From sleepcations to solo spa suites, designer facials and lakeside saunas …
Dunluce Lodge, Co Antrim
Sleep tourism has been an ongoing trend with hotels competing to provide all manner of retreats and aids, swapping pillow chocolates for eye masks, pillow sprays and camomile tea. I’m a fan of the traditional yet effective lavender sachets at Ballyfin Demesne in Laois. The sleep retreat at Lough Eske Castle, Co Donegal is a collaboration with Ground Wellbeing that includes an overnight stay and a muscle recovery massage in its Cara Organic Spa.
You can book a sleepcation at Dunluce Lodge in Antrim (from £567), which includes lots of treats including dinner and a Drift & Dream Ritual by Seabody in its bijou spa. Drifting is, indeed, the sensation I felt during the head-to-toe massage using Seabody‘s new Sleep Balm. Ten minutes of Sensate completes the treatment – a device placed on your chest to activate the vagus nerve, helping shift the nervous system from high-alert to rest mode. I slept remarkably well that night – possibly thanks to the hotel’s Hypnos bed and Cheviot wool pillows made by local brand Ava Innes. Short bedtime stories inspired by local folklore are part of the turndown ritual, encouraging guests to disconnect from screens.
Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa, Co Meath
Demand is growing for no-contact treatments such as dry and wet flotation or red-light therapy. An early adopter of this trend is The Spa at Dunboyne Castle Hotel that’s introduced an iDome Experience to help the body’s natural detox process. Recipients relax on a MLX i3Dome treatment bed during which infrared, plasma and light therapy work together. The result: a decrease in muscle soreness and an increase in suppleness. Other alleged health benefits include improved blood pH and positive support of the metabolism. There’s also a new 30-minute Body Wave Experience that uses binaural Quantum Harmonic audio frequencies to calm the busiest minds. Each touch-free treatment costs €85 and includes t access to the Spa’s thermal suite. @dunboynecastle
Finn Lough, Co Fermanagh
“Wildly refined” is the guiding message behind Finn Lough’s evolution. Comprising 10 Lake Villas, 14 suites and riverside cabins, plus 18 Bubble domes, the focal point remains the landscape. Waking up in nature, soaking in a riverside bath or watching the mist roll in across the lough, a stay here is uniquely immersive. Its Elements Trail Spa continues the restorative experience with day visits ranging from £85stg per person for a two-hour experience between treatment cabins including a salt float, saunas, hot tub and forest relaxation room. @finnlough
Farnham Estate, Co Cavan
Healing Roots of Farnham Ritual by Ground Wellbeing, created by Peigín Crowley, takes inspiration from the woodlands that make up this 1,300-acre countryside estate. The 60-minute experience (€190) begins with a sensory scent selection from the estate followed by a back massage, face and scalp work or foot ritual. Afterwards, relax in the spa’s indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pool with spectacular views over the area. Make a night of it with a stay and breakfast from €89.50 per person sharing midweek. @farnhamestate
The Old Inn Crawfordsburn, Co Down
Nowadays, booking a wellness treatment often feels akin to attending a party (in bathrobes!). The Galgorm group, including The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat and The Old Inn Crawfordsburn, is a leader in this field as its spas are known for their celebratory atmosphere and are especially popular with groups. The Old Inn’s Elemis Rose Afternoon Tea on August 29 combines a bloom-inspired tea with skincare insights and an Elemis goody bag, along with a £10 redeemable retail voucher. The perfect opportunity to visit this haunt – a favourite with author CS Lewis – and its secluded Treetop Spa. @theoldinn1614
The Chancery, Dublin
For those of us who prefer to channel Greta Garbo and spa alone, I recommend the design-led, tech-enhanced Chancery Hotel in Dublin 8, especially a deluxe room with its own infrared sauna. Its new spa suites augment the existing facilities in the Wellness Hub with a mini pool, sauna, Turkish hammam and a selection of express Jo Browne treatments. I booked into one of the four terrace suites with expansive balcony and a hot tub, so after dinner in Fawn restaurant I enjoyed stargazing from my jacuzzi. Limiting faffing around in a changing room was a further bonus! @thechanceryhoteldublin
Velvaere Spa, Dublin
Lymphatic drainage (and lymphatic walking) are trending online as a way to detox, helping to improve circulation, and reduce puffiness and bloating. Mediterranean women have incorporated lymphatic drainage into their regimes since the 1980s, with French protocols and couture-level treatments a forte in the Radisson Blu Royal, Dublin 8, with the new Codage Lymphatic Drainage Treatment. I’ve been a Codage fan since trying its Magistrale facial that uses over 450 strong massage movements. This is less intense, recommended as an antidote to holiday excesses. The ritual begins with dry body brushing before the application of Codage’s Slimming & Contouring Serum Milk to encourage drainage. The finale is a sculpting massage that alleviates the sensation of heaviness. I left feeling lighter in spirit too (€135). @velvaerespa
Ashford Castle, Co Mayo
What makes a top notch facial? For me, it’s defined by a consultation delivered by an expert aesthetician (with great hands) who has an intuitive approach. The Caudalie Premier Cru Facial at the Sea Spa at Kelly’s Resort Hotel in Wexford is especially good for reducing fine lines and skin spots. Then there’s the potent 90-minute Rose Quartz Restorative Facial at Adare Manor in Tipperary using 111Skin’s luxurious products. I swear by 111Skin’s Cryo Depuffing masks in emergencies.
Skin obsessives are spoiled for choice at Ashford Castle too, with facials using Natura Bissé, Voya and B Africa products, in addition to Augustinus Bader – an exclusive collaboration with the Castle. Pricey, but worth it. A further boon is the spa’s Moorish décor and Tree of Life mosaic installation by South African ceramic artist Jane du Rand.
The Heritage, Co Laois
If attending Electric Picnic, rejuvenate afterwards with the Post-Picnic Pamper package at The Heritage, where they can swap festival footwear for fluffy slippers and ease into the spa’s signature Mud Rasul ritual for two (€100). This traditional Arabian treatment draws out toxins and exfoliates the skin, concluding with a tropical rain shower to wash away days of camping in the elements. @the_heritage_hotel
Hayfield Manor, Co Cork
Where formerly those affected by serious illness were often only offered a single treatment choice or a restricted menu, the good news is that things are changing. Of note is D?ha Wellness in Dublin that has a Chronic Illness Comeback Programme, designed by Catherine McMahon for those living with or recovering from cancer, or other chronic illnesses such as Lyme disease or fibromyalgia. Irish wellness brand Voya now has a Cancer Wellness Training Programme, so that its entire spa menu can be adapted where appropriate. At Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa in Kerry, therapists undergo specialised oncology training, enabling them to provide modified massage techniques and therapies.
Cork’s Hayfield Manor Hotel has gone one step further by launching a range of specialist cancer care treatments in partnership with Ground Wellbeing. These have been finessed over a three-year period by founder Peigín Crowley. The Barróg ritual body and scalp massage uses both the Calm Scalp Relief Oil and Nourish Super Seed Face & Body Oil. The former is suitable for those who have lost their hair, encouraging regrowth. A portion of the proceeds from every treatment is donated to Breakthrough Cancer Research (€135). @hayfieldmanor
Dromoland Castle Hotel, Co Clare
New to Castle Spa are some enticing extras, including an Oskia Super Mane Rosemary & Pea Peptide scalp and hair mask for fuller-looking hair (€22.50) or Pure Lift (€40), a non-invasive lifting enhancement using micro current technology to tone facial muscles and improve definition. You can also have an oxygen boost (€50) or an Ultrasonic treatment (€40) that gently exfoliates, deep cleanses and enhances product absorption. @dromolandcastlehotel
The Grace, Westport Estate, Co Mayo
There have been several impressive hotel openings and renovations this year, from The Grace to Armada House in Clare that both promote slow luxury and offer interesting wellness rituals. Gráinne na Farraige or Grace of the Sea is one of the signature treatments at The Grace, inspired by the pirate queen Grace O’Malley. Beginning with a sea-salt foot bath, the treatment incorporates breath work, exfoliation and a hot stone massage with the finale being a reviving facial. @thegracewestportestate
The Hawthorn, Co Galway
Newly opened is The Hawthorn by Galway Bay where its residents-only spa spans two floors with gallery windows, an outdoor seaweed bathing lounge, Finnish and infrared saunas, a sudatorium (a hot sweat room) and cold immersion pool. Expect exclusive Tata Harper treatments complemented by Maison Caulières, a 300-year-old French oil-making house whose plant-based elixirs are another exclusive to the hotel. Its signature Wild Atlantic Ritual costs an eye-watering €400 (for 150 minutes), and uses a bespoke massage oil with pure and organic essential oils. Post-treatment, admiring the view from the panoramic relaxation lounge completes the sense of sanctuary. Midweek overnight rates for two cost from €510. @thehawthorn_hotel
Dromgarriff Rainforest, Co Cork
We’re also looking forward to the unveiling of the new spa at Park Hotel Kenmare, Co Kerry, in early August. Formerly the Samas Spa, expect a more minimalist approach thanks to Japanese architect Jo Nagasaka, who was responsible for the show-stopping Linden House at sister property Dromgariff, which makes a wonderfully private spa stay for a group. Facilities include a a yoga room overlooking Bantry Bay, an indoor sauna and a barrel sauna by the water. Massages, forest bathing, sound baths and meditation can be arranged, as can private chefs. @dromgarriff
Carlton Hotel Dublin
A new sauna and plunge pool experience set in a private garden is proving popular at Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown, likely due to its the accessible price point at only €15 for a session. Guests can also book afternoon tea, dining in the hotel’s Sundial Restaurant and cocktails in Hourglass Bar. @carltonhotelblanch
