The doyen of hotels in Northern Ireland, this historic former railway hotel is located in a stunning setting where the Mourne Mountains meet the sea. Seventy minutes south of Belfast, Slieve Donard is home to the luxurious, super sleek, two-floored ESPA spa.
Thermal suites and relaxation room
From the ESPA changing rooms at Slieve Donard, walk across a floating glass bridge to the thermal suites and relaxation room.
Amethyst steam room Dark tiles, a large piece of amethyst in the corner, and changing, coloured points of lights twinkling through the steam make this a cocooning and relaxing experience.
Sauna This heat room stands out for the huge window with a calming big sky and sea view.
Vitality pool An oblong whirlpool with the choice of gentle, or more aggressive massaging bubbles.
Relaxation room This darkened, candlelit room is perfect for a pre- or post treatment snooze. The loungers have adjustable head and leg rests, lamps attached for reading, as well as juices and piles of fruit.
Changing rooms
The changing rooms smell heavenly, with aromatherapy candles dotted about, ESPA products in the showers and a slick wooden and brown leather décor. Bathrobes, slippers, fluffy towels, hairdryers and lockers are provided.
Indoor swimming pool
This 20-metre pool with pretty iridescent tiles and massaging jets has natural daylight streaming in through the huge floor to ceiling windows. Facing the sea view is another vitality pool, sauna and loungers.
Fitness and Zen Studio
The gym is on the small size but has high tech equipment and the usual range of cardio and weights. The Zen Studio offers classes including yoga and t'ai chi.
Treatments
There are 14 therapy rooms but the spa is very popular locally, so it's best to book treatments in advance. ESPA skincare products are used in the treatments, which range from the new Super Active facials to hot stone therapy, body massages and envelopments, as well as treatments designed for men.
I tried the ESPA Super Active Repairing and Restoring Facial (£140/1hr 30mins). The treatment starts with a consultation about your concerns and a diagnostic look at your skin with the use of a Woods lamp (safe UV light). The aromatherapy treatment was relaxing, and my skin felt fantastic afterwards. If you are planning to play a round on the resort's golf course, you might want to book the Golfing Recovery massage (£140/1hr 50mins).
Who goes?
In the spa there were mainly women in their 30s-50s and mother and daughters on spa days. At the hotel there were affluent locals, well-groomed ladies who lunch, European couples in their 30s, there for the combination of a beautiful environment and fantastic spa facilities.
Dining
The Horizon Juice Bar by the pool and gym offers a light menu. The main Oak Restaurant is in the older part of the hotel and has large rooms with immense chandeliers and a grand, old-fashioned décor. The food focuses on Irish produce and offers an excellent tasting menu. The Lighthouse Lounge has a more informal vibe and an impressive setting with floor to ceiling windows making the most of the bay and Mourne mountains view.
Unexpected pleasure
The design of this Irish spa really lends itself to peace of mind, with the clean lines and the floor to ceiling windows making the most of the mountain and sea vistas.
Could do better
Changing room amenities: there is shampoo, conditioner and shower gel in the showers but no cotton balls, body creams or lotions by the changing area.
Tip
If staying in the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa hotel, choose the refurbished rooms in the newer wing, as the rest of the hotel is grand but rather chintzy.
Verdict
This is a world-class spa with a stunning setting. The 200-year old Slieve Donard Resort and Spa is one of the best hotels in Northern Ireland. Its golf course, dramatic beach and the opportunity to do horse riding and mountain walks makes this a great Irish destination spa. Parts of the hotel can be a bit chintzy, but overall it is fantastic break for couples or a weekend with the girls.
Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, Downs Road, Newcastle, Co. Down, BT33 OAH; Tel: +44 (0) 28 4372 1066; www.hastingshotels.com
For more information about Ireland: www.discoverireland.com British Airways flies to Belfast from London Gatwick and Heathrow. Book a flight on ba.com now
Discover inner - and outer - peace on Europe's first luxury Ayurvedic spa retreat.
