Pampering is just my cup of tea
The ideal place to leave the stresses of work
WHEN a Friday night finally arrives after a long week at work I love nothing more than planting myself on the sofa to watch a good movie with a glass of wine in my hand.
But movie night is made all the more decadent when it is in the private cinema of the five-star The Heritage Hotel with chilled Pinot Grigio served to you.
After a delicious buffet supper we retired to the cinema in the glamorous hotel just outside the village of Killenard, Co Laois.
Settling into the comfortable seats in the cinema to watch Synge Street we sipped on our tipples of choice and helped ourselves to the warm popcorn popping away in the machine.
The Heritage Hotel, less than an hour drive from Dublin and just an hour and 45 minutes from where I live in Dundalk, Co. Louth, meant it was a nice short trip for this weary commuter.
ARRIVING at the hotel a welcoming staff member – who happened to be from our home town – greeted us before taking our luggage; apart from my husband’s guitar which he refused to hand over.
With friendly banter about promised sing-songs later on – which didn’t materialise as the entertainment was so good in the hotel bar the husband’s guitar was left untouched – we were made feel very welcome.
As we were ushered into the dramatic light-filled four-storey atrium with impressive staircase and chandeliers we knew we were in for a real treat.
And our suite was just as luxurious with breathtaking views over the rolling countryside and golf course.
It boasts a large comfortable bed, a living room and an expansive bathroom with an elegant free-standing bath with its very own rubber duckie.
The next morning after a tasty full Irish breakfast and freshly squeezed orange juice we headed for pampering at the hotel’s spa.
We spent easily over an hour in the steam rooms, saunas and my favourite; the outdoor Jacuzzi with waterfall treatments.
After a blissful hour soaking in the hot tub and several loops of sauna-shower-steam roomshower on repeat I was ready for my treatment.
I was treated to the ESPA Hero Treatment, 80 minutes of bliss which left me feeling like I had most definitely been rescued.
My lovely expert therapist – who also happened to be from Dundalk – explained the treatments. It all began with a back exfoliation and a hot stone message which really worked on my tense muscles knotted from driving and sitting at a desk.
Then it was time for my customised facial, tailored to my skin type, which left me feeling ten years young, and I’d like to think looking like a more youthful version of myself.
And when I thought I couldn’t’ become more relaxed – and was concerned I could possibly doze off the treatment bed – she gave me a delightful scalp massage.
I settled back in the relaxation room snuggled under a warm blanket with the heavenly aromatic scents and dreamt this was my new home.
I may have arrived at the spa feeling a bit tired and weary and on the verge of sending out an SOS but I left relaxed, reinvigorated and ready for anything.
Now when I say anything; I mean strolling as far as the hotel lounge for afternoon tea.
As I sat with my husband, we were handed an extensive menu of teas. I hadn’t realised before that there was such an array of the popular cup of tae.
There is also an option of a cheeky glass of bubbly.
Among the array of petite, tasty sandwiches there was ham hock paté, red onion on brown soda bread, goat’s cheese and spinach on tomato bread and smoked salmon, pickled cumber, dill cream cheese.
I was careful to ensure I left enough appetite for the chocolate and orange macaroons, passion fruit tartlet and one of my favourites; warm scones with clotted cream and jam.
There were plenty of couples enjoying the afternoon indulgence but I also noticed groups of ladies who lunch of all generations.
IRECOGNISED some of the ladies’ faces from the spa earlier and realised they were making a day of it or indulging in the hotel’s Heritage Hero overnight package.
That evening we met colleagues in the Arlington Restaurant private dining room opulently decorated with candelabras and fresh white linen tablecloths.
We enjoyed a five-course meal that can only be described as a feast fit for a king.
The mouth-watering banquet included Golden Vale Fillet of beef – which just melted in my mouth – with wild mushroom, shallot purée and potato fondant; while himself raved about the roast halibut with buttered samphire, cauliflower puree and lime and dill salsa.
This was followed by a delicious trio of desserts.
And when we thought we couldn’t possibly eat anymore out came the impressive cheeseboard - which I washed down with a glass of port.
Finally out came the handmade chocolate petit fours, but, alas, I was full.
As our charming host General Manager Andrew Phelan tried to persuade me to try one the scene from Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life which sees the character Creosote explode after eating just one more mint after a huge dinner was brought to mind.
There was then a night-cap in the Slieve Bloom Bar where we were entertained by a great three-piece.
After yet another fantastic night sleep and a breakfast of poached egg and freshly squeezed juice to cure our slightly delicate selves it was sadly time to leave feeling rejuvenated and relaxed.
My SOS to escape my hectic life had been truly answered.