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Far from five-star hotels and destination spas you were reared,” a colleague says, calling “notions” as I breeze out the door. In truth, there was a lot of furious Googling of destination spas when I was told I would be going to Monart, located just outside Enniscorthy.
A destination spa is essentially a hotel that centres around its spa. The primary purpose of visiting is to spend time at the spa, and the whole experience is dedicated to creating a relaxed, calm atmosphere.
Monart Spa
Monart is Ireland’s only destination spa and voted in the top three spa resorts in the world by Conde Nast Traveller. My previous experience of spas is limited to the sauna and steam room of the local public swimming pool, so I am excited to see what all the fuss is about.
The roads leading to Monart are like any standard Irish country road, covered in mud and bumpy, but what awaits you inside the gates of Monart is a whole other world.
You cannot see the hotel from the road and, apart from two closed gates with the name written down the side, you would not believe there is anything of significance inside. How very wrong I was.
Being buzzed in, I’m told I will be met at the front of the old house. Due to my complete lack of experience and ignorance in these situations, I miss the fact that I am supposed to meet the valet and there is great furore when I bring my own bags from the carpark to the hotel.
Perfect for unwinding
From beginning to end, the staff at Monart are amazing. The bedroom is second to none and the view from the balcony is by no means a hardship to wake up to – the grounds are a sight to behold.
When I first arrive, I start to wonder if the spa is part of some sort of cult. Inside and out, everybody is wondering around in white robes. Later, I find out it is just part of the relaxation element, most people arrive at breakfast in their robes, for instance.
The spa certainly lives up to its name. There are a variety of saunas, steam rooms and pools to occupy your time and a couple of hours are easily whiled away. My much-needed first facial is also a flying success.
Enjoy the luxurious spa at Monart
Although Monart is famous for its spa – and rightly so – it is the restaurant that was the stand-out event for me (this could say more about myself that about Monart though).
Breakfast and dinner are both exquisite.
Front-of-house is welcoming and kindly explains the menu to someone like myself, who is not au fait with six courses.
Monart is mostly a no phone and news zone. This is surprisingly refreshing. I enjoy letting the hours float by with no real knowledge of what time it is.
My stay is an extremely positive experience. I would recommend two nights as, if you are going at all, a full day in the spa is needed. Notions or no notions, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. CL
A midweek two-night B&B stay at Monart with one dinner is €219 per person sharing. For booking, a full list of treatments and offers, see www.monart.ie or call 053-923 8999.
Monart Ireland's only destination spa
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