Travel

Tony Clayton-Lea checks in and checks out some of the best spas that Ireland has to offer.

Best home-based spas
Any hotel or place of quality accommodation seems to think they’ve got to have an attached spa, that if they don’t keep up with the competition they’ll be left behind. It’s true, yes, but are spas all they’re hyped up to be? Detractors would claim some people have more money than sense. The believers claim that, depending on which one they visit, they actually do receive a balance of inner calm and better outer appearance. Both sides make valid points, but for this writer it’s the spas that manage to align the truly holistic with a sense of pure indulgence that are the best. Read on…

KELLY’S RESORT HOTEL
Location: Rosslare, Co Wexford.

The Spa: SeaSpa (a treatment concept created by E’SPA). SeaSpa’s three primary elements comprise pure relaxation, holistic and thermal spa treatments.

Fave Treatment: You can’t go wrong with Hot Stone Therapy.

The Rooms: The Tony O’Malley suite we stayed in was pure comfort – flat-screen TV, personal steam shower, terrific views of the gardens and the sea.

The Food: The main restaurant is superb, with extremely fine food and good service, and one of the best wine lists you’ll browse over in months. Healthy options, too.

What’s To Like: It’s a big family hotel, but warm with it; it’s also on the edge of one of the best beaches you’re likely to encounter in Ireland.

Anything Else: There are so many excellent works of art adorning the walls; it’s like walking into a living, breathing art gallery.

Contact details: 053-32114
email: kellyhot@iol.ie
web:www.kellys.ie

AGHADOE HEIGHTS
HOTEL & SPA

Location: Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa is situated by the scenic Lakes of Killarney.

The Spa: The Aveda Concept Resort Spa opened in September of 2004 – think an integrated, holistic Spa philosophy.

Fave Treatment: Himalayan Rejuvenation Therapy. Trust me on this one – it’s out of this world. The Rooms: This travel writer has stayed in many a hotel room, but none (to date, anyway) match the Aghadoe Heights’ blend of comfort, accessories, creature comforts and modern technology.

The Food: The newly refurbished restaurant is bright and airy, with excellent contemporary-influenced and Irish-flavoured fare.

What’s To Like: The staff, the rooms, the spa, the food, attention to detail – even down to the specially programmed music you hear as you walk around the open areas. Anything Else: The leisure area also includes a swimming pool (with waterfall) and a fully equipped gym.

Contact details: 064-31766;
email: reservations@aghadoeheights.com web:www.aghadoeheights.com

PARK HOTEL, KENMARE
Location: Park Hotel Kenmare is situated, perhaps unsurprisingly, in Kenmare.

The Spa: Called SÁMAS (it’s Gaelic for ‘indulgence or gratification of the senses’), this is a gloriously dark-toned place, and a rich and resonant experience. It includes separate Thermal Suites, Exterior, Kelly’s Hotel Relaxation Area, Kelly’s Hotel Relaxation area, The Spa, Aghadoe Heights Hamman treatment room, The Spa, Couples Day Suite and a Vitality/Infinity Pool.

Fave Treatment: Pre-treatment rituals such as foot massage (and the treatments are pretty good, too). The Rooms: Old style (the hotel does date back to the 1890s) but exceptionally well-appointed. At the time we visited there was none of your DVD/Internet lark, but rather a more traditional approach to in-room entertainment. Sometimes old-style is best.

The Food: Incredible. A smallish restaurant within a grand hotel setting, the service is highly attentive without being intrusive. Attention to detail is acute.

What’s To Like: The overall atmosphere of this place and SÁMAS is fine - in particular, the styling and décor of the latter.

Anything Else: You have the charming town of Kenmare at your doorstep; guided walks on the Kerry Way, and excellent lifestyle programmes, retreats, and events throughout 2006.

Contact details: 064-41200;
email: info@parkkenmare.com
web:www.parkkenmare.com

THE BEST OF THE REST

Mount Juliet Conrad
The finest sporting estate in Ireland has recently opened its on-site spa. Called (with sensible simplicity) The Spa, this is a well-appointed space of calm offering complementary and traditional health and beauty treatments in a plush but subtle environment. Attached is a fully equipped Health Club and swimming pool/gym area. Thomastown, Co Kilkenny.

Contact details: 056-7773000;
email: mountjulietinfo@conradhotels
web:www.mountjuliet.com

The Merrion
In the heart of Georgian Dublin, there rests one of Europe’s finest hotels. And in The Merrion rests The Tethra Spa, a city centre oasis of pampering inspired by the classical ideal of paradise. Luxurious private treatment rooms add to the levels of indulgence on display here. Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2.

Contact details:01-6030600;
email: info@merrionhotel.com
web:www.merrionhotel.com