Best for: all-out indulgence
Once home to the Guinness family, Ashford Castle rests on a lush, isolated patch in Cong, Co. Mayo. Warm welcomes are followed by a lap of the castle’s interiors – refurbished in 2013/4, the county colours (red and green) feature across many an imposing room. Arriving here instantly prompts relaxation, but further tranquillity can be found at the spa, which is located in the newest portion of the castle. If you haven’t changed in your spoiling bedroom (the Staterooms, found in the oldest part of the castle, are superlative), you can do so in the compact dressing room. The steam room rests by the reception area, but the neat relaxation pool in a bronze conservatory is where you’ll most want to make a beeline. Pre-book your 45-minute slot and enjoy the heated pool jets and underwater soundscapes. Once propped poolside on marshmallow-soft loungers, spy the trio of seashell chandeliers hanging overhead, and the beautiful Tree of Life mosaic by Jane du Rand running the length of the pool.
Enter one of five treatment rooms by way of a Gothic cream door, complete with botanical metalwork, to experience Ashford Castle’s wellbeing-centric treatments, which meld “ancient wisdom with modern expertise”. Spa brand partners B|Africa, Natura Bisse, Elemis, OPI, and VOYA (an organic beauty range that uses hand-harvested seaweed) are all available. For something with a bit of a kick, try the regenerating Natura Bisse Diamond Life Infusion Facial. This results-driven treatment includes a deep cleanse, magnet therapy, application of a biomarker serum as well as an LED mask, and more. Exhale post-treatment in the treetop adjacent relaxation room, which neighbours the fitness suite, refuelling on a hunk of muesli bar and a scoop of banana sorbet. Extend your wellness journey with a spot of tennis, or take a boat on Lough Corrib. Alternatively, stretch out your time at The Salon, where services include blowouts and up-styling in readiness for dinner at George V.
Address: Ashford Castle, Leaf Island, Cong, Co. Mayo, Ireland
Website: ashfordcastle.com