K Club Hollywood facial: Sarah McIntosh
The K Club relaxation area.
Set in the middle of the K Club grounds in Straffan, Co Kildare, this spa is definitely a hidden oasis. After receiving my robe and slippers, I went into the relaxation room. There was a quiet ambiance of calm and nature. I think the rule of thumb in these rooms is silence, and it is a great place to start off any spa treatment as you can unwind and leave reality at the door. After a few minutes I was brought in for my treatment — The Hollywood Facial Diamond Life Infusion Ritual. It was 90 minutes and comes in at €260. Although it is on the more expensive side of spa treatments, I don’t think I have ever noticed my skin feeling so fresh and hydrated.
The treatment infuses life into your skin in order to preserve youth and beauty. This experience provided a rejuvenating action by regulating the four key skinage biomarkers. It was an intensive treatment that worked on applying a series of Natura Bissé products made by the Spanish skincare company into my face, neck and arms. The therapist used her hands and a soft microcurrent Gua-Sha tool to activate the ingredients and to give me a facial massage. My face felt firmer and more luminous straight away. As I tend to get hormonal breakouts on my face, I noticed my skin was more moisturised and refreshed. The other spa facility I availed of was the outside jacuzzi — it was lovely to be in the middle of nature, and while it was cold outside, I was warm and relaxed.
•See kclub.ie/spa
Killarney Plaza Hotel Spa Indian Head Massage: Grace Hanna
The relaxation area at the Killarney Plaza Hotel Spa.
The Indian head massage at the Killarney Plaza Hotel Spa in Kerry was a rejuvenating experience that combined traditional Indian techniques with the modern spa luxury. The serene ambiance of the spa set a perfect tone for an afternoon of relaxation. My treatment began with a soothing scalp massage with a warm conditioning treatment which released tension in my head. It continued with gentle movements to release tension in my shoulders, neck and upper back.
Afterwards, I was given herbal tea and then a refreshing juice shot to enjoy on one of the heated relaxation chairs. I also had time to enjoy the gulf-stream hydrotherapy pool which uses water therapy to release stress and tension. The spa additionally features a mud serail chamber which is a revitalising sequence of dry heat and steam infusion with essential oils. The experience is enhanced further with a body boosting mud and light therapy to open pores and energise the body.
The relaxed setting, skilled therapist and other helpful staff made my Indian head massage at this hotel a memorable experience and would be a top choice for those looking to unwind both body and mind. The treatment is priced at €109 for 60 minutes.
• See killarneyplaza.com/spa-at-killarney-plaza
The Galmont Spirit One Spa Elemis Deep Tissue Full Body Massage: Margaret Leahy
The Galmont outdoor hot tub.
There is a feeling of leaving the real world behind and entering one of peace and relaxation as you step out of the lift at Spirit One Spa at the Galmont hotel, Galway. The soft lighting and friendly staff is a great start to some me-time. I had booked an Elemis deep tissue full body massage and once I had donned the fluffy robe, I met the masseuse. We talked about the areas I wanted to focus on but once the massage started, all chat ended, which is how I like it. The essential oils melted and felt lovely and the pressure was perfect. I have to admit I fell asleep for the last few minutes, I was so relaxed.
I then went to the thermal suite. There are so many options here to enjoy, from the dry gentle heat of the ‘Laconium’ room with its light therapy to the variety of showers with tropical rain and light mists. My favourite were the heated relaxation loungers, where I finished the nap I had started after my massage. On waking I had a cup of herbal tea in a lounge full of comfy chairs and magazines. The massage takes 55 minutes and costs €95.
•See thegalmont.com/en/spa
Farnham Estate EPSA Fitness Inner Calm Massage: Janine Kennedy
Inside pool Farnham Estate .
When was the last time you floated around an infinity pool overlooking a field full of cows? To describe Farnham Estate, which is located in Co Cavan, as an escape seems too simple. This golf resort and spa is found within an historic estate and surrounded by acre upon acre of undisturbed countryside. Rolling hills, utter serenity and some excellent dining options are enough to draw anyone in, but their spa offering is the absolute icing on the proverbial cake.
I indulged in a treatment of their EPSA Fitness Inner Calm Massage, which was a personalised treatment with a carefully chosen ESPA aromatherapy blend. When I say this 60-minute treatment soothed my sore back and tired muscles, I mean I was ready for bed by 7pm afterwards — the relaxation was that intense.
After my treatment, I headed down to soak up the views from the stunning indoor/outdoor infinity pool and their Water Mint Thermal Suite. This treatment is priced at €120 for 60 minutes and can be booked online.
• farnhamestate.onejourney.travel/spa/treatments
Arabian-Inspired Mud Rasul at Johnstown Estate Spa: Dee Laffan
Johnstown Estate Spa, Co Meath.
Johnstown Estate is located in Enfield, Co Meath and is home to their award-winning luxury spa, a centre entirely dedicated to wellness. There is a large indoor thermal suite experience, an outdoor rooftop area with a hot tub, 15 treatment rooms, Psammotherapy and aqua-beds as well as Rasul mud and mineral treatment chamber. It was the latter that I booked as part of a couple’s package, which included lunch afterwards in the spa’s café.
The Mud Rasul treatment is a traditional Arabian-inspired cleansing treatment that combines heat, steam and mud for a skin-conditioning treatment. It was fun and my skin felt incredible afterwards. You and your partner are given a private suite, which includes a steam room where you apply mud to your body – you can help each other out here; expect a lot of giggling. The room is then filled with ‘aromatic vapours’ for a period and afterwards, you shower off the mud. While I liked this experience, the steam was quite overwhelming at times. However, you can pop in and out as you please. And with the thermal suite experience and lunch, this was a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
The couple’s experience was priced at €105 per person midweek (210 minutes thermal suite access, plus lunch). You can also just book this treatment without lunch and less thermal suite access (90 minutes plus 45-minute treatment) priced at €85 per person.
•See thejohnstownestate.com/the-spa
K Club Hollywood facial: Sarah McIntosh
The K Club relaxation area.
Set in the middle of the K Club grounds in Straffan, Co Kildare, this spa is definitely a hidden oasis. After receiving my robe and slippers, I went into the relaxation room. There was a quiet ambiance of calm and nature. I think the rule of thumb in these rooms is silence, and it is a great place to start off any spa treatment as you can unwind and leave reality at the door. After a few minutes I was brought in for my treatment — The Hollywood Facial Diamond Life Infusion Ritual. It was 90 minutes and comes in at €260. Although it is on the more expensive side of spa treatments, I don’t think I have ever noticed my skin feeling so fresh and hydrated.
The treatment infuses life into your skin in order to preserve youth and beauty. This experience provided a rejuvenating action by regulating the four key skinage biomarkers. It was an intensive treatment that worked on applying a series of Natura Bissé products made by the Spanish skincare company into my face, neck and arms. The therapist used her hands and a soft microcurrent Gua-Sha tool to activate the ingredients and to give me a facial massage. My face felt firmer and more luminous straight away. As I tend to get hormonal breakouts on my face, I noticed my skin was more moisturised and refreshed. The other spa facility I availed of was the outside jacuzzi — it was lovely to be in the middle of nature, and while it was cold outside, I was warm and relaxed.
•See kclub.ie/spa
Killarney Plaza Hotel Spa Indian Head Massage: Grace Hanna
The relaxation area at the Killarney Plaza Hotel Spa.
The Indian head massage at the Killarney Plaza Hotel Spa in Kerry was a rejuvenating experience that combined traditional Indian techniques with the modern spa luxury. The serene ambiance of the spa set a perfect tone for an afternoon of relaxation. My treatment began with a soothing scalp massage with a warm conditioning treatment which released tension in my head. It continued with gentle movements to release tension in my shoulders, neck and upper back.
Afterwards, I was given herbal tea and then a refreshing juice shot to enjoy on one of the heated relaxation chairs. I also had time to enjoy the gulf-stream hydrotherapy pool which uses water therapy to release stress and tension. The spa additionally features a mud serail chamber which is a revitalising sequence of dry heat and steam infusion with essential oils. The experience is enhanced further with a body boosting mud and light therapy to open pores and energise the body.
The relaxed setting, skilled therapist and other helpful staff made my Indian head massage at this hotel a memorable experience and would be a top choice for those looking to unwind both body and mind. The treatment is priced at €109 for 60 minutes.
• See killarneyplaza.com/spa-at-killarney-plaza
The Galmont Spirit One Spa Elemis Deep Tissue Full Body Massage: Margaret Leahy
The Galmont outdoor hot tub.
There is a feeling of leaving the real world behind and entering one of peace and relaxation as you step out of the lift at Spirit One Spa at the Galmont hotel, Galway. The soft lighting and friendly staff is a great start to some me-time. I had booked an Elemis deep tissue full body massage and once I had donned the fluffy robe, I met the masseuse. We talked about the areas I wanted to focus on but once the massage started, all chat ended, which is how I like it. The essential oils melted and felt lovely and the pressure was perfect. I have to admit I fell asleep for the last few minutes, I was so relaxed.
I then went to the thermal suite. There are so many options here to enjoy, from the dry gentle heat of the ‘Laconium’ room with its light therapy to the variety of showers with tropical rain and light mists. My favourite were the heated relaxation loungers, where I finished the nap I had started after my massage. On waking I had a cup of herbal tea in a lounge full of comfy chairs and magazines. The massage takes 55 minutes and costs €95.
•See thegalmont.com/en/spa
Farnham Estate EPSA Fitness Inner Calm Massage: Janine Kennedy
Inside pool Farnham Estate .
When was the last time you floated around an infinity pool overlooking a field full of cows? To describe Farnham Estate, which is located in Co Cavan, as an escape seems too simple. This golf resort and spa is found within an historic estate and surrounded by acre upon acre of undisturbed countryside. Rolling hills, utter serenity and some excellent dining options are enough to draw anyone in, but their spa offering is the absolute icing on the proverbial cake.
I indulged in a treatment of their EPSA Fitness Inner Calm Massage, which was a personalised treatment with a carefully chosen ESPA aromatherapy blend. When I say this 60-minute treatment soothed my sore back and tired muscles, I mean I was ready for bed by 7pm afterwards — the relaxation was that intense.
After my treatment, I headed down to soak up the views from the stunning indoor/outdoor infinity pool and their Water Mint Thermal Suite. This treatment is priced at €120 for 60 minutes and can be booked online.
• farnhamestate.onejourney.travel/spa/treatments
Arabian-Inspired Mud Rasul at Johnstown Estate Spa: Dee Laffan
Johnstown Estate Spa, Co Meath.
Johnstown Estate is located in Enfield, Co Meath and is home to their award-winning luxury spa, a centre entirely dedicated to wellness. There is a large indoor thermal suite experience, an outdoor rooftop area with a hot tub, 15 treatment rooms, Psammotherapy and aqua-beds as well as Rasul mud and mineral treatment chamber. It was the latter that I booked as part of a couple’s package, which included lunch afterwards in the spa’s café.
The Mud Rasul treatment is a traditional Arabian-inspired cleansing treatment that combines heat, steam and mud for a skin-conditioning treatment. It was fun and my skin felt incredible afterwards. You and your partner are given a private suite, which includes a steam room where you apply mud to your body – you can help each other out here; expect a lot of giggling. The room is then filled with ‘aromatic vapours’ for a period and afterwards, you shower off the mud. While I liked this experience, the steam was quite overwhelming at times. However, you can pop in and out as you please. And with the thermal suite experience and lunch, this was a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
The couple’s experience was priced at €105 per person midweek (210 minutes thermal suite access, plus lunch). You can also just book this treatment without lunch and less thermal suite access (90 minutes plus 45-minute treatment) priced at €85 per person.
•See thejohnstownestate.com/the-spa
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