A day away should leave you wanting more, says Penny McCormick …
Main Image; The Panorama Terrace at The Montenotte, Cork
It’s surprising how much can be packed into an overnight stay. For some it’s about a change of scenery, for others the opportunity to catch up on sleep or work undisturbed. I enjoy the excitement of exploring a new hotel and the stardust they often sprinkle on guests, taking us out of the everyday and keeping us dreaming of them long after we’ve left.
A colleague believes the key to maximising any overnight stay is to arrive early, have lunch and then explore – a formula I put to the test at The Montenotte, Cork. The hotel, in a former 18th-century merchant prince’s residence, exudes a sense of elegance and enlightenment from fabulous floral arrangements to impressive facilities and ambitious future plans.
The hub is its light-filled Panorama Bistro and Terrace, which overlooks the city, (a ten minute walk from the hotel), and the hotel’s tiered Victorian gardens. Lunch (delicious) was the prelude to a visit to the Crawford Art Gallery, in the city’s Opera Quarter, which is being reimagined with the addition of a loft-like space to house a new learn and explore facility. There’s a new café too, though Cork is not short on great refuelling venues (Nash 19 and Farmgate Café being two). I discovered Vibes & Scribes, a haven for book and stationery lovers, and enjoyed revisiting the English Market (making a beeline for Frank Hedderman and his smoked salmon).
Sunset, best enjoyed with a G&T (made with the hotel’s own gin blend), is spectacular on the terrace of The Glasshouse, Montenotte’s new rooftop bar. It’s arty too, like its sister property The Wilder, Dublin. An artist-in-residence programme with The Gallery Kinsale has been successful; currently on show are meditative pieces by Irish artist Paul Christopher Flynn, apparently selling like hotcakes.
Guest rooms range from executive suites to 26 self-catering apartments and colourful boutique rooms. (Top marks on amenities, especially plugs near mirrors). On the horizon are Woodland Suites designed by Kingston Lafferty – 22 treehouse-style nests majoring in minimalist style and serenity. In the evening, post-dinner, watching a film in the hotel’s posh private Cameo Cinema (a kid-free zone!) is a luxury, with an interesting programme to boot. For non-residents, there are Champagne Fridays: a lunch and cinema experience, at €75.
Before a late check-out, I enjoyed an interesting guided meditation in the pretty Bellevue Spa decorated in blush pinks and sage tones, where The Grown Alchemist treatments have just been introduced. I didn’t make it to the pool in The Motion Health Club, but there’s always next time. If the measure of any stay is leaving you wanting more, then The Montenotte fulfils the brief. From €245; www.themontenottehotel.com.
ONE-NIGHT WONDERS
A short stroll from Merrion Square, The Mont’s spring offer, Thirsty for More includes a €30 bar credit, available until April 17; thereafter an overnight stay is €220; www.themonthotel.ie.
Time your stay at The Station House, Kilmessan, Co Meath to coincide with its excellent Boyne Tasting Dinner, on April 22. With scones on arrival, a seven-course tasting dinner and breakfast the next morning, a stay costs €180 per person sharing; www.stationhousehotel.ie.
Some spa and tee-time, a visit to its wildlife park, or a dip in the pool are all part of the Spring Awakening offer at Fota Island Resort Cork, from €229, based on two people sharing; www.fotaisland.ie.
Kenmare is especially beautiful in spring when the Estate houses at John Brennan’s Dromquinna Manor open too. Make the most of an overnight stay, and do dine at the gorgeous Boathouse Bistro; www.dromquinnamanor.com.
