Earlier this week, our sister publication Irish Tatler held their annual Spa of the Year award. Here are the results, top Irish spas to suit everyone.
Michelin-starred restaurants, horticulturist-designed gardens, private thermal suites, cutting-edge VR technology, elite trainer-run gyms, classes in the art of air movement...these aren't the newest wellness trends from LA - they're actually just some of the delights found in the Irish spa industry.
Out are the over-washed dressing gowns, awkward paper pants, and lukewarm Jacuzzis. In are a new breed of mega-spas each taking wellness to the next frontier. Spas are now no longer just an "extra" added on to a luxury hotel, they’re now the main destination.
With a new age of spas comes a new definitive list of the creme-de-la-creme. We've been buffed, primed, and polished across the country (hard work, we know) in order to bring you a curated list of the best service, therapists, and properties in Ireland.
Read more: Luxury Irish skincare brand launched in award-winning hotel and spa
The tenth annual Irish Tatler Spa Awards, In Association With Kerstin Florian, were held on Monday, September 23 in the Brasserie at The Marker Hotel. Celebrating the best spas and wellness destinations, Ireland's much-decorated spa industry gathered together to celebrate excellence in Irish spa services and treatments.
In addition to commending the traditional categories such as; 'Best Facial', 'Best Therapist' and of course, 'Overall Spa of the Year', this year, the awards praised efforts in sustainability and holistic approaches to both physical and mental wellbeing.
On the night, Sarah Macken, Editor of Irish Tatler Magazine explained the importance of the new categories:
As a judge on the Spa Awards for over eight years, one thing we really observed in the spa industry this year is a conscientious nod towards positive mental health. We know that while everyone loves a gold standard facial, a top-notch massage, or a therapist who goes above and beyond, what is of equal importance to the discerning customer today is that simple moment of me time - akin to picking up a magazine - where the spa visit transcends a well-executed treatment to become a truly holistic experience.
So, without further ado, here are the spas that triumphed this year in all provinces, and the treatments that stood out from the rest.
Best in Wellness
Winner:
The Spa at Druid’s Glen
Highly Commended:
The K Spa at The K Club
The Spa at The Kingsley
Best Facial
Winner:
Biologique Recherche Soin Lissant Facial at The Spa at The Merrion
Highly Commended:
Kilronan Castle Signature Facial at The Spa at Kilronan Castle
Carita Gold Perfection Facial at The Spa at Killarney Plaza
Best in Body Care
Winner:
The Heritage Signature Massage at The Heritage Spa at The Heritage
Highly Commended:
Full Body Massage at The Spa at The Merrion
Sports Therapy Massage at SeaSpa at Kelly’s
Best Package
Winner:
The Dromoland Total Wellbeing Package at Spa & Wellness at Dromoland Castle
Highly Commended:
Signature Cara Experience at Cara Organic Beauty Spa at Lough Eske Castle
The Relax & Rejuvenation Package at The Spa at The Horse and Jockey
Best in Sustainability
Winner:
The Spa at Ashford Castle
Highly Commended:
Spa & Wellness at Dromoland Castle
The Well by The Sea at Cliff House Hotel
Best in Innovation
Winner:
Chill Spa at The Ice House
Highly Commended:
Oasis Spa at Lyrath Estate
The Spa at Aghadoe Heights
Best in Service
Winner:
The Spa at Muckross Park
Highly Commended:
The Spa at The Horse and Jockey
The Well in the Garden at Cliff at Lyons
Best Therapist
Best Deep Tissue Therapist:
Simon Cullen at SeaSpa at Kelly’s
Best Massage Therapist:
Valene Randles at Sámas Spa at Park Hotel Kenmare
Best Wellness Practitioner:
Mona Klofver Conway at The K Spa at The K Club
Best Top-To-Toe Therapist:
Fiona Delea at The Spa at Castlemartyr Resort
Best Personal Touch:
Caroline Neville at The Spa at Fota Island Resort
Most Knowledgeable:
Gosia Matulla at ESPA at The g
Attention to Detail:
Laura Gahan at Monart Destination Spa
Best For Customisation:
Rachel O’Malley at The Beautique Spa at Hayfield Manor
Best Facialist:
Karen Coffey at The Spa at Muckross Park
Ultimate Service Ambassador:
Michelle Ryan at The Spa at Ashford Castle
City Spa of the Year
Winner:
The Spa at The Merrion
Highly Commended:
Spa &Wellness at The Marker
Bellevue Spa at The Montenotte
Ulster Spa of the Year
Winner:
Cara Organic Beauty Spa at Lough Eske Castle
Highly Commended:
The Spa at Slieve Donard
Munster Spa of the Year
Winner:
The Spa at Adare Manor
Highly Commended:
Spa & Wellness at Dromoland Castle
The Spa at Aghadoe Heights
Connacht Spa of the Year
Winner:
The Spa at Ashford Castle
Highly Commended:
Chill Spa at The Ice House
Spirit One Spa at The Galmont
Leinster Spa of the Year
Winner:
Monart Destination Spa
Highly Commended:
The Spa at The Shelbourne
Spa & Wellness at Carton House
Overall Spa of the Year
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