YOU can't stand still in this industry," explained Ragdale Hall's marketing manager as she showed me around their stunning new spa area.

To be honest I thought Ragdale Hall Health Hydro was pretty amazing the last time I visited in 2005, with its heated indoor pools, jacuzzis, gym, dance studios and excellent restaurant. Now it ranks as one of the best spa resorts in the country.

Their multi-million pound, state-of-the-art Thermal Spa opened late last year. It's free-of-charge to all residential and day guests, adding a whole new dimension to a visit to this Leicestershire oasis.

The Thermal Spa draws on inspiration from the greatest spas around the world and features Scandinavian, European, Greek and Japanese influences.

Nothing has been skimped on and many of the experiences have been exclusively designed for Ragdale, creating a haven of luxurious tranquillity.

Designed like the cross-section of a giant Nautilus shell, it cocoons guests within a sanctuary of warm, calm and nurturing energies featuring 12 luxurious and unique heat and water experiences and a pool running from inside to outside which is floodlit from dusk.

These range from a bubbling footbath to experience showers - set in a cave providing the sensation of being caught in a thunder storm - heated scented rooms, steam rooms and a totally relaxing thought zone providing a dry heat, chill-out music and relaxing images.

My favourite was the Volcanic Salt Bath, a mega-hot steam room with 100 per cent humidity all finished in sensuous black slate. I also loved the Candle Pool, an entrancing mosaic cavern with lapping water lit by the flicker of little candle-like lights and a "star" lit ceiling. You couldn't help but feel relaxed as you lay back in these womb-like surroundings and let the worries of the day drift away.

It took me less than an hour to switch off and relax after arriving. A one and a half hour motorway drive from Bucks, a quick and easy check-in (answering some basic medical questions) and I was into my swimming cozzy and doing some serious chilling out.

Elsewhere at Ragdale the spa continues to offer unparalleled facilities to its guests. There are numerous lounges where you can cosy up with a good book, a cafe selling organic cakes, numerous beauty rooms offering a huge range of treatments including some rather special Li'tya treatments from Australia (the Li'tya Mala Mayi, for example, incorporates a sublime full body scrub, wrap and massage using Aboriginal oils, minerals, music and techniques), a shop selling very trendy casual wear and accessories, and a new mind gym room full of games and puzzles. There's a terrific exercise pool with aqua-gym equipment and a full range of leisure activities. There's also an excellent restaurant serving a very extensive buffet at lunchtime and three course dinner in the evenings.

There's so much to do here that whether you are there to firm up, chill out or tone up, you'll find the perfect activity for you. By Debra Aspinall

Limited Edition has got together with Ragdale Hall to offer one reader an Overnight Reviver Break for two people sharing a Superior room (value £358). This includes dinner, breakfast, lunch, use of all facilities including the new Thermal Spa plus a 50 minute Natural Harmony Facial or Body Massage. Overnight guests may arrive from 3pm and stay until 6pm the next day.

For your chance to win, simply answer the following question by the closing date of January 31.

Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa, telephone 01664 434831, www.ragdalehall.co.uk