Take a short break from your hectic life with a spa break in Ireland. It’s time to rest and rejuvenate.
Let’s face it! Life can get crazy sometimes, and it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our busy schedules. We often forget to take a moment for ourselves and indulge in a little self-care, so as far as we’re concerned, a day of relaxation and pampering definitely does the soul some good.
If you’re looking to have a day dedicated to wellness, serenity, and self-love – you're in luck as Ireland has some spectacular options.
To take the stress out of finding the perfect spa break for you, we took it upon ourselves to be buffed, primed, and polished across the country (hard work, we know) in order to bring you a curated list of the best service, therapists, and properties in Ireland.
Keep up-to-date with all IrishCentral's Irish spa news here
The tenth annual Irish Tatler Spa Awards, in association with Kerstin Florian, were held on Mon, Sept 23 in the Brasserie at The Marker Hotel, in Dublin. Celebrating the best spas and wellness destinations, Ireland's much-decorated spa industry gathered together to celebrate excellence in Irish spa services and treatments all in order to bring you a curated guide to best spas in Ireland.
Whether you’ve got tired, city-beaten skin that needs reviving with facial, stressed-out muscles that need soothing with a massage, or you’re simply in search of somewhere lush for a little "me time", these are the top ten spa therapists in Ireland.
Best deep tissue therapist
SIMON CULLEN AT SEA SPA AT KELLY’S
As well as being an international trainer and therapist in deep tissue massage, Simon Cullen is also a yoga teacher, a raw food expert, cranial-sacral therapist and meditation and mindfulness coach.
To say he lives and breathes wellness is an understatement, such is his personal commitment to his clients’ health and wellbeing. A vital member of the Kelly’s wellbeing team, Simon is a therapist worth traveling for.
For packages and rates phone 053 913 2114 or check out their website here.
Read more: Had one of THOSE weeks? This is the Irish spa treatment you need
Best massage therapist
VALENE RANDLES AT SÁMAS SPA AT PARK HOTEL KENMARE
The technique of touch is a scientific yet creative one. Massage therapists require an intuitive knowledge of both body and mind. On top of that, they are also artists, creative in the way they approach things. According to our judge, a massage with Valene Randles is the perfect blend of both worlds. The saying ‘in good hands’ was never more fitting.
For packages and rates phone 064 664 1200 or check out their website here.
Best wellness practitioner
MONA KLOFVER CONWAY AT THE K SPA AT THE K CLUB
Mona Klofver Conway’s reputation precedes her, as our judge had already heard of a certain ‘miracle therapist’ at The K Spa at The K Club, and was excited to meet her. Genuine therapeutic massage treatment requires the trust of both the therapist and client and Mona has that skill in droves. She is clearly exceptionally knowledgeable, speaking in length about breathing techniques, yoga, and mindfulness.
For packages and rates phone 01 601 7200 or check out their website here.
Best top-to-toe therapist
FIONA DELEA AT THE SPA AT CASTLEMARTYR RESORT
What stood out for our judge about Fiona Delea was her willingness to tailor every part of the treatment. Thorough and in-depth with every aspect, Fiona was happy to use stones where required and hands wHere needed during the massage, creating trust and a sense of collaboration with our judge. She echoed the tranquil, peaceful feel of Castlemartyr’s incredible spa.
For packages and rates phone 021 421 9000 or check out their website here.
Best personal touch
CAROLINE NEVILLE, THE SPA AT FOTA ISLAND RESORT
Our judge described Caroline Neville as “exquisite in every way”, saying she was so personable from the get-go, exceptionally good at knowing when to engage in conversation, while also explaining our judge’s treatment in great depth. Total wellness is definitely at the root of The Spa at Fota Island’s core values. When it comes to a five-star resort, you’re going to go in with expectations and Caroline exceeded them.
For packages and rates phone 021 488 3700 or check out their website here.
Read more: If you're planning a spa break in Ireland make it this one
Most knowledgeable
GOSIA MATULLA AT ESPA AT THE G
A highly-experienced therapist, Gosia Matulla wears her knowledge lightly and has a warm and friendly presence. She was also extremely attentive when our judge was talking about her skin, stress levels and what she was hoping to get from the treatment. From the outset, Gosia clearly explained every step of the treatments and what effects could be expected. It was abundantly clear that she loves her job, knows a huge amount about it, and excels as a therapist.
For packages and rates phone 091 865 200 or check out their website here.
Attention to detail
LAURA GAHAN AT MONART DESTINATION SPA
The passion that Laura Gahan exudes for her profession is so clear when you meet her. You know you’re in the best of hands, according to our judge. Her knowledge, expert hands and attention to detail were second to none, and she’s exemplary of the caliber of the whole team at Monart, while still standing out as having her finger on the pulse of exactly what each guest needs.
For packages and rates phone 053 923 8999 or check out their website here.
Best for customization
RACHEL O’MALLEY AT THE BEAUTIQUE SPA AT HAYFIELD MANOR
On visiting, our judge was experiencing extreme tension, and was feeling very tired and stressed, but noted that as soon as the treatment began, she “knew Rachel was a special therapist”. Rachel brings her skills both as a therapist and a life coach to the treatment table. Our judge felt “utterly transported” to a place of complete ease and relaxation, remarking that Rachel has a strong, assured touch, a confident reflexology technique, and a caring composure.
For packages and rates phone 021 484 5900 or check out their website here.
Best facialist
KAREN COFFEY AT THE SPA AT MUCKROSS PARK
In the beautiful surroundings of Muckross Park, our judge had a facial with Karen Coffey that stood out as exceptional. Karen, described as warm and attentive brought a beautiful energy to the room making it particularly easy to relax. Our judge said: “The massage element of the treatment banished the knots in my back, and the facial was sublime. Her hands felt at one with my face.”
For packages and rates phone 064 662 3400 or check out their website here.
Ultimate service ambassador
MICHELLE RYAN AT THE SPA AT ASHFORD CASTLE
Michelle Ryan alone contributes so much to this country’s reputation as the land of a hundred thousand welcomes. Priding herself on making a visit to Ashford Castle – despite its regal setting – feel nothing but homely, she consistently goes above and beyond to establish a genuine connection with each of her guests.
For packages and rates phone 094 954 6003 or check out their website here.
Read more: The 2019 Irish Tatler Spa Of The Year Award winners
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