A HAVEN OF HERITAGE
From golf to spa to quality food, this Laois hotel has it all
THERE’S always a defining feature of any great hotel and in the case of The Heritage Golf & Spa Resort in Laois, it is the grand staircase.
It’s the first thing you see when you arrive and take in the beautiful four-storey marble atrium with its stunning staircase and grand piano. As far as first impressions go, it certainly sets the scene for an elegant stay.
After check-in, myself and my mom — laden down with one too many bags for a twonight stay — make our way to our spacious superior room with a view of the golf course. Instantly, there’s an essence of warmth and cosiness to the room, which is quite traditional with its quaint mahogany furnishings, a stark contrast from the modern lobby.
The bathroom is airy, bright and spacious, with a huge standing bathtub stocked with ESPA products, as well as a walk-in shower.
Speaking of ESPA, its home here is pretty incredible. Many a hotel can blow its own trumpet about how unique and wonderful its spa is, but the Heritage Spa truly is the perfect tranquillity destination for rest and relaxation.
Afew years back the hotel underwent a €3 million makeover, with the spa being one of the focal points of the revamp programme. From thermal suites to a sauna and Turkish baths, the award-winning spa features 16 treatment rooms, an incredible range of treatments using ESPA products and treatments from Irish family-owned business Voya.
During my visit, I have a 30minute facial with therapist Dominique and not only am I glowing leaving, but I’m also pain-free. I had arrived with a splitting headache and a strained neck and to try and help, Dominique tweaks the facial to include an Indian head massage, focusing on massaging my neck and face, managing to release much of the tension I have clearly been holding on to.
Not only am I glowing from the ESPA products used but the tension and pain lift completely, so much so that I’ve booked in for a treatment with the same therapist again.
Having worked up a hunger in the spa — all that relaxing can be hard work, you know — we make our way to Blake’s restaurant. The presentation is superb but the food itself is incredible and there’s a real emphasis on using local produce which is always wonderful to see.
The meal in its entirety was faultless but for my main course, I had a dry aged sirloin of Laois beef and it was cooked to perfection.
What’s interesting about the food offering is regardless of where you eat in the hotel, whether it’s room service, the bar or Blake’s Restaurant, the quality is always topnotch and satisfying.
Additionally, we also have the good fortune to try out the afternoon tea and it is delightful. Refreshingly, it strays away from the more traditional offerings and instead is more realistic with its portion sizes and offers a variety with each tier, allowing the guest to choose what they want, rather than sticking to a set menu.
Naturally, I overdo it with the top tier of sweet treats, but I’ve no regrets.
Due to its proximity to the hotel, a trip to Kildare Village is on the agenda for some much-needed retail therapy. Close by too is The Rock of Dunamase and the Japanese Gardens if you want to venture outside the grounds of the hotel to explore.
If you love to golf, The Heritage is the perfect spot as it boasts a par-72 championship golf course with stunning views.
If you’re looking for the ultimate spa break away then you might be interested in the Total Indulgence package, which includes two nights’ bed and breakfast, dinner on one evening in Blake’s restaurant, afternoon tea and a 50-minute spa treatment starting from €470 for two people sharing. Email info@theheritage.com for more information and to book or call 057 864 5500.