I’m feeling all bubbly
The best way to enjoy the delights of Lough Ree is at a relaxing lodge and lying back in a hot tub
SITTING in the outdoor hot tub enjoying a glass of bubbly with my mother, I can physically feel the build-up of tension leave my body.
The warm gurgling water, panoramic lake views and musical chirping of the birds at Wineport Lodge would put anyone in a great mood.
Nestled on the shores of Lough Ree just outside the village of Glasson in Co Westmeath, Wineport Lodge feels like an oasis of sorts.
This is my first time staying over at the hotel, but it is not my first visit to the quaint wood-clad lodge.
Located a short hour’s drive from my hometown in Cavan, and only an hour and a half from Dublin City, Wineport Lodge is a convenient meeting point for many, and I’ve often used it to my advantage.
What better way to catch up with friends than drinking coffee alfresco while enjoying the mirror-like views that the lake provides.
This time, I’ve the pleasure of checking out the hotel’s other facilities such as the relaxing spa suite, luxury rooms and awardwinning restaurant.
I’M STAYING in the Champagne Suite, a duplex room with unspoilt views of the lake thanks to the floor-toceiling glass wall. The room is one-of-a-kind, with a spacious mezzanine floating bedroom, designer interiors and a bathroom suite that boast a traditional Victorian bathtub and a walk-in monsoon shower.
Cosy doesn’t even cover it when it comes to describing this room, with furniture that you can sink into, relaxing colour tones and a spacious balcony, this room is a retreat in itself.
No matter where you stay in this hotel, you’re treated to beautiful views of Lough Ree. Comfort is key at Wineport Lodge and each room caters to that with super king-size beds.
After a dip in the outdoor hot tub, myself and my mum enjoy a relaxing walk along the country roads and lake shore to work up an appetite for dinner. It doesn’t take long for us to return to the hotel with grumbling bellies as we anticipate the locally-sourced meal ahead of us.
The restaurant itself is recog- nisable even if it’s your first time to visit, as it used to be the location for the popular RTÉ show The Restaurant with Marco Pierre White.
We start off our three-course meal with a delicious espresso martini infused with pistachio nuts and the Wineport Lodge special which is as fruity as it is boozy. No girly weekend would be complete without a cocktail or two, surely?
For starters, I dig into delicious plate of Rustic Pigeon Terrine, apricot chutney and crisp toast, while my mum indulges in a flavoursome mushroom soup.
Both of us are enticed by the description for the Striploin steak for the main, and as expected, it doesn’t disappoint.
To end what can only be described as a brilliant day, we share a tasting platter of the chief’s favourite deserts which includes baked banana cheesecake, amarena cherry & almond tart, frangelico and classic baked Alaska with champagne cassis ice cream.
The next morning we awake to the sun dancing across the lakeshore and order breakfast in bed at no extra cost.
Then, it’s straight down to the relaxing Treatment Suites for a spot of pampering.
I choose a quick fix facial which aims to tone, exfoliate and hydrate the skin using luxury products from Voya, each of which contain extracts of wild seaweed that are hand-harvested off the West Coast of Ireland.
If you’re not a fan of relaxing spa treatments, there are plenty of other activities to partake in during your stay at Wineport Lodge.
The friendly team at reception were only happy to direct us to various walking routes in the area, and the hotel also supplies bicycles to guests who want to take to the roads and explore the countryside some more.
The idyllic village of Glasson which is situated nearby is well worth visiting, with plenty of places to eat and drink such as Grogans and The Fattened Calf.
You can also take a drive to Athlone town which is just 15 minutes away and enjoy a spot of retail therapy, something my mum and I enjoyed almost as much as the relaxing outdoor hot tub!