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 first in a three-part series and bookmark their recommendations for your next trip …
Francis Brennan, At Your Service
I love slipping away to the UK for a few days, especially Gravetye Manor in Sussex during the summer. It’s the combination of the house and the gardens that I love. The gardens were designed by William Robinson in the 1880s and are of great historical importance, but still retain a natural feel. I feel a great link to them as Robinson was born in Ireland during the famine and, out of such poverty and misery, he became such a great garden writer and designer. He reshaped the way people thought about gardens and, when I walk through his creation, I feel very proud. To see the team of gardeners at work is an education in itself – all produce from the vegetable garden at Gravetye is used in the restaurant, where the food is just gorgeous. As for the rooms, they are all named after a tree from the estate and bring the garden inside; there are also freshly picked flowers throughout the hotel. When I stay at Gravetye, I don’t feel compelled to go racing around the countryside; rather this is where I go to switch off. @francisbrennan4375
Justin Green, Ballyvolane House, Co Cork
I lived and worked in Bali with my wife Jenny over 20 years ago and we were deeply moved by the beauty of the landscape, the perfectly sculpted rice terraces, the ducks, the dignity of the people, the ever-present spirituality and music. Como Shambhala Estate in Ubud is simply spellbinding with amazing authentic architecture, which blends into the natural surroundings. Perched high up in the hills above the Ayung river gorge, the estate is positioned in a misty jungle with lush greenery and waterfalls spread over nine hectares. The bedrooms are in traditional Indonesian residences and villas, which have been exquisitely designed with their own infinity pools. The real wow factor is the holistic element where guests come to detox, de-stress and revitalise. @ballyvolanehouse
Bryan Meehan, Park Hotel Kenmare, Kerry
The best time to visit Kyoto in Japan is during October and November, or else March and April. I stay in The Shinmonzen, a small Tadao Ando-designed hotel with nine suites in the heart of Kyoto’s Gion district. The hotel is owned and designed by Irishman Paddy McKillen and is a sister hotel to his sublime Chateau La Coste in Aix en Provence. The nine rooms are beautifully designed with balconies overlooking the peaceful river. Everything is thoughtfully designed; there’s a Jean Georges restaurant for breakfast and dinner. You can choose a Japanese-style or western-style bed. The hotel organises great daily walks around Gion, which provides a moment of complete serenity in what is now a busy city. There’s also easy access to all the great temples and shrines, a personal favourite being Nanzen-ji (shrine) where Blue Bottle’s most famous cafe is located. @byrankmeehan
Peter White, Ballyfin, Co Laois
My husband and I discovered Turkey earlier this year, and we loved it! We stayed for three magical nights at The Museum Hotel in Cappadocia. This fabulous hotel is built into the cliffs, on the edge of a valley, where you can watch dozens of hot air balloons most mornings, which makes for a surreal start to the day – one of the services they offer is to have a haircut and wet shave on the Terrace while watching the balloons! The weather, the people and the food make it a perfect inclusion in any Turkish itinerary. @ballyfingm
Nicky Logue, General Manager, InterContinental Dublin
Dubai is a favourite holiday destination for my partner and I. Great weather, fabulous hotels, impressive service and excellent food is guaranteed. We recently spent an amazing ten days at the One & Only Royal Mirage Resort, which I would class as a six-star hotel. When I was there, I popped the question to my partner after 20 years together!
The service was exceptional – the staff even offered to clean our sunglasses as we relaxed by the pool and, when I was unwell one day, they sent flowers and chocolates to the room with the loveliest note. Our stunning suite overlooked Jumeirah beach. We also enjoyed the extensive breakfast buffet and Michelin-starred Indian restaurant, Tresind, which is quite exquisite. Of course, there is a lot to see and do outside the hotel, from exploring the traditional souks to shopping in Dubai Mall, taking boat trips and dining in the desert under the stars. I admit, Dubai is an expensive destination but it is a lovely treat, especially for a special occasion. @nickylogue!
Frits Potgieter, The Montenotte Hotel, Cork
I first encountered Camps Bay, Cape Town, while working for Red Carnation Hotels at their London properties. The company owns the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, an exquisite boutique establishment in Camps Bay that boasts breathtaking views of both the ocean and the Twelve Apostles mountain range. I highly recommend exploring the nearby wine routes. A trip to Franschhoek is a must, as is lunch at the Delaire Graff Estate in Stellenbosch, where you can enjoy stunning views, exceptional wines and impressive art collections. As a wine enthusiast, I can attest to the world-class quality of the wines produced in this region. Camps Bay holds a special place in my heart. As an Afrikaans speaker, I feel at home hearing my native language. And the backdrop of Table Mountain against the sea creates a truly spectacular Cape Town setting that never fails to impress. @frits8537