Make time to check out these fresh new hotel renovations, says Penny McCormick
Main Image; The rooftop terrace at Anantara The Marker, Dublin 2.
Many of us have started prepping for the big summer reveal. Ahead of the game is a clutch of hotels, which have debuted fresh new faces after some intensive tweakments. Others are completely new; all are waiting to be discovered.
Of significance is ANANTARA THE MARKER: under new management, the new look Marker is Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas first property in Ireland. It’s sleek, sexy and sociable; all 187 bedrooms have been refurbished as has the lobby and bar with new bespoke furniture and industrial-style sculptures by Irish artist Michael Warren. I found it fresh and futuristic and loved the lush foliage planted on suspended ceilings, which enhances the urban sanctuary vibe. Rooms are decidedly chic in Armani grigio, with smoked mirror cabinetry, halo-effect lighting and fabulous floor-to-ceiling windows. Pops of colour are added by throws from Foxford Woollen Mills. Of note are the huge spa-like bathrooms (with Voya amenities), mirroring the fantastic spa facilities. Do book dinner at Forbes Street by Gareth Mullins, the hotel’s new destination restaurant. Gareth’s tempting contemporary Irish menu suits the design-forward space, which features low-level lighting, intimate booth seating, an open kitchen and a wine tasting area. After dinner, a nightcap on the rooftop terrace serves up enviable views of the docklands. An overnight stay costs from €225 per person sharing. www.anantara.com.
The new interiors of the O’Dowd family’s INCHYDONEY ISLAND LODGE & SPA, Co Cork are as therapeutic as its spectacular views of the Atlantic. “We worked on translating the coastal palette and the feeling of this landscape into the hotel,” says Nicki O’Donnell of NODA Architects. Guests will discover the hotel’s impressive art collection (including pieces of Joseph Walsh furniture), as well as a new purpose-built yoga studio which adds to the already magical outdoor yoga offering. From €210 for two for an overnight stay. www.inchydoneyisland.com.
THE SLIEVE DONARD RESORT AND SPA in Co Down has always been popular with golfers, given its location beside Royal Co Down Golf Club. Formerly a Hastings hotel, it has joined Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts, a collection of hotels adjacent to some of the world’s top golf destinations, including Rusacks St Andrews, Marine North Berwick and Marine Troon, all in Scotland. A day trip to the Mournes, and a pitstop to see this rejuvenated grande dame is definitely on my summer to do list. www.slievedonardhotel.com.