Heart BREAK!
Rachel Beresford
Treat your loved one like royalty thisvalentine’s by planning the ultimate romantic break in one of Ireland’s gorgeous hotels. Cork’s iconic and elegant Imperial Hotel has just unveiled a new ‘Queen of Hearts’ inspired stay, featuring extravagant displays, themed cocktails and afternoon tea along with rose-flourished spa treatments all designed to set hearts racing.
These exclusive Queen of Hearts experiences will be available until March 8, giving love birds every opportunity to paint the town red on a date of their choosing.
The scene for your loved-up stay will be set from the moment you arrive.
The majestic Imperial lobby with its high-vaulted ceilings and sparkling crystal chandelier will be elevated to new romantic heights with Queen of Hearts-inspired floral displays and decor heralding guests’ arrival in regal fashion.
Whether you want to aim cupid’s bow at the king or queen in your life, you’ll be guaranteed a memorable first impression or the perfect Instagrammable moment when choosing the Imperial Hotel for your next romantic break.
The ‘Queen of Hearts’ stay package is all about loved-up luxury and includes a stylish overnight stay with Cork treats in your room.
This love letter to the guests includes a bespoke Queen of Hearts O’conaill chocolate bar, red and white Shandon Sweets and an exclusive postcard designed by local illustrator Ethan Desmond.
In the morning, you’ll be greeted with a delicious breakfast to set you up for the day, whether you want to spend it relaxing at the hotel or soaking up Cork City.
Sparks will fly over an indulgent Queen of Hearts-themed afternoon tea for two.
Finally round off your romantic
Imperial experience with two signature cocktails and a ‘Birdcage’ sharing platter in either the hotels new-look bar No. 76 or food destination ‘Sketch’. All combined this package is sure to set hearts racing.
The Queen of Hearts package is priced from €270 and includes one night bed & breakfast, afternoon tea, two cocktails and a birdcage to share.
Call 021 7306622 to book or email escape@imperialhotelcork.ie.
A little closer to the capital, you can sweep your significant other off their feet with a gorgeous getaway, an indulgent spa escape or a decadent dining experience at The Johnstown Estate in Enfield, Co. Meath, just 35 minutes from Dublin.
The Johnstown Estate combines all the glamour of a grand Georgian house set on 120 acres of magnificent parkland with the ultimate in contemporary comforts, and is home to an award-winning state-of-the-art spa, a 30,000m leisure centre and a range of dining options including the elegant fine dining restaurant, Fire & Salt.
Top of our wishlist this February 14 is the Foodie Escape, €345 per couple, including bed and breakfast, access to the leisure centre and evening dinner.
Accommodation is in one of the Estate’s tastefully-decorated bedrooms where signature details include king beds, Dyson hairdryers, Nespresso machines and widescreen TVS.
Choose to spend the afternoon strolling in the magnificent grounds or taking a dip in the hotel’s 20-metre swimming pool followed by a soak in the outdoor Canadian hot tub.
That evening, enjoy a four-course dinner in Fire & Salt, where signature dishes include hand-picked beef, dry-aged for up to 36 days in Himalayan sea salt, after which the restaurant is named, i.e. the fire that seals and caramelises the steak and the salt that seasons it.
The Romantic Spa Day For Two, €250 per couple, includes a 30-minute treatment each along with access to the Estate’s Thermal Experience, added during The Spa’s €3.5 million redevelopment in 2020.
It features a luxury steam room and sauna, experience showers, a salt grotto, a relaxation area with heated loungers, Kneipp Reflexology Walk, and a quiet room with heated water beds.
The outdoor Rooftop Experience includes a hydrotherapy pool, jacuzzi and outdoor hot tub, as well as a heated Pergola lounge and relaxation area, making for a tranquil yet invigorating experience.
To end your spa journey, you’ll enjoy a two-course lunch with a glass of Prosecco in The Spa Café.
The Fire & Salt Valentine’s Dinner, €110 per couple, includes pre-dinner cocktails and a four-course dinner featuring a menu inspired by love.
See www.thejohnstownestate.com for more or for bookings, call 046 954 0000 or
“The Queen of Hearts stay is all about loved-up luxury...”