LincsOnline is invited to try the Four Roots wellbeing experience at Rutland Hall Hotel

I’ve recently been told I must take better care of myself so when I was invited to try a new wellbeing experience locally, I jumped at the chance.

Rutland Hall promotes the Four Roots experience as the “perfect place to relax and recharge” and describes it as an “oasis of calm and tranquility”.

Pulling into the car park for the experience though, I felt far from tranquil - I got lost in the maze of car parks at the hotel which is set in 70 acres of parkland. Luckily, I found a very helpful staff member who provided me with a map but by the time I located the Four Roots experience - in the same building as the hotel’s leisure centre - I was running very late and it’s fair to say I was feeling frazzled. The staff there couldn’t have been friendlier or more helpful though and welcomed me with a smoothie as I filled out some health forms on a comfy sofa.

The experience takes up to four hours and aims to enhance your spiritual wellbeing with a relaxing bathing experience, promote your physical wellbeing with a treatment of your choice, harness your emotional wellbeing with a quiet meditation session and nurture your social wellbeing with a delicious dining experience.

First up was the bathing experience. I was shown into a changing room with a robe and slippers, and advised I could either wear a swimsuit or ditch it altogether for the bathing experience. I wouldn’t say I’m a prude but I felt a little embarrassed to be starkers in front of the staff member, and I had thankfully packed a swimming costume. She said most women choose to wear swimwear but men on the other hand…

I was given the option of adding milk - to soften the skin; tea - an antioxidant; or magnesium - sleep-inducing and an antioxidant - to add to the bath, and I decided to go for tea. I was shown into a room with dim lights and two large roll top baths, one filled with bubbles. I could also choose to pay a little extra for a drink - prosecco in the bath anyone?

Now I’m going to be honest here - the bathing experience was the bit I was least looking forward to. I’m much more of a shower person - sitting languishing in a hot bath often makes me feel dizzy and instead of relaxing, I think about how much of a waste of time it is to be sitting there doing nothing. That’s basically the opposite of relaxed but I decided to give it the benefit of the doubt.

As I climbed into the bath - even though I’m tall, a step was still needed - the water was hot but comfortably so. Shortly after I’d lowered myself in and leaned back on the pillow, the staff member re-entered the room - I was grateful for my swimming costume - and put a sheet over the top of the bath which she said was to keep the heat in. There were also a couple of products for your face and body to give a go.

There was serene music playing and the dark room did make me feel, for the first time ever, somewhat relaxed in a bath - but I was still happy to hop out when the woman told me it was time for my treatment, and as I’d arrived late, I’d not had the full hour.

Next up was the treatment to promote my physical wellbeing and I had opted for a full body massage. The therapist was really lovely, asking me beforehand if I had any problems, and quietly querying during the treatment if the pressure was firm enough. I couldn’t recommend the treatment more - it was probably one of the best massages I’ve ever had and I definitely felt like all my creaky bones had a new lease of life afterwards. The products used are also available to buy, should you wish to try and replicate that relaxed feeling at home.

Feeling calm at last, I was shown into the mediation room - a dark room with beautiful lights glowing across the ceiling - and offered some headphones. There are QR codes to listen to mediation videos but as it’s not really my thing, I used the time to recline in the lovely chairs and read my book while dozing. I’m not sure if I harnessed my emotional wellbeing but I definitely felt a lot less stressed than I had when I arrived.

As the hour in the room came to an end, it was time for the dining experience and I’d opted for an afternoon tea, although you can also select a lunch. The dining area was quiet and I can imagine I’d have been a lot more successful at nurturing my social wellbeing if I’d been with someone else but the food was absolutely delicious so I was happy not to have to share! Served on a traditional three-tier stand, the bottom stand was laden with sandwiches, the middle had a sausage roll and a quiche and the top had cakes and sweet treats - with a basket with two large scones in served at the side. As someone who loves cakes and often enjoys afternoon teas for birthdays or occasions, I heartily recommend this afternoon tea should you be planning a Four Roots experience.

As I left for the day - my leftovers from the afternoon tea safely enclosed in a box - I took a little bit of time to wander down to the reservoir’s edge to enjoy the sunset over Rutland Water - a perfect end to a relaxing afternoon, and just what the doctor ordered.

More details about the Four Roots experience are here: https://rutlandhall.co.uk/wellbeing/ and gift vouchers are available.