The Overnight Pamper:
When it comes to luxurious and indulgent hotel spas, we are spoiled for choice in Ireland. Whether you need to recharge your batteries, switch off from the pressures of family life, or simply recover from sleep lost to a nocturnal infant, you don’t have to go too far for a night away from regular life. Luckily, many of these relaxing sanctuaries cater to new mums and mums-to-be with spa treatments designed to pamper your changing body and treat any concerns, rannging from dry skin, to tense back muscles and swollen ankles.
With a backdrop of the striking Ardmore coastline, the Cliff House Hotel is an ideal spot for those who want an intimate and tranquil spa experience. The hotel’s Well Spa (inset above) has an entire menu for mothers-to-be with treatments that are designed to recharge your energy and relieve stress during pregnancy. If you carry a lot of tension in your neck and shoulders, try the Me Time package, €120. Luxury scalp therapy is followed by a cleanse and tone on the face, a full leg massage and a luxury pedicure. An overnight stay here is from €199 to €389 for a deluxe seaview room including breakfast for two people sharing, depending on the season. cliffhousehotel.ie
A five-star luxury estate in the stunning surroundings of East Cork will always sound inviting.
With one of the largest hotel wellness centres in the country, the Castlemartyr Resort is the perfect location for a girls’ trip or baby shower. The hotel’s spa boasts 10 treatment rooms including a VIP room for groups. They even go one step further and offer a Pampering Party package which includes a personalised facial, a back, neck and shoulder massage and a salt and oil scrub at €70 per person. An overnight stay costs €185 including breakfast, based on two people sharing a deluxe room. castlemartyrresort.ie
The Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa was made for sleep-deprived parents. As soon as you arrive, you are put at ease thanks to the quiet surroundings (pictured left) and the stunning picturesque views of the Lakes of Killarney. Thanks to the layout of the spa, it can feel like your own little hideaway with multiple thermal suites and treatment rooms. If lack of sleep is your biggest concern, try the Voya Mindful Dreams treatment, €140. The 90-minute treatment focuses on improving your quality of sleep and relaxing a tense body and mind. It begins with a visit to the thermal suites followed by an inhalation and grounding ritual, a relaxing facial cleanse and massage, a de-stressing scalp massage, a full body massage and calming foot techniques. One-night bed and breakfast rates start from €209 per room. aghadoeheights.com
There is something to be said for the surroundings of the Farnham Estate Spa and Golf Resort. From its peaceful nature walks to its tree-lined driveway, it’s hard to believe the resort is just minutes away from Cavan’s busiest town. If you can, book a bedroom suite in the original 400-year-old Farnham House. Rooms are dressed in classic regal designs mixed with stylish modern furnishings — the ideal place to retreat to after a day at the hotel spa. The Farnham Estate Spa is one of the most accommodating spas for mums-to-be, providing a huge range of Yon-Ka maternity treatments such as the Polish and Skin Smoother, €85. It’s a full body grain-free exfoliation which refreshes the skin. This is followed by an application of a warming balm which leaves the skin feeling incredibly smooth. Stay for the night to really enjoy and relax with overnight stays from €129 per room midweek including breakfast. farnhamestate.ie