We will all need a break after that busy September… Book one of these restorative retreats and wellness experiences now …
Balance Retreat, PGA Catalunya Golf & Wellness Retreat, Spain
Celebrity trainer and ballerina Monique Eastwood counts Emily Blunt, Ruth Wilson and Stanley Tucci as clients. She is hosting a five day “Balance Retreat” especially aimed at peri- and menopausal women at the stylish PGA Calalunya Golf and Wellness Retreat, Girona, Spain from October 24-28. The carefully crafted programme combines movement classes, naturopathic and holistic therapies to mitigate symptoms from anxiety to fatigue. “Keeping bodies fluid, lean and strong is so important. I use movement techniques to help women develop positive tools, build their muscle strength, boost confidence and promote mental wellbeing,” explains Eastwood.
Accommodation is provided at Hotel Camiral at PGA Catalunya, with guests enjoying one-to-consultations with nutritionists, cryotherapy sessions (to reduce inflammation and promote endorphins), detox massages, cookery lessons, mindfulness, hair and scalp treatments, guided walks and much more. From €2,128 in a double room; www.pgacatalunya.com.
Wellness Weekend, Ice House Hotel, Co Mayo
Audrey O’Connor, founder of Corestate Pilates, is hosting a weekend of strength, flow and mindful movement from Friday, October 7 to Sunday, October 9. Including energising and relaxing Pilates and yoga classes, breakfast and dinner each day, lunch on Saturday and a variety of optional daily activities, this is the second edition of her Wellness Weekends at Ice House Hotel, Co Mayo. Extra activities include paddle boarding, outdoor bathing treatments, and spa treatments. From €535 per person sharing; www.theicehouse.ie.
Ard Bia: The Retreat, Galway
This retreat in Bothar Bui, on the stunning Beara Peninsula is led by Aoibhéann McNamara, restauranteur and slow fashion designer (of The Tweed Project) and her team on November 18-20. Participants can expect gentle activity and delicious Ard Bia food, surrounded by warm fires and great company.
In addition to a digital detox, there will be conversations on food, body movement, mental awareness, cold exposure as well as lots of laughter. Jenna Veal, a New York-based dancer and movement practitioner, will also lead workshops during the weekend. The cost is €600-750 depending on accommodation preferences. What is guaranteed is a beautifully designed retreat space in an inspiring setting; www.ardbia.com.
Autumn Solstice, Cliff House Hotel, Co Waterford
Let any anxiety melt away as you savour the sea views of Ardmore Bay, while soaking in a copper bath, after a walk along the nearby beach. This bathing therapy is part of the “Autumn Solstice” offer at Cliff House Hotel, Co Waterford, which also includes dinner at The Bar Restaurant. From €589; www.cliffhousehotel.ie.
Wellness Festival, Six Senses Ibiza
Sound healing, steam sessions, stargazing and stellar speakers – including Michael Acton Smith, co-founder of the Calm app – are on the dynamic programme of Alma, a new three-day wellness festival hosted by Six Senses Ibiza from November 3-6. This is a sophisticated immersive retreat (from €1,950, full board) combining spirituality, self-development and wellness. Go with an open mind; www.sixsenses.com.
Warmth and Wellness, Knockranny House Hotel & Spa, Co Mayo
Book ahead for two “Warmth and Wellness” experiences at Knockranny House Hotel & Spa, Co Mayo, on November 11-12, and January 20-21. Pampering and pep talks combine with good food and some spa time (guests are treated to a luxe two hour Spa Salveo experience, which combines a Spirulina wrap and a Serail mud chamber treatment).
Wellness talks are led by Carrie Cann, manager of Spa Salveo, who will discuss the benefit of using essential oils for mental and physical health; Joanne Coates Moran will show how small daily changes can impact wellbeing, while head chef, Seamus Commons will discuss simple kitchen hacks to improve diet. €350 per person; www.knockrannyhousehotel.ie.
Saddle to Spa, Killarney Plaza Hotel, Co Kerry
What better way to feel at one with nature, than on horseback during a peaceful trek through Killarney’s stunning national park? This is part of a “Saddle to Spa” package at Killarney Plaza Hotel, Co Kerry. Available from €628 for two people for two nights, the offer includes breakfast each morning, a one-hour horse trek, a hot stone massage in the spa, access to the leisure centre and pool plus dinner on one night in The Tan Yard restaurant, a lovely farm-to-fork experience; www.killarneyplaza.com.
An Evening of Ritual and Self Care, Kindred Studios, Co Sligo
Mark October 6 in your diary for “An Evening of Ritual and Self Care” organised by three female-led businesses at Kindred Studios, Strandhill, Co Sligo. The evening will begin with a short, restorative yoga practice led by Katie B of Kindred Studio, followed by a Skincare Ritual Journey with Nicola Connolly, founder of Nunaïa Beauty. Afterwards, there will be healthy sweet treats, herbal tea and chats with Jane Chambers from Shells Cafe. Taking place from 7pm-8.30pm, the cost is €26 and each participant is gifted a Nunaïa Ground Mini Ritual Set (worth €28). To book visit https://momence.com/s/20803588.
Glasson Lakehouse, Co Westmeath
For a luxury midweek lakeside getaway, this boutique hotel is hard to beat. Land and lake activities available include boat tours, kayaking, golfing, or cycling. There’s also an outdoor pool (heated all year round) and three hot tubs located beside a sunken terrace. If you are craving a ski holiday minus the airmiles, you’ll love the Alpine-inspired Bonnie’s restaurant and lobby (with enormous fireplaces and small boutique selling McNutt blankets and La Bougie candles).
For some further restorative pampering book a treatment at the newly launched Brooks & Co Spa. Currently there is a one night stay offer with a 15 per cent discount, plus access to the full array of hotel amenities, valid from Sunday to Thursday until November 30. From €152 per room; www.glassonlakehouse.ie.
Nourish and Thrive Wellness Retreat, Westport
Nourish and Thrive is a weight loss and wellness retreat, located outside the town of Westport. Ruth O’Malley, founder, explains: “Our holistic approach embodies all aspects of weight loss. Most weight loss retreats involve boot camps with intense exercise, calorie counting and meal substitutes. These are beneficial, but often result in short term weight loss. We focus on long term change and provide participants with a toolbox to practically manage their weight. Our goal is to create an experience where clients leave feeling relaxed, renewed and ready to integrate what they have learnt back into their daily lives.” O’Malley runs ongoing three or five day retreats; www.nourishandthriveireland.com.
