If you’re planning a weekend away, it’s worth knowing which hotels offer great spa treatments …
I really love the Castle Spa at Dromoland – the therapists there are exceptional and the attention to detail is second to none, not to mention they have the most beautiful robes in the world! A good rule of thumb: if a spa offers Ground Wellbeing treatments, you know you’re in great hands. @thecastlespaatdromoland
The same applies to Elemis – we tried out a brilliant Elemis facial at Anantara The Marker Dublin recently; see the review in THE GLOSS Magazine out on May 7. @anantarathemarkerdublin
Here are 5 more great hotel spa treatments to treat yourself to:
DUBLIN 2
The five-star Fitzwilliam, Dublin, overlooking Stephen’s Green, has a new in-room wellness sound bath experience.
BOOK NOW … If you’re staying overnight, add on one of two in-room sound bath experiences, designed by sound healer, breathwork specialist and Reiki Master Audrey O’Connor, founder of Core State. The morning sound bath is designed to energise and focus travellers, while the evening session has been created with jetlag and deep rest in mind, gently supporting the nervous system and preparing you for a restorative night’s sleep. Each In-Room Reset stay includes an eye pillow, an Irish-made pillow spray from Kotanical, and a journal and pen.
MAKE TIME FOR dinner in the hotel’s pretty-in-pink restaurant, Glover’s Alley. An overnight stay with full Irish breakfast starts from €319; the In-Room Reset from €379. @thefitzwilliamdublin
DUBLIN 8
Velvaere Spa in Dublin is a hidden gem of a spa, bang in the centre of Dublin, as part of the Radisson Blu hotel.
BOOK NOW … Codage treatments – some new ones are about to launch, and every previous one I’ve tried from this French brand has been top-notch; 30-minute treatments from €65, one hour from €130.
MAKE TIME FOR the lovely sauna and thermal pool. And a meal in the evening at Old Town Wine Bar – also a hidden gem that does great tapas and small plates to go with a wide selection of wines. @velvaerespa
CO MAYO
The Ice House has a prime location on the River Moy, and a lovely relaxed atmosphere; the hotel doubles almost as an art gallery, displaying owner Pearse Farrell’s collection of the finest Irish artists, such as Hughie O’Donoghue.
BOOK NOW … There are four new Elemis facials available at The Chill Spa, including the Nourish Facial (60 minutes, €120), designed to cleanse, balance and revive your skin.
MAKE TIME FOR The jacuzzi and the seaweed or mud baths overlooking the river. And visit Foxford HQ just down the road, with its delightful café and extensive range of bedding, blankets and much more. @icehousemayo
CO CAVAN
Farnham Estate’s Health Spa is set in 1,300-acres of countryside on the edge of Cavan Town.
BOOK NOW … The Healing Roots of Farnham signature treatment from Peigín Crowley’s premium Irish brand, Ground Wellbeing.
Inspired by the ancient woodlands and quiet grounds of Farnham Estate, this 60-minute massage ritual includes a back massage along with either face and scalp work or a foot ritual.
MAKE TIME FOR afternoon tea overlooking the ancient forest, meadows and lakeland, as well as the indoor/outdoor infinity hydrotherapy pool, thermal suite and relaxation areas. @farnhamestate
CO ANTRIM
The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat in tranquil Co Antrim, sister to the famed Galgorm Resort & Spa, is a countryside lakeside retreat. The spa offers a Swedish sauna, salt room, hot tubs, heated pebble beach and Roman bath beneath a glittering disco ball.
BOOK NOW … the Hop To It bed and breakfast package, from £190 per room, is a midweek retreat that includes the detoxifying Duo Clay Ritual, a therapist-free treatment. The Spring Getaway package (from £305 per room) includes access to The Spa and a private 60-minute Botanical Bath overlooking the lake, a three-course dinner, and breakfast the next morning. There are day spa options, too. Book the comfy room with outdoor bathtub if possible.
MAKE TIME FOR a trip into Belfast – it’s only 20 minutes away (we love Envoy boutique). @therabbit_hotel
More recommendations ... Swissline at The Shelbourne Dublin; Omorovicza treatments at Powerscourt Hotel & Spa, Co Wicklow; Pevonia at Ballyfin Demesne in Co Laois, with its glorious swimming pool; deluxe Augustinus Bader treatments at Ashford Castle in Co Mayo; and Ground Wellbeing treatments, including the Sleep Retreat, at Lough Eske in Co Donegal.






