From body massages to specialist facials, seawater therapy to Arabian rituals, there’s something for everyone at these top notch spa havens
Main Image; Wineport Lodge, Co Westmeath?
Dromoland Castle & Spa, Co Clare
Offer: The Sturm Sleepover
Dromoland spa is brand-new and supremely luxurious with treatments from Irish brand Seabody plus German skincare brand Dr Barbara Sturm. The hotel pool is in a separate building so you’re not going for a day in the sauna and steam room, this is for more specialist skin treatments.
For skincare devotees, this exclusive package includes a 60-minute Dr Barbara Strum Glow Facial, a rejuvenating treatment that is tailored to individual skin needs. A luxurious overnight stay with breakfast is also included. Don’t leave without fully exploring the Castle’s gorgeous gardens and hotel gift shop, stocked with an amazing edit of Irish design. Inclusive of accommodation and facial, this escape costs €549; www.dromoland.ie
Wineport Lodge, Co Westmeath
Offer: Eat, Sleep, Relax, Repeat
You never really get the full benefit of a hotel stay until the second day, which is why Wineport Lodge is offering a two-night retreat so guests can fully enjoy the benefits of its lakeside setting and new Cedarwood Spa, where Voya treatments are delivered by the expert team. On the spa’s lower level, the infinity pool sits within touching distance of the lake, while the Lodge’s floating hot tub pontoon is recommended for sitting back under open skies, enjoying a chilled glass of Prosecco or practising some mindfulness. This two-night stay is from €420 for two nights with breakfast each morning and dinner on one evening; www.wineport.ie
Eden One, Number One Ballsbridge, Dublin
Offer: Citrus Essence Facial
There’s a reason Eden One has been voted both Europe and Ireland’s best day spa – it provides sanctuary and signature treatments within state-of-the-art facilities. The pool is fabulous and the top-notch therapists deliver five-star treatments. Currently on offer is the Citrus Essence Facial, which is a perfect post-holiday treat. It restores vitality to sun-damaged skin and helps minimise signs of premature ageing. Vitamin C stimulates collagen production and renews skin firmness, while improving luminosity and hydration. This facial can be booked separately, €150, or upgraded to a Radiance Spa Package, €225, which also includes a 30-minute signature massage, complimentary access to the thermal spa facilities and complimentary lunch in the Member’s Lounge; www.edenone.ie
Lough Erne Resort, Co Fermanagh
Offer: The Rasul Experience
On a private peninsula in the Fermanagh Lakelands, Lough Erne Resort is a discreet in the know destination for spa devotees. Its Thai Spa team (of trained Thai and European therapists) use Espa and Voya products. The range of therapies includes a Traditional Thai Massage, a Thai Herbal Poultice massage (which targets stress and tension in the body) to an invigorating Rasul experience. I always opt for a rasul if I see it on a treatment menu – it’s an ancient Arabian cleansing ritual which stimulates blood flow to help revive the tissue and lymphatic system. As part of the experience, guests can unwind in the “Deep Sleep” Sabai Room where large day beds overlook views of Castle Hume Lough. The Rasul Experience costs £45 per person and can be combined with an overnight stay, from £199; www.lougherneresort.com
The Heritage, Co Laois
Offer: Check-in, Float out
This relaxing offer includes an overnight stay with breakfast the following morning, a three-course dinner in Blake’s Restaurant, a one hour spa thermal experience plus a choice of one of 60-minute ESPA spa treatments, including a Swedish massage or “inner beauty’ facial. The Heritage is a favourite with one of my Gloss colleagues who loves the surroundings – near the pretty village of Killenard – as well as the sense of serenity at the hotel which has lots of cosy nooks for reading by the fire and gorgeous rooms. Prices start from €210 per person sharing; www.theheritage.com
Lough Eske, Co Donegal
Offer: The Thermal Escape Package
This new package is designed to help you switch off and unwind in the new outdoor hot tubs located in the Castle’s walled garden at CARA Organic Spa, where guests can relax with a glass of chilled prosecco, before decamping to the thermal suite, fitness centre and indoor pool a few steps away. The pampering continues with a three-course dinner in the Cedars Restaurant, which I highly recommend, and an overnight stay with breakfast. The thermal escape is from €469 per person sharing; www.lougheskecastlehotel.com
The Johnstown Estate, Co Meath
Offer: The Girlie Getaway
This overnight experience starts with afternoon tea served in The Spa Café followed by a 30-minute treatment at The Spa – choose from a scalp massage, hand and arm massage, foot and leg massage or tester facial. Guests can then retire to the Rooftop and Thermal Experience for further relaxation. Later, a four-course dinner is served in one of the hotel’s restaurants, Fire & Salt or The Coach House. From €528 for two people; www.thejohnstownestate.com
Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, Co Cork
Offer: A Taste of the Sea
Located just outside Clonakilty in West Cork and set on stunning Blue Flag beaches overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the resort is perfectly positioned for a “taste of the sea”. Guests can relax in Ireland’s only true Seawater Spa where the thermal therapy pool is pumped with Atlantic Ocean seawater daily and heated to 31 degrees. Through a series of jets, bubble seats and counter currents, the pool offers guests a complete workout underwater. To complete any seawater experience, there is an additional seawater bath and algae wrap in the Island Spa. Guests can unwind in the hammam or enjoy a complimentary yoga session on the headland, or in the new, purpose-built yoga studio. This two-night offer for two includes accommodation, breakfast each morning, a five-course dinner in the Gulfstream Restaurant on one evening, two seawater treatments each and use of the seawater therapy pool, Hammam, sauna and gym. From €360 per person sharing; www.inchydoneyisland.com
