As many of you know, Nial is football mad. So as you can guess, with coverage of the Euros being everywhere at the minute, football is on the television in our house daily. Sometimes even twice a day! As I’m sure you have gathered from previous blog posts, I am not a fan, I can watch the odd game but there is a limit to how many minutes I can dedicate to football before I start to feel queasy…
When there is a chance for me avoid football coverage I usually jump at it! We are very lucky to live only 5 minutes away from the gorgeous coastal retreat the Slieve Donard Hotel and Spa in Newcastle, Co.Down. I spent a fabulous day in the Spa a few months back and I couldn’t wait to avail of their new ‘Euro Escape’ Spa offer.
The offer runs until the 10th July 2016 and is available in both the Spa at the Slieve Donard Hotel and the Spa at the Culloden Hotel. I had the Premiership package which comprises of two 25 minute luxury treatments, use of a robe and slippers and a lovely glass of bubbly. And of course you can arrive an hour early and make the most of the spa facilities.
Arriving at The Spa
I arrived an hour before my treatment so I could enjoy a little time in the Rock Sauna, the Vitality Pool (Jacuzzi) and the Amethyst Steam Room. At reception I met the lovely Sambie who was so helpful. I had been to the Spa in the Slieve Donard before but she took the time to show me around, bring me some slippers, and explain the best way to use the facilities. Sambie explained that the optimal way to use the steam room and sauna is by alternating with a cool rain shower and drinking plenty of water.
After getting changed and putting my belongings in the lockers I headed to the Rock Sauna. The wood lined sauna had the most breathtaking view of the sun-kissed Mourne Mountains. It was so relaxing taking in the views and sitting in the soothing warmth alone with my thoughts. Pure relaxation.
My next stop was the Amethyst Steam Room. As soon as I opened the door I was instantly hit with the sense awakening menthol steam. It was incredible! Feeling energised I headed to the Vitality Pool which has built in loungers to allow you to float in the water as jets massage you from top to toe. The view from the Jacuzzi is the same incredible view of the Mournes as in the sauna, helping to melt away any stress.
I had a quick shower before entering the Relaxation Room for a few moments before my treatment. This room is incredible, in fact every home should have one! Atmospheric lighting, a detox bar in the centre, relaxation beds and earphones to allow you to tune in to a choice of relaxing melodies.
The Premiership Package
So it was time for my treatment and I opted for a Hot Stone Back Massage and an ESPA Boutique Facial. Valentina met me and took me in to one of the candle-lit treatment rooms. She explained the treatments I would be getting and tailored the experience to me by allowing me to choose the scents that I preferred. She was also considerate of the fact that I have Fibromyalgia which can cause painful joints and sensitivity to touch so she had prepared more gentle Lava Shells instead of the Hot Stones.
The massage itself was fabulous, I could feel every knot in my shoulders disappear. The heat from the lava shells and the ESPA oils helped melt away any tensions. I can honestly say it was the nicest back massage I have ever had.
Valetina also did my Boutique Facial for me. She cleansed my face and lightly exfoliated with ESPA Optimal Skin ProCleanser before using a dark light and mirror to show any problem areas in my skin. Thankfully the results were better than I thought! She explained that there was some darkening under the eyes so she used ESPA 24-Hour Replenishing Eye Moisturiser to rectify this.
My treatment ended with a hair mask and a soothing head massage. There was a point were I could have literally fallen asleep. It was amazing! Valentina was fantastic throughout, she even wrote a list of the products she used on me and gave me some tips, making the experience feel even more tailored to me.
After my treatment I spent some time in the Relaxation Room to allow time for my skin to absorb all the goodness before spending some more time in the sauna and steam room. I was so impressed with everything that I ended up buying the cleanser and eye cream that was used during my facial. The treatment manager Sarah was really helpful in helping me find these two products in particular in the ESPA shop, and she was able to give me some useful tips as well.
Bubbly and a lite bite in The Lighthouse Lounge
After my treatments I got showered and dressed and headed down to the Lighthouse Lounge to have the glass of bubbly which is included in the Premisership Package. Nial came and met me and we stayed for dinner . I had the ‘Plate of Ewing’s Smoked Salmon’ served with capers, shallot, lemon and freshly baked wheaten (£9.00) and Nial had the ‘Chicken Kari’ which was chicken breast cooked in a tomato and coconut Madras sauce with coriander and served with saffron rice and naan bread (£14.00). Both meals were delicious and fresh. And the view from the lounge was stunning. A delicious meal to end a day of absolute pampering.
I enjoyed my Escape from the Euros so much that I’m planning on booking again very soon.
Have you ever been to the Slieve Donard Hotel and Spa? You can read our review of the hotel here. Tell us about your experience by commenting below or connecting with us on Facebook or Twitter.
I snapchatted my day but if you missed it I’ve added the story below. Don’t forget to follow us on Snapchat (pikalilyblog).
