A bell dings and I peel my eyes open. I can’t decide if I was asleep, in limbo between consciousness and sleep or just extremely relaxed.

I am at the Spa at the Kingsley Hotel in Cork, having a facial. Honestly, I am not hugely into facials and having only had one previously, my skin-care motto is evidently to keep things as simple as possible. But, this one really is quite enjoyable and clearly relaxing.

The beauty therapist is very nice. I tell her I worry about my skin being very dry and sensitive. She says not to, that it’s not as bad as I think and also offers helpful tips.

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This puts me even further at ease. Having heard stories from friends about beauty therapists who tell them their skin is terrible and that they need to buy all these products to fix it, I was needlessly a little apprehensive.

As relaxed as I am during the facial, afterwards I am even more so. Once the treatment is finished you are led into a room with loads of bed-type loungers. You are given a glass of lemon water, some raspberry sorbet and loads of glossy magazines to leaf through.

I also find a little station with different herbal teas and oranges, contentedly chilling out for over an hour before finally managing to extract myself. See, relaxation just doesn’t come naturally to some people – and I am one of those. But here, the right environment has been created and I lap up the novelty of it.

There is also a thermal suite at the Kingsley, with different saunas and various heated rooms to potter around, as well as a swimming pool and, most importantly, an outdoor jacuzzi. It is strange being outside in relatively cool temperatures, but being so warm.

This heated bath takes full advantage of the panoramic views of the River Lee, as does the breakfast room and the dining room. There is something very soothing about looking out on to water. While eating breakfast, runners and dog walkers regularly pass along the banks and it is a great spot to people watch.

It is like a little oasis of relaxation, before venturing out again, to face the hustle and bustle of the world. CL

An overnight stay at the Kingsley starts from €160 per room including breakfast.