‘There are nine different rooms to bake and relax in’
But this was a break with a difference. We were heading on a relaxing, body boot-camp break. A contradiction, perhaps. We were to be worked into shape by day, pampered by afternoon, feasted at night and hopefully that would help us sleep like logs.
Monart is Ireland’s only standalone destination spa for adults only. It has been awarded numerous accolades and was named by Condé Nast as one of the top three spas in the world.
As a frank admission, this was my first time at a weekend spa. I never fully got the hanging around, the robes, the whale music. Simply, it didn’t tickle my toes. Emma, on the other hand is a veteran, and had assured me that I would leave like a new, shiny pin.
As we drove up the gates to the imposing Georgian house, there was a definite sense of leaving everything behind.
The mansion that houses the spa has been updated inside with wood, steel and glass. As we drove up, a valet came out to park our car and collected our luggage. Let the relaxation begin...
While checking in we were handed a very pleasant smoothie which we had barely drank when we were given the keys to our room.
The rooms are set over two floors and a winding corridor connects you to every part of the spa. As we were making our way – very quietly – to our room, people were passing us in robes. Very fluffy robes.
The rooms are a mellow mix of soft tones and, as there are only 68 of them in the hotel, they are incredibly spacious.
As I sat on the bed, which had an amazing mattress topper that was out-of-this-world comfy, I started to relax.
Reaching for my schedule I finally started to relax into spa life. Until half way down the schedule I noticed I was booked in for a ‘spa ritual’, which didn’t quite sound so relaxing.
So Emma explained. ‘Basically we go outside into the outdoor sauna after which we get dunked in ice-cold water, a few times. It’s fantastic,’ she enthused.
I wasn’t so sure but as I was there for a body boot-camp I didn’t think I could refuse. But more on that later.
First, we did have a proper day of relaxing ahead. Monart’s uniqueness lies in its thermal suite which is made up of nine different rooms to bake, sweat and relax in.
There is a caldarium; a dry room at body temperature that helps you acclimatise. Then you make your way around the room
to whichever suite you like. And it was relaxing, not over-crowded, plenty of space and plenty of peace.
The salt grotto was one of my favourites as you can literally feel the salt work its way in through your body and begin its deep cleansing action.
Then there is a steam room scented with eucalyptus oil and a hydrotherapy pool with jets to massage every part of the body.
So, cleansed and relaxed, we re-robed and headed for dinner. Monart has three beautiful dining rooms. Downstairs beside the spa and the gym there is the spa café, which has a relaxed vibe but offers great food and smoothies. As we had opted for the boot-camp regimen chips were off the menu, but there was plenty to choose from. Salads, light healthy snacks and smoothies are all served and during the summer there is an outdoor area where you can sunbathe on loungers and enjoy the café’s delights.
After a healthy meal, and just one glass of wine it was off to our room and those oh-so-comfy mattresses. So the day of my spa ritual arrived but first it was off to the gym for a training session. Monart gym has a full-time personal trainer who takes clients through quite a rigorous session tailormade for every client. GAA player Barry was our trainer and once he had got to grips with our individual needs and fitness levels he set
‘You get dunked in ice water, it is fantastic’
about putting us through our paces.
Barry explained that he gets clients of all ages, body types and fitness levels and he writes a programme for every client. He also provides a programme for when you leave Monart. The idea is to motivate and help clients on the road to a healthier lifestyle.
So after a workout with Barry it was off for some pampering. Monart offers an extensive list of treatments, which are carried out upstairs in a plush treatment area.
I opted for the Bladderwrack Body Buff which involved the application of lotions and potions to buff, polish and shine my whole body.
Indeed, I was finally starting to feel like that new pin. Monart uses top of the range Pevonia products that I had never tried before. Pevonia is stated to be a naturally luxurious skin care and it really did feel luxurious.
So after all the pampering it was time for the dreaded spa ritual. So off with Barry we headed outdoors to the sauna where we were instructed to bake for five minutes.
Sitting in the sauna I could feel my pores open and really felt like I was getting cleansed. Then it was outside to be dunked under freezing cold water. And it was freezing, but surprisingly refreshing, so much so that I did it three times.
So after all of my pampering I surely deserved a nice dinner and glass of wine. I was still following the boot-camp rules so I refrained from the fries.
Dinner that night was in the fine food restaurant and thankfully everyone had de-robed and dressed for the occasion.
All of the products are locally sourced and there was an extensive selection from melon to duck.
The bar area provides big leather couches to relax after dinner and enjoy a green tea or cocktail, whatever takes your fancy.
Checking out the next day the sun was hitting the pond in the garden area and the trees and greenery really stood out.
So, I left Monart as promised, shiny and new with a new appreciation for the spa break.