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Slieve Donard - 5 bubbles
We sent Sedate Spy off to Northern Ireland, where she discovered a perfect oasis of peace and pampering in Slieve Donard. This spa is a great place to visit alone, or with your partner or friends. Relax and enjoy the latest ESPA treatments, or take a more active break with the gym, the pool, and walks along the beach. Either way, you won't fail to be uplifted by the breathtaking backdrop.
First impressions?
How did they welcome you?
What happens next?
Which treatments did you have?
What were the treatments like?
How did you feel afterwards?
What happens afterwards?
Long-term effects
Was it worth it?
What else could you have?
Any special features?
Who do you think would like it?
Why did you give the spa this rating?
Would you go again?
First impressions?
As you drive into Slieve Donard's six acres of grounds, the first thing you notice is the imposing red-brick hotel building, quickly followed by the tower on top of this grand old Victorian hotel. As we got our things out of the car, we both stopped and took a moment to marvel at the dramatic backdrop. In front of us were miles of golden beaches stretching out to the horizon. Behind us, a spectacular mountain, picturesquely capped with snow. Even though this was a bracing, windy day in March, the landscape was still truly breathtaking.
How did they welcome you?
Slieve Donard's reception area is impressive, complete with marble floor, a huge glass chandelier and traditional Irish peat fireplace. After finding our invitation and checking us in, a member of staff showed us to our room. Our bedroom was stylishly decorated and tastefully furnished, with a magnificent view of Dundrum Bay.
Eager to explore, we descended in the "Spa Lift" to check out the spa.
The Spa is situated over two floors of the hotel. The ground floor is "The Active Floor". There is a 20-metre swimming pool with two swan-neck massage jets. We called it The Pool With A View. The pool has amazing floor-to-ceiling views of the coastline.
Next to the pool, there is an Amethyst steam room, Rock sauna and Drench showers. You'll also find the spacious, high-tech gym on The Active Floor. If you like a gym workout as part of your spa day, you'll want to make the most of the state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, and free weights. The Zen Studio on The Active Floor also offers a range of classes, including Yoga and Tai Chi.
Up on the first floor, away from all the active goings-on, is "The Treatment Floor": home to sixteen treatment suites, each with individual mood lighting and sensory showers. This is where the spa experience really begins.
What happens next?
After we had enjoyed a few hours of all the heat experiences which The Active Floor has to offer, I left my partner happily sauna-ing away while I made my way up to the hush of The Treatment Floor. I made my way across a floating glass bridge to the spa reception, while admiring the water feature below.
Roz, the friendly receptionist, greeted me with the warmest of Irish smiles. She led me to a seating area to complete my consultation form. Another member of staff then showed me to the female changing rooms.
The changing rooms were gorgeous: spacious and contemporary with individual lockers, and beautiful power showers with complimentary ESPA toiletries. The underfloor heating was a decadent touch.
Once I'd changed into my fluffy robe, I decamped to the relaxation room. They have separate male and female relaxation rooms at Slieve Donard. All I can say is: wow. Comfortable, fully adjustable beds with personal lighting and music control. A full range of refreshments, fruit, nuts and healthy-option snacks to enjoy. This relaxation room felt snug and personal, warm and cosy, a cocoon of pure restfulness.
Which treatments did you have?
I was booked in for an ESPA Super Active facial (£140, 100 minutes). This facial is Slieve Donard's signature treatment. They had just launched the treatment in the spa during the week that I visited. Each of the ingredients in ESPA's Super Active collection aims to improve the condition of skin damaged by the ageing process, and environmental and lifestyle stresses.
My therapist told me that she would use lymphatic drainage massage during the treatment, and that the facial would combine techniques and products formulated to target my problem areas fast.
Sounded good. But which to choose? Calming and Soothing? Repairing and Restoring? Or Toning, Lifting and Firming? I decided to go for the Super Active Calming and Soothing facial.
What were the treatments like?
The treatment room was spacious and dimly-lit: just lovely. My facial began with a cleanse, using Hydrating Cleansing Milk; followed by cooling SpaFresh Spritzer. Next, my therapist applied Calm and Soothe concentrate and smoothed a Calm and Soothe complex on to my skin.
At some stage in the process, my therapist warned me that I might experience a slight metallic taste in my mouth. As she uttered these words, I could taste the metal. She explained that this sensation was caused by toxins being excreted.
The whole experience was so wonderful that I started to drift off, and lost track of what order products or techniques were applied. There was definitely a soothing mask, and at one point my therapist used ice-cold rose-quartz crystals to massage my face. This felt so exhilarating! A lovely contrast to all the soothing and smoothing that had gone on beforehand.
How did you feel afterwards?
My skin felt very fresh. I could almost feel it glow! My skin felt clean and moisturised, hydrated and soft to the touch. Most of all, it felt calm and smooth. Job done.
What happens afterwards?
I went back to the relaxation room, where I drank two or three glasses of ice-cold lemon water. I put a baby-soft blanket over myself and drifted for a long time.
Long-term effects
For at least the next three days, I marvelled at my soft, smooth skin.
Was it worth it?
The Super Active Calming and Soothing facial is an expensive facial, but the quality of the treatment and the after-effects were worth the extra cost.
What else could you have?
The Spa at Slieve Donard offers a fantastic range of ESPA treatments. Along with the Super Active facials, you can enjoy a standard ESPA facial, as well as Signature Hot Stone therapies, and Ayurvedic treatments. Body treatments include a good number of massages and envelopments.
Mostly for Men treatments offer post-golf relief, or a hot-towel shave. Finishing touches include manicures, pedicures and waxing.
Any special features?
The hotel has its own private gate onto the beach. You literally step out of the door, across the gardens and onto the beautiful beach.
Who do you think would like it?
Any individual, couple or group would love this experience.
Why did you give the spa this rating?
We gave the Spa at Slieve Donard 5 bubbles. We didn't want to leave. Each and every feature of the spa at Slieve Donard is special: the changing rooms, single-sex relaxation rooms, and beautiful treatment rooms. The hotel is well run and stylish, but I could easily live in this spa for ever! I can think of nothing better than wandering from one floor to other for eternity.
The Spa at Slieve Donard certainly has the wow factor. The spa is luxurious, and every inch of the two spa floors has been thought through in minute detail. Everything about the ambience, the tranquillity and sumptuous surroundings says 5 bubbles.
See more on how we rate the spas.
Would you go again?
I would love to go again. I can't think of anywhere better to relax and unwind. The hotel, and particularly the spa, offers a perfect oasis of peace, tranquillity and luxury.
We visited Slieve Donard in March 2009.
See also:
* Contact Details for Slieve Donard
* Facials
* ESPA
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