We spoke to Sam Bailey about her spa experience at 5 Bubble Ragdale Hall.
When were you first introduced to spa-ing?
I really only went to spas after X Factor. I'd had massages before but in hotels not spas. I find it really hard to relax, with so many things that are going around my mind. As soon as I close my eyes I keep remembering things I have to do. So going to a place like Ragdale Hall takes you away from everything outside. You're not even really supposed to have your phones!
Some people take books, but I chilled out and read a magazine. It was completely silent, no noise whatsoever. It's great.
Tell us about Ragdale Hall
I've been to Ragdale Hall before. My next door neighbour and I were both pregnant about the same time, and we decided to go on a pregnancy spa day. We spent most of the time chilling out and enjoying a massage. It was absolutely brilliant.
I wanted to go back, as I couldn't have a proper massage then because I couldn't lay on my front. When you're pregnant it's great to go to a spa, but there are so many things you can't do.
It's beautiful at Ragdale, I love it! The grounds are amazing and the history of the place as well. There's a great thermal spa, where you go down into a pool in a cavern underground and I love that.
It's generally a really, really nice place to be. You do feel special when you go for a treatment. They really guide you through the process, it's all so perfect.
My husband absolutely loved it too; he's into anything to do with relaxation so he's a massive fan.
What treatment did you have?
I had a full body Swedish massage in the day, and then a shoulder and back massage later. I've got hair extensions in so I couldn't have a scalp massage and I don't like people touching my feet, so I had another massage in the afternoon. It was firmer the second time round, kneading out all that stress from my back.
What was your favourite part of the spa trip?
The treatment! The Swedish massage was just perfect. Normally I fall asleep during a massage, but I made myself stay awake so I could experience the whole thing.
Also The Retreat. It is a very Laura Ashley kind of room, there are little day beds and chairs and blankets, and all the curtains are open so you can see the garden. I went in before lunchtime, had a kip and woke up hungry. That's a favourite place of mine.
Is spa about luxury or health?
All about the luxury. I'm not really a massively healthy eater. At Ragdale they have a café area where they have some very naughty cakes, so it's not like everyone has to eat lettuce and cucumber.
Some people can feel a bit intimidated about going to a spa. Do you have any tips for spa-newbies?
If people feel a bit insecure about just about walking around in a swimming costume, it's not like that. They give you a dressing gown and a pair of slippers and the only time you take it off is just before you go in the pool. No-one can see you if you're feeling insecure.
No-one looks at anyone during a spa day, everyone is there to chill out and relax. They want to get out of the stress and into the relaxation.
Can you tell me how you felt after your spa trip?
Completely revitalised. "Ahhhh! I needed that!" Ragdale Hall is an amazing place and I will be going back.
Spa Spies are normally sauna or steam room people. Which are you?
As a singer I prefer steam rooms!
Sam Bailey is a singer from Leicester known for winning the 2013 X Factor. She currently lives there with her husband, children and spaniel dog Molly.
Summer Spy
28th January 2015
Spy Likes:
Warmth and sunshine; spas which take me away to another country; fruit infused waters; beach-worth pedicures; deep tissue massages.
Spy Dislikes:
High footfalls; treatments that over promise and under deliver; heavy lunches; loungers drapped in used towels.
