They look after fabulous properties and have a keen eye for detail, service and style, so where do some of Ireland’s top hoteliers and general managers holiday? Read the final instalment in our four-part series and bookmark their recommendations for your next trip …

Laura Behan, Ballymaloe House Hotel, Co Cork
My favourite place to visit is the southwestern coastline of Turkey. A few years ago, I had the pleasure of living in Turkey and fell in love with everything about it – the people, food and, most surprisingly, the wine – one to note is Urla Winery. I was lucky enough to visit its vineyards, an experience I still vividly remember. The family who owns the winery discovered vines thought to be extinct, which led them to pivot from their original plan of turning the land into a garden centre.
I lived in Göltürkbükü, so I love revisiting old haunts. A must-visit is Gümü?lük, where I always enjoy dinner at Limon Café, which has the most incredible sunset views. No trip to the Bodrum Peninsula would be complete without a visit to the Balikçi Meyhane, followed by a few drinks in Kule Rock Bar. From there, I recommend a road trip east, stopping in Akyaka, known for its charming riverside restaurants. A short detour to Akbük Koyu for a dip is an absolute must as it’s the most beautiful bay. The journey would then continue to Ölüdeniz, famous for its spectacular waters. The real gem is to take a boat trip to one of my favourite places on earth, Kelebekler Vadisi, otherwise known as Butterfly Valley. I always stay at the family-owned Flamm Hotel in Bodrum. @ballymaloe_house

Lisa Toomey, Ashford Castle, Co Mayo
My favourite hotel is The Ritz Paris in the heart of the French capital. It’s the epitome of elegance and luxury, and every stay feels like stepping into a world of timeless sophistication. It’s particularly special to me as it combines legendary history with impeccable service and unparalleled luxury. From the moment you walk through its iconic doors, you are transported to a world of refined opulence. The interiors are breathtaking, with beautifully restored 18th-century décor, but it’s the personalised service that truly sets it apart. Every member of staff is attentive, going above and beyond to ensure every aspect of your stay is perfect. I especially love having a cocktail at the iconic Hemingway Bar. As you sit sipping a perfectly crafted cocktail, you can’t help but think of the incredible people who had been there before – literary legends like Ernest Hemingway, F Scott Fitzgerald and Marcel Proust. The walls seem to whisper their stories and you feel like you’re part of something much bigger, a living piece of history. The bartender, Colin Field, is world-renowned and treats every guest with the same care and attention, making the experience even more special. It’s one of those places where you really feel the connection between the past and present, something I’ll never forget. @ashfordcastle

Laura Kelly, Kelly’s Resort Hotel & Spa, Co Wexford
I love nothing more than a night away in The Merrion in Dublin. You may have expected my answer to be an exotic location abroad, but with three small children at home, a night away is sometimes all you need to recharge the batteries! The Merrion feels like a romantic escape, nestled in the centre of Dublin. I am always mesmerised by the beautiful building and its renowned art collection. I always start my day with a swim, followed by the Irish buttermilk pancakes in The Garden Room, and then a stroll into town (with some shopping!). What I really love most about The Merrion is the warm welcome and service you receive from the team. To me, it embodies the true feeling of the welcoming Irish hospitality. Once the kids are older, we will plan to get away to more remote destinations, but for now this is perfect. @kellysresort

Suzanne Slattery, Station House Hotel, Co Meath
Having lived in the Middle East for over ten years, I’ve been lucky enough to have travelled a lot within the region, and to Asia. My most memorable hotel experience was a trip to the Six Senses resort in Yao Noi, Thailand, overlooking the magnificent Phang Nga Bay and its archipelago of islands. Our arrival was the most exhilarating I’ve ever experienced and was truly something out of a James Bond movie. We were driven from Phuket International Airport to the local marina, where we were whisked away by speed boat, with only the moonlight to guide us. There was thunder and lightning, too, for added effect! Amid this crazy scene, I somehow felt safe as it was clear the two skippers knew these waters intimately.
Once we landed on the island, we were greeted by the hotel’s General Manager and our GEM – “Guest Experience Maker”, aka our butler. Within an hour, we were fully immersed in the Six Senses experience with its kitchen gardens dotted around the resort, bicycles to get around, sand paths, naturally made lemongrass bath products in glass jars (no plastic and no chemicals), tropical forests and wild gardens. Truly something out of a desert island movie. Our Hideaway Pool Villa was stunning with its private pool, indoor and outdoor showers, muslin canopies, pillow menu and huge bath surrounded by tropical plant canopy. The food was amazing; organic and chemical-free with all of the Thai flavours and mixes you can imagine, in addition to fantastic wines and cocktails. I felt I had died and gone to heaven by the end of the first day.
The pinnacle of my trip was the Ayurvedic Experience in their stunning spa, which involved a four-hand massage and hot oil being poured over my third eye. I have never experienced anything quite like it before or since. To top it all off, this is where I first discovered Voya bath and body, the Irish organic seaweed products we have used throughout The Station House ever since. It was meant to be and I was on to the team at home as soon as I got phone signal! @stationhh
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