Inchydoney Island Spa

Inchydoney

Resort

West Cork

When it comes to spas we are as concerted about where we are going to hang out pre- and post-treatment as we are about the treatment itself. And the views of Inchydoney strand are simply stunning, the perfect way to unwind.

What we really like about this spa is that there are two relaxation rooms, one of which was a bit lively, to suit couples and friends away together who wanted to chat after their treatment. The other was an oasis of calm, where people could enjoy the view as well as the peace and quiet.

As part of the treatment, we enjoyed the Elemis hot-stone massage. If you enjoy a good massage but haven’t tried a hot-stone option, you need to put it on your list. Starting on your pressure points, the smooth heat glides over your back bringing a state of relaxation that is on another level. The therapist wasn’t quite as friendly as therapists we met in other spas, but when it came down to getting the job done and giving a quality massage, it ticked all the boxes.

€110, 60 minutes.

Chill Spa

Ice House Hotel

Ballina

On pulling up to the Ice House in Ballina, we immediately figured this was more of a town hotel than a great escape. Well, those thoughts were banished almost immediately, because when you enter your room, all you see is the beautiful River Moy flowing past while herons perch on the shore.

This is also the view to enjoy while in the Chill Spa and, quite specifically, their outdoor spa garden with cedar wood hot tubs, perfect for you and your partner or friend to sip some bubbles.

Embracing the west of Ireland, the Ice House has a great choice of VOYA treatments, and we enjoyed the VOYA Organic Tangle Me Up body wrap. Getting rid of unwanted toxins, it starts with a vigorous full-body brushing. It might not sound like the most relaxing thing but afterwards, as the rub is being gently removed by hot towels, you get that fantastic squeaky-clean sensation, a real sense of rejuvenation.

Then you are covered in a seaweed-enriched cream and wrapped in a muslin cloth to allow the nutrient-rich compound seep into your skin. The whole experience relieves stress and fatigue and we walked away thinking: now that is a treatment that really works.

€80, 55 minutes.

Spa Solis

Lough Eske Castle

Co Donegal

If you enjoy a good hydrotherapy suite, then you are going to love Spa Solis at Lough Eske. Honestly, we could sit in that infinity pool all day looking out at the castle’s garden.

The shooting jets ease stress in the back almost immediately, and that was even before we had a treatment. The Hydralessence Visage facial by Yonka does exactly what it says on the tin: an internal drink for the skin, leaving it hydrated for weeks afterwards.

However, Spa Solis is also one of the few spas in Ireland offering Touch Therapy, which is a treatment aimed at cancer patients who are either mid-treatment or just finished. There is no set agenda to the treatment. Instead, following a consultation focused on you and your needs, the treatment can be completely tailored and customised. For example, it can treat the area affected by cancer or the signs and symptoms left behind on the skin.

They are also working with the LINDI skincare range, which is specifically designed for the needs of people with compromised skin. So not only will the treatment itself help you to heal, for those who are in the midst of treatment, this could be a very relaxing break for the mind.

Note that this spa was quite busy the weekend we visited, so consider a midweek break or an earl-morning weekend treatment.

€110.00, 90 minutes: 60 minutes hands-on, plus consultation

Lough Erne Spa

Lough Erne Resort

Co Fermanagh

It was an early Saturday morning and the sun was shining over the golden reeds of the shores of the Fermanagh lakelands and beaming into the Lough Erne Resort, pure bliss.

However, this is a spa that is more about the Thai treatment within than the Irish countryside outside – and is a welcome change. With a distinctive Thai theme that radiates throughout, it is one of the few places to offer a traditional Thai massage. Note that this massage is more full-on than your standard massage, with a focus on pressure points and stretching techniques. Prepare for the masseuse to really get to work on your muscles – but the benefits are also more significant, really releasing tension and increasing flexibility.

Another option that is quite unique in their offering is the Angel Bliss treatment for children (aged six and up), where pressure is applied to the scalp, legs and feet to improve their quality of sleep and strengthen their immune system.

You wouldn’t expect Thailand and Femanagh to merge together in beautiful symmetry – but it really works.

£90/€102 (exchange rate of 0.86)

60 minutes.

Delphi Spa

Delphi Resort

Connemara

We are yet to find a hotel that feels as remote as Delphi Resort.

It makes you feel a million miles from everything. Phone reception is dodgy at best, the only traffic on the road are the mountain sheep – and we just love it. The spa captures this remoteness perfectly, with the thermal suite and relaxation area looking out onto the Connemara wilderness.

Apart from the view, one of our favourite parts of the spa is their seriously impressive and spacious jacuzzi, bubbling with spring water. Don’t worry about squeezing your bikini bod into a corner: there is plenty of room for everyone.

With an underactive thyroid gland, the Delphi Signature Seaweed bath was predominantly chosen for health reasons. Seaweed is loaded with iodine, which is essential for the thyroid gland. In fact, a seaweed bath can activate the thyroid.

Breathing in the aromas and rubbing the seaweed onto the skin, the treatment itself was very relaxing but afterwards, there really was an energy surge. Two days away in Delphi will feel like two weeks.

45 minutes, €39.50.