Augustinus Bader facials are only available in one place in the entire country: the destination spa at Ashford Castle, Co Mayo. We tried it out – and here’s what we thought …
Augustinus Bader skincare first launched in 2018 and quickly became a byword for cutting-edge, results-driven luxury. (Yes, it seems mad to mention “results-driven” when it comes to skincare – why else would we put something on our face? But the world of skincare has its own laws). Created by a German professor recognised as an expert in stem cell research and wound-healing technology, this skincare is something special.
Augustinus Bader has pretty well usurped the place of other luxury skincare brands when it comes to exceptional formulas, and textures that feel insanely great on the skin. Yes, obviously you can buy a moisturiser for a fraction of the cost of The Rich Cream, just as you can buy a cheaper bag or shoes than designer ones. But there are good reasons why it has cut through as a word-of-mouth hit. Victoria Beckham was an early adopter, and teamed up with Prof Bader for her own beauty line. With decades of research behind it, this line features patented technology to repair and support the skin, going a long way to preserving, protecting and making the most of the face you have. I’ve used it for some time now and I think it’s among the very best on the market.
BADER AT ASHFORD CASTLE
So it’s the perfect fit for the renowned Ashford Castle, the only Forbes Travel Guide five-star hotel and spa in the UK and Ireland. Augustinus Bader treatments are exclusive to the Spa at Ashford Castle, which took the brand on just over a year ago. The Spa is focused on treatments rather than saunas, whirlpools, etc – for all that, you go to the health club part of the hotel, housed in a different building: Éalú has a 15-metre pool plus steam room, sauna, gym and more. The Spa, by contrast, is a peaceful space for adults with a serene pool, reserved for those having treatments, relaxation rooms and gorgeously soft robes.
The Introductory Facial (€250, 60 minutes) is a comprehensive and luxurious way to experience the Bader range. After a detailed consultation form, the treatment begins with a double cleanse using the Cleansing Balm and then the Foaming Cleanser. There’s an exfoliating mask, and a wonderfully uplifting and sculpting facial massage using The Facial Oil, rich in hazelnut oil. Lymphatic drainage techniques and tension-relieving massage make for a deeply relaxing experience. The facial also features a moisturising mask, and a hand and arm massage. The skincare formulas are rich in amino acids and unscented, so while products are concentrated there’s little fear of irritation. Therapist Ula talked through the skincare range and the treatment thoroughly, and she and all the staff were wonderfully friendly and warm.
I’m under no illusions that any facial can magically change your face, but this facial did make my 55-year-old skin look as good as is possible, supple and plumped. And days later, it still looked noticeably refreshed and firmed. This facial really felt like a treat, being cared for, which is half the experience. The products are an investment, certainly. I was recommended a routine that comes to over €1,300, which made me feel my face is pretty well falling apart. But I do know how good the products are, so understand the enthusiasm. The cornerstone of the range is The Rich Cream, a peerless moisturiser – if you’re investing in one thing from the line, this is the standout (there’s a light version, too).
STAY THE NIGHT
If you can stretch to an overnight stay at Ashford to fully enjoy the relaxation benefits of the facial, then definitely do. It’s such an experience. Everything is immaculate, from the dozens of red roses in the main hall to the pristine marble bathrooms. Dinner, in the grand oak-panelled George V dining room, is formal but charming, with classic dishes celebrating the best local produce, from crab tortelloni to venison and beef cheek. The bread course is a meal in itself, with a golden laminated loaf and gorse-flavoured butter – divine. This is a place for treats and anniversaries, many of which were celebrated on our visit with staff gathering to sing.
We’d come here just for the breakfast, to be honest, from the freshly carved ham to the local honeycomb. During the day, if you’re not going horseriding or out on Lake Corrib on the boat, you can walk the grounds or try falconry, or watch locally filmed classic The Quiet Man in the deluxe cinema, complete with popcorn.
The thing you’ll notice most of all is that Ashford is the friendliest hotel you’ve ever stayed in – all the staff seem to know every guest, as if they are returning friends, even with 83 bedrooms and suites. No wonder Ashford has retained its Forbes five-star rating for a seventh successive year. Under the management of the brilliant Niall Rochford, the team are all extraordinary, and treat every single person like a VIP. We especially loved chatting with the restaurant and wine manager Robert Bowe, who’s worked there for over 40 years (I’m sure many people come to stay just to chat to him – he is such a raconteur). We’ll be looking out for the excellent Forrest Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, which he told us about.
We happened to be staying on St Patrick’s Day, and in our fabric-lined room was a special Irish wolfhound made from Valrhona chocolate by the Red Carnation Hotels’ global director of chocolate and patisserie, Paula Stakelum. (She has bottled the famed bread recipe, which you can take home). There was a great Irish folk band playing after dinner and plenty of special touches. Every tiny detail is exquisitely thought-through. @ashfordcastle
