Sometimes you need to get away from it all - to relax, be pampered and to recharge the mind and body. Ireland has a fantastic selection of spas including Destination Spas, Resort Spas, Hotel Spas and Specialised Retreats. You can also choose from health farms, thalassotherapy resorts and seaweed bath centres. Here we profile the various spa offerings, explain what some of the treatments are about and look at special offers for over 55's.
Destination Spa
A destination spa provides a total immersion in the spa experience, in an environment dedicated to health, fitness and relaxation. Here you will feel comfortable walking around in a robe, dining in a robe or lounging around the pool or garden because everyone else will be doing the same.
What to Expect:
A purpose built facility with accommodation and comprehensive spa services.
Accommodation at a minimum of four star Fáilte Ireland approved standard.
Extensive permanent programmes including exercise classes, nutritional advice, weight loss,, detox, stress counselling and lifestyle management.
At least three on-site scheduled activities including aerobic exercise, yoga, pilates or relaxation classes.
Meals reflect the ethos of the spa, with a focus on your specific dietary and health requirements.
At least ten treatment rooms.
A swimming pool or vitality pool.
At least five thermal or wet spa experiences.
A 'robes and slippers' culture throughout, including lounge and restaurant areas.
Resort Spa
A Resort spa offers recreational activities alongside a comprehensive range of spa treatments and rituals, in a hotel resort environment. Guests primarily come to avail of the variety of activities and attractions.
What to Expect
A country retreat/estate mountain lodge in a rural, countryside or seaside location, set in spacious, landscaped grounds.
On site activities such as golf, fishing, horse riding, tennis, cycling, archery and walking.
A dedicated spa facility.
Accommodation to a minimum of four star Fáilte Ireland approved standard.
At least five treatment rooms.
A swimming or vitality pool within the spa area.
At least five thermal or wet spa experiences.
A comprehensive range of treatments and spa rituals.
A 'robes and slippers' culture within the spa area.
A relaxation room.
Comprehensive Hotel Spa
A comprehensive hotel spa offers a wide variety of spa treatments and rituals in a dedicated spa facility that is an integral part of a wider hotel complex.
What to Expect
A dedicated spa facility within the hotel complex.
Accommodation to a minimum of four star Fáilte Ireland approved standard.
At least five treatment rooms.
At least five thermal or wet spa experiences.
A swimming pool or vitality pool within the spa area.
Thermal or wet spa experiences.
A 'robes and slippers' culture within the spa area.
A complete range of spa services and treatments.
A relaxation room.
Extensive Hotel Spa
An extensive hotel spa offers a carefully selected menu of spa services and treatments in a spa environment that is part of a wider hotel offering.
What to Expect
A comfortable spa environment in a self-contained facility.
Accommodation at a minimum of three star Fáilte Ireland approved standard.
At least four treatment rooms.
A selection of thermal or wet spa experiences are likely.
Selective Hotel Spa
A selective hotel spa offers a small but carefully selected variety of spa services and treatments in a spa environment that is part of a wider hotel offering. The primary focus is on treatments rather than thermal experiences.
What to expect
A comfortable spa environment in a self-contained facility.
Accommodation at a minimum of three star Fáilte Ireland approved standard
At least three treatment rooms.
Leisure Club Hotel Spa
A Leisure Club Hotel Spa offers carefully selected spa treatments within a leisure club facility, in or close to the hotel.
What to Expect
Accommodation at a minimum of three star Fáilte Ireland approved standard.
A limited number of treatment rooms within the leisure centre facility.
A fitness centre or exercise room open to all hotel guests and leisure club members.
A swimming pool open to all hotel guests and leisure club members.
A limited number of thermal and wet experiences within the leisure centre.
Health Farms, Thalassotherapy Resorts and Seaweed Bath Centres
Health Farm
A Health Farm offers guests tailored wellness and lifestyle reorientation programmes in a retreat environment, allowing you to immerse yourself in the complete wellness experience.
What to Expect
A purpose built facility.
Fáilte Ireland approved accommodation.
At least five treatment rooms.
A complete range of spa treatments and rituals.
A 'robes and slippers' culture throughout, including lounge and restaurant areas.
Extensive permanent programmes including exercise classes, lifestyle management, weight loss, detox and fitness programmes.
At least three on-site scheduled activities such as aerobic exercise classes, yoga, pilates or relaxation classes.
Meals reflect the ethos of the spa, with a focus on your specific dietary and health requirements.
Thalassotherapy Resort
A Thalassotherapy Resort offers therapeutic marine based treatments using heated seawater, seaweed and mud.
What to Expect
A purpose built facility.
Fáilte Ireland approved accommodation.
At least five treatment rooms.
A wide range of marine and thermal pool experiences.
A relaxation room.
A range of spa treatments.
A swimming pool or vitality pool.
Seaweed Bath Centre
A Seaweed Bath Centre offers the fortifying and detoxifying properties of seaweed baths in a marine health centre.
What to Expect
A purpose built facility.
Fáilte Ireland approved accommodation.
Health-giving seaweed baths.
A limited number of spa treatments may be available.
Some General Spa Terms Explained
Those who are new to the spa experience often find the range of choice and some of the language used a little confusing. Here we explain some of the general terms but if you are not sure what's involved, always ensure to ask therapists what a treatment entails before you book.
Acupressure
Oriental technique of applying pressure to pressure points on the body to improve the flow of energy.
Acupuncture
Oriental technique of inserting needles into pressure points to stimulate healing.
Aromatherapy
Using essential oils from flowers, trees and grasses to heal by stimulating the senses, mental responses, circulatory and respiratory functions.
Ayurveda
Eastern Indian philosophy and practice of using herbs and medication to create a balance between the internal and external self.
Balneotheraphy
Water therapy used to treat a variety of ailments, including stress and arthritis.
Brushing
Exfoliating treatment involving the dry brushing of skin to remove dead cells and stimulate circulation. Skin brushing may also be used to prepare skin for a seaweed or mud wrap.
Endermologie
Massage therapy for reducing the appearance of cellulite and refining the silhouette.
Exfoliation
The process of sloughing off dead skin cells. This process also stimulates blood flow to aid circulation.
Flotation Tank
A tank filled with enough salt water so a person can float in it; lights are either dimmed or turned off. The combination of a darkened room and the floating process is an aid to relaxation and stress reduction.
Hammam
The Turkish and Middle Eastern tradition of a communal bathhouse is adapted in Western spas to include gommage (exfoliation), massage and steam for detoxification and relaxation.
Lymphatic Drainage
a massage treatment which stimulates circulation, reduces water retention and loosens stored toxins, encouraging them to be excreted from the body.
Oxygen Facial
Anti-ageing treatment where oxygen is applied topically or sprayed onto the face to stimulate and reinforce the collagen levels in the skin.
Reflexology
Ancient Egyptian, Chinese and Indian therapy, which treats the whole body through the touching of reflexes on the feet which are believed to be microcosms of the entire body, having relational points which correlate to specific body parts.
Reiki
Massage technique using subtle stationery hand positions o points of tension or injury; the therapist's hands are usually fully extended, and palms applied to the affected area.
Salt Rub
A hydrating and exfoliating treatment where small amounts of oil and coarse salt are applied to dampened skin in circular strokes.
Sauna
A Finnish treatment of dry heat, which encourages sweating and the elimination of toxins. A cold shower usually follows to close the opened pores.
Serail
A chamber dedicated to warm mud treatments.
Shiatsu
Japanese massage technique of acupressure used to stimulate pressure points and improve energy flow.
Steam Room
Area of wet, hot steam which opens pores and rids toxins.
Swedish Massage
Massage technique using firm manipulation of pressure points and muscles.
Thalassotherapy
Any treatment using sea water and mineral-rich marine by-products to have a curative or restorative effect.
Thermal Suite
A room or series of rooms using heat (sauna and seam room) and cold (ice shower and plunge pool) to stimulate and tone.
Spa Breaks
Special Offers for over 55's
(Please Quote "Golden Ireland Offer" when Booking).
Inchdoney Island Lodge & Spa, West Cork
Tel: (023) 8833143
email: reservations@inchydoneyisland.com
web: www.inchydoneyisland.com
![Inchydoney Pool[1].jpg](apics/Inchydoney Pool[1].jpg "Inchydoney Pool[1].jpg")
Keep Active Package for Over 65's
Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa has created a unique theraputic package available to over 65's and aimed at those who suffer from joint problems, general aches and pains or want to improve their health and want to slow the ageing process. The initiative utilizes Thalassotherapy, the theraputic and healing use of seawater, in a targeted way to alleviate symptoms and improve health. Guests will meet with Dr Christian Jost, the hotel's resident Thalassotherapy Consultant, who will identify the correct treatments to improve health for each individual.
Special Offer: The Keep Active Package is priced at €200 per person sharing midweek or €250 per person sharing at weekends and includes two night's accommodation in a deluxe ocean view room with private balcony/terrace, full Irish buffet breakfast each morning, a private meeting with Dr Jost, three seawater treatments targeted to deal with your specific pain/issue and full access to the heated seawater pool, sauna, steam room and relaxation areas. This offer is only available to persons over 65.
Angsana Spa at The Brehon, Killarney, Co. Kerry
Tel: (064) 6623917
email: angsanaspa@thebrehon.com
web: www.thebrehon.com/spa.php
Express Yourself - €85 pps
60 minute visit in the Vitality Suite
60 minute choice of facial
Express manicure including nail paint
Beat the Recession - €99 pps
60 minute use of the Vitality Suite
30 minute back massage
30 minute mini facial
30 minutes relaxation time
Main course option in the Brehon Bar
The Great Escape - €109 pps
60 minute use of the Vitality Suite
60 minute choice of a full body massage
30 minute mini facial
Royal Treatment - €109 pps
60 minute visit in the Vitality Suite
Choice of a 120 minute session massage
Choice of main course lunch from the Brehon Bar with tea or coffee
Available Sun - Fri only until 31st May 2010
Absolute Hotel & Spa, Sir Harry's Mall, Limerick
Tel: (061) 463600
email: info@absolutehotel.com
web: www.absolutehotel.com
Package offer Mini Escape: Back Massage & Express Facial only €65.00 (Exclusively for Golden Ireland Customers)
Escape Spas, Limerick
A state of the art spa, overlooking the River Shannon.
Spa complete with Thermal suites and 6 Treatment Rooms, Relaxation area, and Fitness suite, Make-up Studio, and the Exclusive Vanilla Browns Hair Salon.
Our Expert Team are trained to the very highest standards in the industry. Choose from our treatment menu, for a full or half day retreat, or individual personalised treatments.
We can organise make-up, hair and product demonstrations throughout your stay, with expert advice from our Team.
See also: www.escapebeauty.ie
Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore, Co Offaly
Tel: (057) 9325600
email: info@bridgehouse.com
web: www.bridgehouse.com
This midweek package at The 4 star Bridge House Hotel Tullamore includes two nights Bed & Breakfast with one evening meal in our Michelin Guide recommended restaurant on a night of your choosing & a choice of three treatments in our luxurious Sanctuary Spa. For the first Spa treatment choose any one 60 minute treatment from the following {Facial, Comfort Touch Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Indian Head massage, Combination between Mini Facial / Back Neck & Shoulders Massage / Lushly Hands / Lushly Feet treatment} AND receive two sessions in our Relaxation Chambers {the Egg & the Alpha Lounger}.
Special Rate: €149.00 per person sharing.
The Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore, Co. Waterford.
Tel: (024) 87800
email: info@cliffhousehotel.com
web: www.thecliffhousehotel.com
One nights deluxe accommodation overlooking Ardmore Bay, full Irish breakfast each morning and dinner on one evening in the Bar restaurant. A 10% discount applies for any Spa treatments booked between Sunday to Thursday.
From - €240.00 based on two persons sharing, only available Sunday to Thursday.
The Cliff House Hotel is a perfect place. An intimate, cascading hotel sewn into the coast overlooking the historic village of Ardmore, in West Waterford. It is distinguished as much for its design and sea views as for the region's most exquisite food - The House Restaurant is a One Michelin Star Restaurant - spa and sleep experiences.
Westport Woods Hotel & Spa, Westport, Co.Mayo
Tel: (098) 25811
email: arose@westportwoodshotel.com
web: www.westportwoodshotel.com
2 nights bed and breakfast, one evening meal and the following spa treatments for €179.00 per person sharing:-
Mini Facial
Back, neck and shoulder massage
Seaweed Bath
You’ll love the Westport Woods Hotel, in its own wooded grounds, between the charming town of Westport and The Quay. Check out the Beech Club Leisure Centre with swimming pool and full fitness facilities or spoil yourself in the YonKa Cedar Spa.
For further information on Spa Breaks in Ireland, go to: www.products.ireland.ie/spa.aspx
