Style Savvy Travellers Take Note: This New Design-Led Irish Hotel Should Be On Your Radar

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE HAWTHORN BY GALWAY BAY

 A must-visit destination especially for spa enthusiasts, gourmet travellers and golf fans …

Ireland’s newest five star hotel The Hawthorn by Galway Bay opens in May and, having had a private tour of the property, we know it’s set to be a talking point among the style savvy. The sum of many parts, its gorgeous setting on the coast near Oranmore in Galway, adjacent to a championship golf course, is matched by a design-led contemporary interiors style that is quietly luxurious yet firmly grounded in its surroundings. Shoreline walks, sea air and shifting Atlantic light forms an essential part of any stay where landscape, architecture and atmosphere combine in unison. 

This sense of space, light and warmth is notable across the hotel’s 114 rooms, all designed as posh private residences. In addition, there are 47 junior suites and 17 penthouses, perfect for extended stays, while several rooms can be reconfigured to create multi-generational family experiences. Restraint rather than excess is the vibe here, reflected in the muted colour palette, beautiful linens, in-room amenities and intuitive mood controls, which all adds to the sense of ease and comfort. Bespoke artworks by Irish artist Kathryn Callaghan is a unifying décor detail, as are floor-to-ceiling windows framing the views, and curved forms creating spaces that look and feel harmonious. 

Dining well – with ample choice – is an integral attraction at The Hawthorn by Galway Bay. Whether you’re a curious local resident or hotel guest, you’ll be tempted by the “Designed by nature, refined by you” culinary concept led by Executive Head Chef Cedric Bottarlini. The Skylark is the hotel’s signature restaurant and its focal point is an impressive (scarlet) open grill where seafood and premium cuts are cooked over charcoal and wood. For afternoon tea, The Aviary is an elegant setting, while The Warren is a more intimate library-style lounge for coffee and lingering over the morning papers. There’s also a private whiskey and wine salon, a master chocolatier experience, and the more casual 2Iron Bar & Restaurant for watching the action on the golf course. Also of note is a special partnership with acclaimed Japanese chef Takashi Miyazaki who oversaw the concept and menu for The Oystercatcher. Expect a delicious fusion of Japanese tradition with seasonal local ingredients.

Refined relaxation and next level treatments are par for the course in the stunning Spa at the Hawthorn. It spans two floors with huge gallery windows where guests are invited to slow down and make full use of the facilities. Luxuriate in five private treatment suites, an outdoor seaweed bathing lounge, and a central Thermal Suite where Finnish and infrared saunas, a sudatorium (a hot sweat room), ice room and cold immersion pool.

A must book is one of the exclusive Tata Harper facial treatments. Skincare devotees will know Harper as a pioneer of high-performance natural skincare. Her advanced facial treatments combine bio-energy massage, LED technology, and intelligent formulations focused on skin health and longevity. Complementing these are body rituals developed in partnership with Maison Caulières, a 300-year-old French oil-making house whose natural, plant-based elixirs are also exclusive to The Hawthorn. Post-treatment, admiring the view from the panoramic relaxation lounge completes the sense of sanctuary. By the way, The Spa is for hotel residents only for an additional layer of luxury.

Both the name and logo of the hotel derives from the hawthorn trees framing the rolling greens of the hotel’s golf course. The championship course, originally designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr, sits at the heart of the property, framed by sweeping coastal views across Galway Bay. A par-72 layout, it offers a refined yet rewarding challenge, making The Hawthorn by Galway Bay a true stay-and-play destination on Ireland’s west coast. Director of Golf Dean Montgomery brings his international operational experience from Royal Liverpool and Yas Links Abu Dhabi. He joins General Manager John Keating, who has also had a global career in luxury hospitality. 

With its design-led aesthetic, coastal setting, elevated spa and dining experiences, The Hawthorn by Galway Bay is sophistication personified. Prior to opening, the hotel has already been accepted into The Leading Hotels of the World – the global collection of independent luxury hotels recognised for their quality and service. That speaks volumes for the experiences guests can expect. Another added bonus: if booking stays in May and June, guests will receive a complimentary upgrade to a suite and a chilled bottle of Champagne Jacquesson on arrival. To avail of this opening offer, visit www.thehawthornhotel.ie.