The Sunshine Ritual at The Heritage Spa, Co Laois

Who doesn’t want some winter warmth? This two-hour experience starts in The Heritage’s impressive thermal suite with different bathing rituals, alternating from hot to cold. The heat experiences, steam baths and hydro pools have their roots in ancient Roman and Turkish bathing traditions from the Sanarium to the Calidarium and bring their own cleansing proprieties. Cooling down is a key part of the spa experience – the foot baths, elemental showers and hydro boost stimulate nerve endings and are energising. Afterwards a therapist will deliver a sea salt scrub and polish before a full body “positivity massage” using jasmine, gardenia and sweet orange oil to evoke the scents of a holiday. Available for €110, the Sunshine Ritual at The Heritage is the perfect choice for anyone in need of an uplifting boost. Make a night of it and book to stay from €90 bed and breakfast per person sharing, subject to availability. On-site activities include golf, tennis, country walks (on the 5km walking trail) and an in-house cinema. Guests can also hop on the complimentary bikes or take the short drive to Kildare Village for a spot of shopping or check out the stunning sights in the area such as Emo Court or the Rock of Dunamase; www.theheritage.com.

Bestie Break at Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth

Only 25 minutes from Dublin, this out-of-town hotel is the perfect location for a rendezvous with friends. The “Bestie Break” includes overnight accommodation in a deluxe room, full Irish breakfast, and a 25-minute treatment at Noa Spa. Choose from a curated list of massages and facials, all created to promote complete relaxation. Some of the treatments on offer include the calming Scalp Massage, a Yon-Ka aroma massage or the rejuvenating Voya self-discovery facial. There is plenty of time to unwind in the relaxation rooms pre- and post treatment, take a dip in the jacuzzi or the hotel’s swimming pool. In the evening, enjoy a three-course meal with a cocktail at The Enclosure at Arkle Bar, the hotel’s chic new restaurant. Executive chef Bernard McGuane brings his Michelin-starred expertise to the elegant modern menu. This overnight break is available from €259 based on two people sharing; www.glenroyal.ie.

Burrow Down at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, Co Antrim

In 2021 one of the most exciting new hotel openings for spa lovers was The Rabbit, only 20 minutes from Belfast – it is the latest venture by Galgorm Collection, owners of the renowned Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort in Ballymena. This 33-bedroom boutique hotel offers stylish accommodation with four room types (Snug, Attic, Comfy or Luxe). The outdoor spa area offers Roman baths, Swedish saunas, an aromatherapy steam room and halotherapy salt chamber as well as a collection of hot tubs. There’s also a lakeside beach complete with heated sand, a Lake Bar, sunken lounge and chic cabanas – all you need in fact for a winter sun getaway. Currently on offer is the “Burrow Down Bed and Breakfast” package from £185stg in one of the quirky guestrooms, with a complimentary cocktail added for good measure. Guests can escape to the Relaxation Burrow where they can detox in the aroma steam room, soak in the bubbling hot tub and sit back and relax in the Swedish sauna;
www.rabbithotel.com.