Classically elegant and comfortably luxurious, The Heritage is a spacious and sophisticated contemporary resort, set in the heart of the countryside in the pretty village of Killenard in County Laois, and yet just over an hour’s drive from Dublin.
When Ger Alley became general manager of the The Heritage just over one year ago, during a stunning refurbishment which included the launch of a sparkling new restaurant, Blake’s, he couldn’t have imagined what lay ahead in 2020.
“It’s been a challenging year, but my colleagues have really stepped up. The hospitality business is about looking after guests, and that’s what we love to do, that’s what we are passionate about. We have been meticulous about staff training and taking all the measures necessary – when guests visit us we want them to feel completely relaxed in the knowledge that they are in a safe and luxurious environment. The most important thing is that our guests really enjoy their stay with us and leave feeling rejuvenated,” says Alley.
Orla Delaney, director of sales & marketing at The Heritage, knows they are lucky to have so much to offer their leisure guests:
“On-site, guests can enjoy outdoor activities like golf, country walks on our 5km walking trail, a game of tennis at our tennis courts and complimentary bikes for guests to use to explore the locality. We are also very lucky to have one of Ireland’s largest spas which is a real oasis of calm. Our 12-meter swimming pool has views of the Laois countryside, our in-house cinema is perfect for that chilled night in and of course our fantastic, recently fully refurbished dining outlets which offer delicious, local Laois produce.
If guests wish to explore a little further afield, we are just a short drive from the historic house and gardens at Emo Court, they can take in spectacular views and scenery at The Rock of Dunamase, or explore the gorgeous Japanese Gardens – we’ve been offering picnic style Afternoon Tea on some of our packages for guests who are heading out sightseeing. We also have the fantastic Kildare Village closeby for shopping, and we can offer a chauffeur service to our guests who don’t fancy driving.”
Orla has seen a lot of guests booking in with them recently, looking for an escape from the stresses that this year has caused: “When guests visit us in the spa, they can really leave any worries at the door, and put themselves in our safe hands. This year more than ever before, we all need to really take care of our body and mind – we’ve all felt anxiety and stress. We are here to help relieve that stress, to soothe, to pamper and to help guests feel both relaxed and re-energised. We’re introducing some new treatments for the autumn and winter that focus on relieving stress, boosting energy and immunity and giving guests that little escape that they need. We’ve also got a gorgeous new Sunshine Ritual – while we have missed our holidays abroad and the feeling of sun on our bones, our Sunshine Ritual is designed to give our guests some sun holiday vibes to rejuvenate them. The ritual includes a stimulating scrub with sea salt, and a full body positivity massage with jasmine, gardenia and sweet orange oil to evoke the scents of a foreign holiday.”
The award-winning Spa at The Heritage is a stunning 7,000 square foot facility with 16 treatment rooms and a wonderful selection of spa treatments and packages using ESPA products and therapies, and innovative Irish family-owned business, Voya.
The Heritage Spa Experience is an exhilarating blend of heating and cooling sensations, a two-hour sensory journey that aims to leave the body feeling profoundly alive and invigorated.
The Health Club is right next to the Spa, with leisure facilities including a dedicated fitness studio equipped with top-of-the-range Technogym exercise equipment, and a 15-metre leisure pool and Jacuzzi.
With so much on site and nearby, The Heritage is the perfect destination for a mini-break this autumn and winter. Some of the packages you can avail of include:
- The Fall into Autumn package is a one-night stay in a superior room that includes dinner in Blake's Restaurant, a delicious autumnal themed Afternoon Tea and of course access to the leisure centre and all the excellent facilities in the hotel. It's available to book midweek between September and November from €99 per person sharing.
- All the Frills – this package is in partnership with Kildare Village and is perfect for those looking to indulge in retail therapy or update their wardrobe for the new season. It includes a Sparkling Afternoon Tea, a chauffeur driven transfer to Kildare Village Shopping Outlet with 10 per cent off there and at Newbridge Silverware, The Heritage Spa Experience (a two-hour journey through their thermal suite), an ESPA gift in your room, overnight accommodation and breakfast.
Their overnight Afternoon Tea and spa packages are also hugely popular with guests.
A dramatic light-filled four-storey atrium greets guests on arrival at The Heritage, which, allied to a handsome wrought iron-railed staircase, sparkling crystal chandeliers and gleaming marble floors is designed to impress, and indeed you are sure to be impressed right throughout your stay at The Heritage, where the attention to detail is impeccable.