A Spa-real Experience
Arrival
Over Easter, in an attempt to de-stress before the onset of exams, I went on a 2 day excursion to Ragdale Spa in Leiscestershire. Stepping into this place felt like stepping into the classroom of a strict Victorian School Mistress. Upon arrival I was informed that my phone was a no-no in public places and could I please keep it hidden in my room. Oh, and while I was at it, those chocolate biscuits I had bought should be thrown out. Celery and water would be the staple.
A Peculiar Dress Code
With all these violations of human rights I was experiencing, I half-expected to be forced to wear a corset and pointy heels. But the dress code was surprisingly lax, indeed all thought to the social norms of clothes go out the window, people…wear dressing gowns. No sooner had I walked in, my eyes were exposed to a variety of men and women (mainly women) wandering around the reception area and all over the rest of the estate with what looked like an over-sized white rabbit covering their bodies. Despite my initial horror at this infestation, I soon unashamedly donned my own fluffy companion. Indeed, I rather enjoyed the opportunity to wear the socially unacceptable and feel incredibly naughty every time I snuck a bite of a chocolate biscuit.
An Extensive Evaluation
So, after all this chat of deprivation, why would people actively choose to go there? Having dealt with the iPhone withdrawal symptoms and realized that the celery and water thing wasn’t quite as strict as originally made out (there was a cake shop and beef at dinner!) I had a lovely time. Facials and massages and fancy dinners (in my dressing gown…obviously) were in plentiful supply. Saunas, jacuzzis and ‘resting rooms’ were the norm. I was bought breakfast in bed, work was forbidden (what a shame) and sleep was encouraged. Indeed, by the end of my stay I was all ready to email the Vice-chancellor outlining why I thought a spa on campus would be an excellent idea.