Since the return to a more hectic pace of life it’s even more important to take time out to spoil ourselves. So I’ve done the hard work and found a cluster of lovely stays with spas for a bit of rest and relaxation at home and abroad.
I was deliciously excited when I heard that The Wineport Lodge in Glasson had opened a new spa so I went down to check it out before the tiles were dry in the new infinity pool. With the addition of new rooms, this gem in the centre of the country has upped the standard of spas with a setting that is unequalled. The Cedarwood Spa not only has the option of outdoor seaweed baths overlooking Glasson Lake but two hot tubs perched on a jetty next to a luxurious pergola where I rested tranquilly with the complimentary glass of Prosecco. For romantic couples and girls retreats the spa is a wonderful addition to this property which already boasts superb food and of course a wonderful selection of wines. Pricing for this offer varies depending on the choice of room and the date, however it starts from €350 a night for two adults sharing. To book a visit www.wineport.ie
Sister property the Ice House in County Mayo is also listed with www.irelands-blue-book.ie. Set in Ballina, this special hotel has revamped its Chill Spa with even more glorious hot tubs to sit out and enjoy the Rive Moy roll by. Make the most of this special offer that includes a 50 minute treatment in the spa from €390 for an overnight midweek stay for two people. www.icehousehotel.ie
Staying in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands you can escape to the Slieve Russell Hotel and enjoy a midweek spa getaway for only €205 pps which includes a GAIA treatment and three course dinner. Located in Cavan, the Cuilcaigh Mountain Trail Boardwalk is only 34 minutes drive away from this resort where you can retreat to experience the Stairway to Heaven before unwinding with your treatment in the hotel’s Ciuin Spa & Wellness Centre. https://www.originalirishhotels.com/hotels/slieve-russell-hotel
I’ve only recently discovered Screebe House, an oasis of calm tucked away in the idyllic surrounds of Camus Bay in Connemara. With glorious scenery on this 45,000 acre estate you can be assured of tranquility, as well as superb fishing on-site. There is refreshing eco awareness throughout the property where solar panels are used to heat the indoor salt water pool. Screebe House have put together a midweek offer that includes two nights bed and breakfast with a three course dinner on an evening of your choice with seaweed bath and bubbles included for €490 total price. www.screebe.com
For those only discovering the beauty and value in Northern Ireland I’ve a special offer on my website for a spa stay at the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel set in the tranquil Fermanagh Lakelands. This lakeside property has stunning self-catering lodges that they are almost booked out for summer. To dip your toe in at this resort I’ve a two night stay in the hotel complete with three course dinner and Elemis treatment at the Kalm Spa for only £215 pps when you book using my code noveltravel15. Don’t miss out on this mid-week special. www.killyhevlin.com
If you want to feel the sun on your skin while on retreat, then the Pine Cliffs Resort has special features for the burnt out body. This stunning resort and spa is situated on Portugal’s Algarve coastline and celebrating thirty years in business with a selection of wonderful events that include a Jazz festival in May and Full Moon adult only event in August. But the unique selling point is the offering of a complete body detox while you enjoy sumptuous cuisine and wellness on a different level to most resorts. Its spa, Serenity – The Art of Well Being, was also named South Europe’s Luxury Resort Spa. at the World Spa Awards 2021. Two adults can stay at Pine Cliffs Hotel in September 2022 from €390 including breakfast per night or avail of the detox program at an extra cost. To book, visit www.pinecliffs.com
Staying in the sun, The Hotel Botanico & Oriental Spa Garden is a classic, elegant 5-star hotel set in lush subtropical gardens in Puerto de la Cruz on Tenerife. On one side the hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, on another side guests can gaze at the highest point in Spain, Mount Teide. The Canaries offer great year round sunshine to enjoy a little pampering. The stunning Oriental Spa Garden has a thermal circuit, indoor and outdoor pools and some of the more unique treatments include chocolate baths and fruit wraps. In the gardens a Thai pagoda is used for open-air Thai massage making the experience that bit more authentic. I’ve found the perfect package for a couple this September that includes flight and a week at the hotel from only €919 pps with Sunway holidays. Voted best spa hotel in Europe by Conde Naste, to find out more see www.sunway.ie
The benefits of a pampering retreat will be felt long after the holiday is only a memory – go on you know you deserve it.
