxation Ragdale Hall had given me, there were no worries in my mind. The only downside I had was the return to the treadmill of daily life had arrived.
Ragdale Hall Spa has launched a range of luxury spa packages to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Packages start from £220pp and can be booked online or by calling 01664 433000
