It's hard to keep up with all the latest spa info – new openings, quirky treatments, best deals – so we’ll do our best to keep you informed. We welcome your feedback and inputs – info@spa-ireland.com
Silver Surfers - 10 Mar 2010
Spa for those of us not quite in the first flush of youth.
We've already given you the heads up on the top ten spa trends of 2010 and one in particular, the diversity trend does deserve a slice of solitary spa blog time.
With 2010 a special year anyway - a decade down and no Armageddon, yet, it is also a pivotal time for the emergence of a new gray market in spa.
Traditionally spas have been the reserve of the young and beautiful with cosmetically enhancing treatments taking the lion's share of the trade. In the US alone 78 million people are entering their 60s , and with the increasing transcience towards wellness, rather than beauty, the market is about to turn on its heels. What's also interesting is that while spa itself has ancient roots, the advanced population are for the most part virgins to the industry. For some, the first time spa experience can be an uncomfortable one, to be approached gingerly but fear not, there is a wide variety of non contact treatments available, making the spa experience yours and yours alone.
Floatation is a magical treatment that many approach with trepidation but once you try it you'll be totally hooked. Enjoy virtual body weightlessness PLUS a 20 minute session equates to a 2 hour sleep. Not only does it aid relaxation, it relieves stress on joints and muscle and you needn't worry, you will be snug and dry throughout.
Thermal Suites are the backbone of any spa visit and are designed to accentuate the nurturing experience you will have received from your treatment. Usually a collection of rooms that take you on wet and dry, warm and cold temperature journey, this is where you can detox, relax , rejuvenate, excape – all are words synonoumous with the thermal suite experience. Think steam room, sauna, laconioum, tepidarium. Our recommendation - take a midweek spa break to test the waters, the thermal Suites will be especially quiet and you can go figure out all the water stuff without looking silly.
For more advice on getting the most of of your spa visit see Spa Sense
'Suite' Dreams at the Europe Resort & Spa - 03 Mar 2010
2 night, complimentary upgrade - €255 pps
Great things come in small packages so this 2 night Suite Retreat at the Hotel Europe is the perfect little pick me up to send you skipping into spring.
Sensitive to the fact that 5 star luxury is not available to everyone, the Europe Resort & Spa has come up with an inspiring package, the 2 night Suite Retreat. It includes two nights bed and breakfast plus dinner on one evening for €255 per person sharing. That not enough for you? Well, no standard room for you on this stay. You will be upgraded to one of the fantastic suites with the compliments of the Europe. The offer balconies that give you stupendous views over the adjoining Lakes, King size beds and living rooms to help you relax and enjoy those gorgeous views. This affordable package is available now until the end of March and early booking is advisable.
Europe Resort & Spa Suite Retreat
Duvet Days - 27 Feb 2010
Snuggle up at the g
OK, so we will never admit to taking one but ....Duvet days are a rare treat and are made so much better when enjoyed with a friend, or group of friends.
ESPA @ the g hotel have come up with some novel spa packages which are suitable for a girly catch-up or a chilled out hen break. Grab your pyjamas and get pampered choosing from the Pink Pyjama or Silk Pyjama Party treats.
Pink Pyjama Party - Mini treatments enjoyed in the rooftop relaxation area (choose from Neck and Shoulder Massage
Foot Journey, Hand Journey, Foot, Hand or Scalp Massage), thermal suite experience PLUS glass of bubbly and cupcake to be enjoyed in your cosies! Cost is €60 per person (minimum group of 10).
Silk Pyjama Party – 4 mini treatments as above this offer also includes a cocktail, canapés and ESPA gift. Cost is €80 per person (minimum group of 10)
Pyjama Parties
Mother's Day at Aghadoe Heights - 22 Feb 2010
Treat your mum and help the Marie Keating Foundation
It is rare that a good deed is selfless, but treat your mum to this spa package and you are coming close.
Check in on either the 13th or 14th March for a one night "Mum's the Word" package. Included is an overnight stay, full Irish breakfast, mini spa treatments PLUS a delicious Mother's Day lunch. A percentage of every lunch cost will be donated to the Marie Keating Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Aghadoe Heights is located in beautiful Killarney and has an unwavering reputation for 5 star service and hospitality. Your Mum really will thank you for this special treat and you will enjoy some indulgence yourself. Package cost is €195 per person sharing -
Mother's Day at Aghadoe Heights Hotel
Snow Worry - 16 Feb 2010
Seoid Spa at Dunboyne Castle can help with SAD.
Sunshine and summer are words synonymous with energy and vitality. No surprises then that winter spells gloom for some. For some of us, the weather matches our mood in the form of Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly known as SAD.
The medical mumbo jumbo behind this elusive disorder reckons that the human body uses light cues, such as those provided by the sun, to time certain functions. Properly timed rhythms regulate mood, sleep, wake, appetite, digestion and energy. These daily internal cycles sometimes go out of synch (due to the decreasing amounts of light in winter), meaning an unregulated body clock, resulting in the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Some people brush it off as winter blues – call it what you will, it can still wreak havoc on our emotional balance.
There is soome good advice available for SAD sufferers on the website SAD UK but light therapy has also proven to be quite successful (this is the exposure to daylight by a light box). Seoid Spa at Dunboyne Castle, Co. Meath offer a virtual reality experience called Sabbia Med in which you lie in an area which simulates a heated beach and experience sunrise to sunset. Vitamin D is stimulated and energy levels boosted. Dunboyne Castle