Each of these heavenly Irish spas offers something different – suites of treatments, locations, and vibes…
The Ice House Hotel, Co Mayo
The vibe: Romantic and relaxing. Set on the banks of the River Moy in north Mayo, guests can’t fail to change gear on check in. Meander along the river, try a fishing excursion, cycle to Bartra Island, or lounge in The Chill Spa where the recent addition of a thermal extension adds to its top notch facilities.
The Spa: Chill Spa is where you can relax in the Aromatherapy Room, refresh in the Experience Showers and drift away in the Snooze Room. Its outdoor thermal extension includes The Wellness Room – a duo therapy pod with Gharieni quartz treatment beds (inspired by Egyptian rituals) and a private outdoor hot tub for two, with floor to ceiling views of the river and Belleek woods. In addition there are two sunken outdoor hot tubs, four two-person outside baths for shared bathing rituals, and The River Room – a glazed room on stilts over the river – offering great views of the river estuary, the woods and its nature and wildlife.
The Treatment: Spa manager Elaine Armstrong explains: “Our mission is to offer cutting edge treatments that deliver results to our clients. The new HydraFacial is great for all skin types: whether you want to add some glow or are addressing concerns like acne and congestion, dehydration, or fine lines, HydraFacial leaves skin looking fabulous at the end of every treatment!” There is an introductory offer of €150 for a one hour treatment, with express treatments priced at €90 for 30 minutes. There’s also “The Perfect Catch” two-night break which includes a boat excursion with sea trout fishing lesson, barbecue on Bartra Island, dinner in 54° 9° on one evening, breakfast and accommodation in a river-facing room, from €370 per person; www.theicehouse.ie
Wineport Lodge, Co Westmeath
The vibe: This boutique property is known for its impeccable welcome, personal touch as well as its (34) rooms, each one overlooking the lake. Even the entry level rooms have a private terrace, while others have their own balconies. The Dining Room restaurant showcases local ingredients, (Glasson mushrooms, Lissadell mussels, Duncannon smoked salmon …) while other dining options include glasshouses on the lake edge, and the relaxing Grapevine Lounge – perfect for afternoon tea or a sundowner.
The Spa: Every inch of Cedarwood Spa makes use of its lakeside setting – from the infinity pool to the four outdoor seaweed baths lined up on an open balcony and its nautical-themed treatment cabins. There’s also a floating pontoon, home to two hot tubs, perched right on the water’s surface, where a soak includes a glass of prosecco (with a non-alcoholic sparkling wine available). In addition, a resident yoga teacher holds sunrise classes, brunch sessions and private workshops, and guests can rent Whaly boats and stand up paddle boards.
The Treatments: These include a range of specialised facials using either Voya or the French brand Yon-Ka. On offer is “The Best of Both Worlds”, €105, designed to alleviate stress, incorporating a 25-minute hot oil back, neck and shoulder massage, followed by a facial. Room rates start from €320 including breakfast; www.wineport.ie
The g hotel, Galway
The vibe: Feminine and fashion-forward. Milliner Philip Treacy was ahead of the curve in decorating the g Galway pink – this autumn’s most dominant colour – and fashion references pervade the hotel, especially in the David Downton sketches of supermodels. With dining a focal point too, the hotel is always buzzy.
The Spa: The thermal suite is as stylish as the rooms and includes a vitality hydro pool, ice fountain, warm tropical rain showers, traditional wood-lined dry heat sauna, mosaic stone heated lounges, and a fitness studio.
The Signature Treatment: Try the current “Pamper Me” package which combines an overnight stay with dinner in gigi’s restaurant as well as a 55-minute ESPA treatment. There’s also a complimentary BMW chauffeur car to the city and complimentary parking. From €275 per person sharing; www.theghotel.ie
InterContinental Dublin
The Vibe: Styling itself as an urban resort, means the hotel always has an impressive balance of hotel guests and local residents who enjoy its many attractions. These include: a gorgeous lobby lounge and al fresco Terrace, an amazing collection of Irish artwork, not forgetting Seasons restaurant where chef Alberto Rossi, spoils and surprises in equal measure.
The Spa: Echoing the spacious rooms and suites, the hotel’s wellness area is a haven of calm and includes a 14m heated pool, and elegant relaxation area, while treatments are by ESPA.
The Treatment: Enjoy all of the facilities fully its current “Wellness Escape” – an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s classic rooms (with gorgeous Byredo bathroom amenities), a leisurely breakfast in Seasons before a 55-minute ESPA treatment. Choose from full body brush, salt and oil exfoliation followed by a back massage with hot stones or an express facial. From €540 per night; www.intercontinentaldublin.ie
Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny
The vibe: This rural retreat, on 170 acres of parkland, just five minutes from the heart of Kilkenny city, is home to lots of wildlife including foxes, bats, badgers, rabbits, hares, and many native birds of prey. The latest addition to the estate are twin owls, ‘Diesel’ and ‘Turbo’, who make regular appearances with the resident falconry experts. Guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to dining – from the main hotel restaurant, Yew Restaurant, The Grill and Bar and Tupper’s Bar, a traditional pub. There is also a private wine cellar, and Lady Charlotte’s Drawing Room – a stylish setting for afternoon tea.
The Spa: The Oasis Spa incorporates several treatment rooms and the thermal suite. This includes an outdoor hydrotherapy pool which looks out on the mature, private gardens, a 17-metre swimming pool, gym, sauna, jacuzzi and fitness centre. Other leisure facilities on offer include a 22-seater private cinema, falconry centre, playground, outdoor covered and a pretty walled garden.
The Treatment: Treatments are by Kerstin Florian, Elemis and Biotec; maternity treatments are also a speciality. Book the current “24!”offer which includes one night bed and breakfast and a table d’hôtel dinner. This package also offers full use of the thermal suite and a 50-minute spa treatment from a menu of six treatment options. From €250 per person sharing; www.lyrath.com
Knockranny House Hotel & Spa, Co Mayo
The vibe: Comfort, charming rooms, dramatic views, a well-designed spa and great cuisine combine at Knockranny. It’s the ideal place to hire a bike and meander around the Great Western Greenway, paddle board or kayak at the beach or have a guided tour of the local Connacht Distillery.
The Spa: Spa Salveo is centred around a lovely vitality spa pool and includes a salt inhalation room, aromatherapy grotto, herbal sauna, scented steam room, monsoon shower and hydrotherapy body massage stations, a fitness suite and twelve spacious treatment rooms.
The Treatment: Try the two-night “Two’s Company” experience to fully enjoy the hotel and the spa. Perfect for couples, both will be treated to an hour-long shared mud chamber treatment, leaving skin exfoliated and refreshed. Afterwards, there’s a back, shoulder and neck massage with a tailored Kerstin Florian refresher facial. There’s also dinner on an evening of choice in La Fougère Restaurant. Prices start from €335 per person; www.knockrannyhousehotel.ie
Velvære Spa, Radisson Blu, Dublin
The vibe: Nordic and design-led – Velvære is an original Norse word meaning wellbeing – this urban medi-spa, spread over three floors offers a private consultation room, five treatment rooms, a dedicated medi room and two express medi-chairs for fast, focused treatments. Treatments are from custom-made skincare range Codage Paris and iS Clinical. Velvære also has a thermal vitality pool, black aspen Finnish sauna, thermal steam room, drench shower, Caribbean storm expernce shower and ice fountain.
The treatment: Try the new iS Clinical Honey Enzyme Treatment. This luxe facial instantly soothes and refreshes skin using therapeutic doses of hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, which also protects against environmental damage. The experience, €130, also features a targeted facial massage; www.velvaerespa.ie
Hayfield Manor Hotel, Co Cork
The Vibe: The five-star Hayfield Manor provides the charm of a country house with all the amenities of Cork city on its doorstep. Splendid rooms and suites are classically styled and individually decorated. Guests can dine in the gourmet restaurant Orchids (overlooking the beautiful private gardens) or the contemporary dining space, Perrots Garden Bistro.
The Spa: The Beautique Spa with indoor swimming pool, outdoor jacuzzi, steam room and gym offers a full range of Elemis treatments in addition to those by Ground.
The Treatment: The new Cúram and Folláine Ground Treatment, €160, (exclusive to Hayfield Manor) is an indulgent 90-minute massage ritual designed to release tension. Beginning with a soothing foot soak and gentle breathwork, this massage treatment is customised to alleviate any stress held in the upper body with particular focus on the back, neck, shoulders, hands, and arms. The treatment also includes gua sha techniques and incorporates a face and scalp massage; www.hayfieldmanor.ie
Adare Manor, Co Limerick
The vibe: Posh and pristine with plenty of top notch dining options – from an al fresco lunch on the Lavender Terrace, to The Oak Room. Residents also have The Tack Room, The Drawing Room and The Carriage Room. Fortunately there is plenty of space to work up an appetite and work off some calories.
The Spa: With treatment rooms, manicure and pedicure salon, a relaxation area, hair salon, fitness centre and indoor swimming pool overlooking the River Maigue, 111SPA/CLINIC offers luxurious services to match the beauty of its surroundings as well as results-driven face and body treatments.
The Treatment: The Rose Gold Renaissance. This uses both rose quartz crystals and precious gold sheets for a luxurious and relaxing facial.
The experience: Book the two-night stay in the Manor House, with breakfast each morning in The Gallery. This includes a signature treatment in The Spa for two people, followed by an audio-guided wellness walking tour, a private barre or pilates class for two people and the choice of an activity at the Padel Club. Options include a tennis session or a golf session in the sports simulation room or a games session. Guests also have used of the swimming pool and gym. Total package price s from €2,200; www.adaremanor.com