Dreaming of sipping a delicious cocktail in a relaxing hot tub surrounded by stunning views? Or enjoying a therapeutic lakeside sauna to awaken the senses? Here are five Blue Book properties that are perfect for melting away the winter blues:
The Ice House
The Ice House is a wonderful blend of history and modern luxury, making the most of its beautiful location along the River Moy in Ballina, Co Mayo. Originally an ice store for a fishery, it retains the traditional storage structure within a tasteful, modern hotel along with their superb hospitality. Their Chill Spa is spectacular and has undergone extensive renovations showcasing the outdoor beauty of the river and Belleek Forest. Guests can enjoy both indoor and outdoor thermal experiences including riverside thermal area, spa garden and sauna. A therapeutic seaweed bath is a must. The new outdoor wellness treatment room has ceiling to floor views and private hot tub access. As well as the extraordinary outdoor area, you can enjoy an extensive variety of treatments in their gorgeous treatment rooms with Voya and Yon-Ka products. The spa is the ultimate in being pampered surrounded by the beauty of nature, a truly magical winter retreat.
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Liss Ard Estate
The magnificent Liss Ard Estate is a Georgian country manor and has undergone an incredible renovation under its new US owners. Located just outside Skibbereen in picturesque West Cork, this spectacular estate and peaceful hideaway has 163 acres with gardens, a 40 acre private lake, walking trails and the remarkable Sky Garden by artist James Turrell. The property has been renovated beautifully with 26 bedrooms. The estate’s wellness centre by the lake creates a seamless connection between nature and the spa. Guests can warm up in the lakeside saunas before a refreshing dip. There are two wood-burning saunas, a gym, a yoga studio and treatment rooms. Fourteen different treatments are available including reiki, massages, acupuncture, tea ceremony and sound bathing. Liss Ard is the perfect escape to immerse yourself in blissful relaxation this winter, a spa for the soul.
Glenlo Abbey Hotel
Glenlo Abbey Hotel, which dates from 1740, sits on a glorious 138-acre estate just four kilometres from Galway. The owners have invested in an extensive refurbishment with additional rooms, stunning interiors and the new Glo boutique spa, perfect for a relaxing winter break. The spa is on the third floor of the hotel where you can enjoy fantastic views of the estate and Lough Corrib and relax on their Tranquillity Terrace. Their recently added treatment rooms are luxurious and stylish and include a couple’s treatment room. Elemis products are used in the spa which offers massages, skincare, and body treatments. Curl up by one of their open fires after your treatment to round off the ultimate pampering experience. A winter getaway to gorgeous Glenlo will leave you revived and rejuvenated in body, mind, and spirit.
Hayfield Manor
A jewel in Cork city’s hospitality offering, Hayfield Manor sits proudly on a hill just a 10-minute stroll from the centre and is the perfect destination for a pampering winter getaway. Opened in 1995, its renowned for its warm, personal hospitality with all the exceptional standards you would expect from the five-star experience. It is a tranquil sanctuary where you can switch off from the stresses of daily life. Their Beautique Spa facilities include treatment rooms, indoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna and fabulous outdoor jacuzzi along with a newly added relaxation lounge. They offer a wonderful range of Elemis treatments and Ground Wellbeing Rituals. As the flagship spa for Ground, they were the first to launch the line of Barróg Rituals created specifically for those with, or beyond, cancer. Hayfield Manor is the perfect haven to mind yourself and be minded this winter.
Ballyfin Demesne
Ballyfin Demesne is truly something to behold. This Regency mansion is set on a 614-acre estate in Co Laois and its idyllic surroundings are ideal for a relaxing winter break. After a nine-year restoration, this breath-taking destination opened in 2011 and quickly became world-renowned. There are 20 exquisite bedrooms and a private cottage with beautiful gardens, woodland, and a lake. The staff’s professional and warm hospitality is remarkable. The spa is a relaxing oasis with a 14m heated indoor pool and a fully equipped gym. The vitality pool is equipped with a mix of air and water-based features. It includes a large feature seat with a combination of fine air bubbles and powerful water jets. There is a lovely separate sauna which you can enjoy before a wonderful treatment with Pevonia, a spa skincare line exclusively for elite spas. Let your cares melt away at the incredible Ballyfin, a heavenly winter retreat.