Nicest Spa? Better than Monart??

jolo · 21-12-2009 12:35am #1

Hi all,

Not sure if this is the best forum for this question but y'all are such fountains of knowledge!
OH and I are thinking of treating ourselves to a weekend(or maybe midweek) spa-break.
I've only been to Inchydoney once(and enjoyed it). Have heard good things about Monart - warmer than Inchydoney and breakfast in bathrobes! But have also heard that front of house staff are quite stuffy and even unfriendly/not overly helpful.
Any views????????
I'd like it to be special. We don't go away much - kids, work etc. Money is stretched but we'll manage(I hope) but I'd still like to get the most for our buck!
Thanks for taking the time.
Looking forward to hearing the skinny.
j

maggiemae · 21-12-2009 3:24am

Hi I have been to Monart It was difficult to find but when we got to the front gate and buzzed in the reception was lovely. Breakfast can be served in bathrobes no problem. It is hanging around on Sunday lunch that the staff seem to mind. There are people who are not staying in the spa who are arriving for lunch that seems to be the problem.. Naturally they are not on the same relaxed vibe and may prefer fully clothed people...

I couldn't recommend a more relaxing and enjoyable break. I have been to Inchadoney too and I prefer Monart. Not alot of difference but just the odd touch that made it a more enjoyable experience. Eating and drinking while looking out on the water was very enjoyable.

sporina · 30-01-2019 8:02pm

maggiemae wrote: »

Hi I have been to Monart It was difficult to find but when we got to the front gate and buzzed in the reception was lovely. Breakfast can be served in bathrobes no problem. It is hanging around on Sunday lunch that the staff seem to mind. There are people who are not staying in the spa who are arriving for lunch that seems to be the problem.. Naturally they are not on the same relaxed vibe and may prefer fully clothed people...

I couldn't recommend a more relaxing and enjoyable break. I have been to Inchadoney too and I prefer Monart. Not alot of difference but just the odd touch that made it a more enjoyable experience. Eating and drinking while looking out on the water was very enjoyable.

are you saying you prefer inchadoney?

30-01-2019 8:10pm

Never found the staff in monart to be stuffy. it's an amazing retreat. the food in the main restaurant is unreal.
farnham estate has an amazing spa as well though

sporina · 30-01-2019 8:40pm

bluewolf wrote: »

Never found the staff in monart to be stuffy. it's an amazing retreat. the food in the main restaurant is unreal.
farnham estate has an amazing spa as well though

we have booked monart for a treat later in the year but i have to say that the staff member i spoke to on the phone was v stuffy - and it was like she didn't wanna talk to me at all.. wanted me off the phone asap..

but i won't let that cast too much aspersion on the place..

loved farnham - its my fav spa so far

for those of you who have been to monart, could you access the spa before check it? check in is not until 3pm grr

the staff member i spoke to said that we could not - although friends of mine have been and did use the spa before check in

vkus6mt3y8zg2q · 30-01-2019 8:43pm

The breakfast in Monart is exceptional

30-01-2019 8:53pm

It takes a while to get there so i've never tried to access it early
always worth asking on the day

naughtysmurf · 31-01-2019 11:18pm

Monart is very good, rooms are basic enough but the food is great & the general ambience is very relaxing, the spa & thermal suite is very good, in the past we've booked two nights b&b & one evening meal, there is a decent Italian in Enniscorthy, Via Veneto, if you want to dine elsewhere on the other night but book ahead it's popular.
Always found the staff pleasant & professional, the first hour in the thermal suite 8am-9am used to be clothing optional, not sure if that's still the case, it's been a few years since we were there.

Never visited Inchydoney but have heard good things but the fact that Monart is adults only is enough for me to choose Monart over Inch for a quality break, are they both similar pricewise?

Little Miss Fun · 31-01-2019 11:28pm

Found all the staff in Monart very friendly and down to earth. Grounds are lovely and as a previous poster stated... rooms are basic but very comfortable. As its adults only is a big plus.

pwurple · 01-02-2019 8:37pm

Not mad about Monart. It’s way too busy. The relaxation areas might as well be bus terminals. Also, they are annoying about not providing WiFi or phone coverage. I have kids, I want to say goodnight to them, not allowed in Monart.

Treatments are good though.

Powerscourt I preferred. Gorgeous walks in the gardens next door, lovely pool area. And Maryborough in Cork. Also, the G hotel in Galway was nice (this is 12 years ago though, so the decor may have aged!). All of those are ESPA.

I’ve never been to the Europe in Kerry, but people rave about that one too.

Wait, one more. The Cliff House. Friends got married there, it was gorgeous. Fab spa and a Michelin star restaurant.

ImARebel · 01-02-2019 8:47pm

Lyrath in kilkenny is also worth a look. Thermal suite is lovely

sporina · 01-02-2019 10:16pm

id like to hear more about Seafield in Gorey - anyone else been?

silent_spark · 02-02-2019 10:16am

Love Monart, and have never had the ‘stuffy’ experience others here seem to have had. When I was there last there was great phone reception etc in the room, it was just the ‘offline’ areas (the library, spa, restaurant) where guests were asked not to bring devices, which I think is wonderful - it provides the perfect place to really unwind, and I love that it’s targeted at this market instead of other places which attract corporates, families, tour groups etc. I haven’t been to Inchadoney, but have heard wonderful things.

Loveinapril · 02-02-2019 11:43am

sporina wrote: »

id like to hear more about Seafield in Gorey - anyone else been?

I thought Seafield was lovely. The pool and hot tub are fab, definitely the best I have been to. The food in the restaurant was delicious and I found the staff to be great. Really enjoyed the spa and my treatment too.

sporina · 02-02-2019 2:09pm

Loveinapril wrote: »

I thought Seafield was lovely. The pool and hot tub are fab, definitely the best I have been to. The food in the restaurant was delicious and I found the staff to be great. Really enjoyed the spa and my treatment too.

have you been to monart and inchadoney? and if so how did it compare to them?

Loveinapril · 02-02-2019 5:01pm

sporina wrote: »

have you been to monart and inchadoney? and if so how did it compare to them?

Not yet, but this thread has inspired me!

Caranica · 03-02-2019 1:34pm

Haven't been to Monart yet but I think Inchydoney is totally over rated. It's nice but not great imo. I loved Powers court and the Maryborough, both already mentioned here. The spa in the Marker is the best thing about the hotel but Dublin 2 isn't quite so relaxing!

The spa in the Woodlands in Adare is really good but I wouldn't put the hotel in the same category as the others.

pwurple · 04-02-2019 10:23am

Inchadoney suffers a bit from being a thalasso spa... they use sea water. Seawater can be corrosive, and leaves a salty residue so it makes their facilities very worn looking.

Lashes28 · 05-02-2019 10:58am

Seafield is amazing..in the middle of nowhere,walk to he beach,food very nice and the spa is unreal, we did the couple's package private jacuzzi,glass of bubbly massage and it was just heaven!

mr_edge_to_you · 08-02-2019 4:11pm

Seafield isn't a patch on the spa in Farnham.

Pool in Farnham is lovely. Saunas/steam rooms are nicer and the major plus for us was the availability of lounger beds. Loads in Farnham but in Seafield there was literally 6 mosaic tiled loungers - split 3 & 3.

I much prefer the outdoor infinity pool to the hottub so another big plus for Farnham.

Food in Seafield was far better them an Farnham. Farnham really let's itself down with its food. I'll still go back though!

damianmcr · 19-02-2019 11:34pm

Farnham is OK but not a patch on Galgorm.

SirChenjin · 20-02-2019 1:46am

OP probably isn't still reading the thread ...Dec 2009.

20-02-2019 3:01am

SirChenjin wrote: »

OP probably isn't still reading the thread ...Dec 2009.

But I am :P
continue please, this is important stuff

sporina · 20-02-2019 3:11pm

SirChenjin wrote: »

OP probably isn't still reading the thread ...Dec 2009.

yes I restarted the thread as I am going to Monart soon,..

was chatting to someone yesterday who has been there and she referred to it as "The Monart" lol.. thought that was funny,.

dellas1979 · 23-02-2019 10:25pm

Ive been to a lot of spas:
Monart
The Europe
Powerscourt
Revas Woodlands
Radisson Blue

....many more.

Nothing (at least) has come up to the same level as the Europe in Killarney.

The place itself, could not find a fault (ok, Ive been there 3/4 times now). Treatment is fab, the room after treatment is just beyond amazing. A big panoramic view of the lake. Lying in a pod, with a head set on (they are built into the chairs) listening to relaxing music. You could go in at 10am, and stay until 5 and use the facilities.

The changing rooms are also the best Ive ever used.

I went to Monard, and was excited due to the hype, but was very under whelmed. And was too busy. The only thing I liked really was the darkened room (the circle one), but most people were snoring, which I did not appreciate. I said it to one of the staff ("I didnt come here to listen to people snore" - sorry if that ticks anyone off, but I didnt), and they sorted it out.

sporina · 23-02-2019 11:02pm

dellas1979 wrote: »

Ive been to a lot of spas:
Monart
The Europe
Powerscourt
Revas Woodlands
Radisson Blue

....many more.

Nothing (at least) has come up to the same level as the Europe in Killarney.

The place itself, could not find a fault (ok, Ive been there 3/4 times now). Treatment is fab, the room after treatment is just beyond amazing. A big panoramic view of the lake. Lying in a pod, with a head set on (they are built into the chairs) listening to relaxing music. You could go in at 10am, and stay until 5 and use the facilities.

The changing rooms are also the best Ive ever used.

I went to Monard, and was excited due to the hype, but was very under whelmed. And was too busy. The only thing I liked really was the darkened room (the circle one), but most people were snoring, which I did not appreciate. I said it to one of the staff ("I didnt come here to listen to people snore" - sorry if that ticks anyone off, but I didnt), and they sorted it out.

we shall see

maybe i can go to The Europe for my big bday in fall lol

SATSUMA · 28-02-2019 12:23am

Not a fan of monart i have to say. Very busy so takes away from relaxation element.

CheerLouth · 01-03-2019 4:33pm

SATSUMA wrote: »

Not a fan of monart i have to say. Very busy so takes away from relaxation element.

Ah no! We've booked Monart for our honeymoon and I'm so excited as I always wanted to stay here. Hopefully it won't be too busy as we are going at the start of the week.

gmisk · 01-03-2019 4:36pm

CheerLouth wrote: »

Ah no! We've booked Monart for our honeymoon and I'm so excited as I always wanted to stay here. Hopefully it won't be too busy as we are going at the start of the week.

I have been to Monart once before, and heading again Paddys weekend (Sunday to Tuesday).

it is a lovely place very relaxing, it definitely can be busy at weekends (if your midweek it should be grand), I would recommend booking any treatments and meals, we found the bar restaurant as good as the main one food wise, and the breakfast is fantastic.

Oh and bring a kindle/books.

Mollyb60 · 14-03-2019 2:59pm

Anyone have a good recommendation for a spa with triple rooms? Myself and my 2 sisters like to go away for a night or 2 once a year to a spa but I always find it difficult to find ones with triple rooms. (Been to the Monart already which was nice, nothing spectacular though. I will agree that the breakfast is amazing.)

pwurple · 14-03-2019 4:49pm

The cliff house hotel has triple rooms. One double and a single in there. They also have cottages on site I think. Depends on your budget.

sporina · 14-03-2019 10:15pm

Was in Escape Spa Cork for 4 hours yday - twas sublime - i just love the set up there.. I know its small but for me its a total escape.. and had the good fortune to have the relaxation room to myself for an hr! Had a hydrotherm massage which was divine..

Monart has a lot to live up to.

14-03-2019 10:22pm

I was in brooklodge there recently with a friend and we'd definitely put it up there with our favourites
food at the strawberry tree restaurant was amazing and we got to see the pantry full of homemade stuff

Daisy78 · 24-03-2019 2:05pm

Anyone been to Bellinteer House recently and would you recommend it? Thinking of going there for a long weekend in the next month or so.

JustAThought · 25-03-2019 12:30am

Not really Monart - +1 with the stuck up and overpriced bus terminal comments.

Seafield Lodge *the hotel part* was AMAZING - super lovely staff, fabulous spa experuence - we entertained ourselves for HOURS - and the food, ambience and service were just impeccable. I loved the quirky outdoor area and standing hottub outside. Can't wait to persudae someone to go back - and a huge balcony overlooking nothing but green and trees - bliss.

Powerscourt - ie the huge Hotel on the driveway up to the Powerscourt Country house was good but you jeeded to know there was an upstairs snoozung and chill out zone (we almost missed it) - plus that kids from the hotel are let into the spa/pool area after 3 or 4 o'c - something I did not know when I booked and which I would consider a big negative Nd risk. However - eceryone retreated upstairs to be tucked in to a day bed with chill out lighting and herbal tea ...very dreamtime. The lunch was nice and the treatment girls so lovely and could not have been more nice or accommodating to all our odd quirkyness. Very luxurious but no outside area. The other powerscourt spa in the extended bungalow thats been there for donkeys years - with its indoor blow up swimmingpool and pedicures on deckchairs on the walkthrough corridors should just be avoided at all costs imo.

When Radisson Blu owned the Cavan Radisson its spa was exceptional - its since been sold on but I cant imagine they would have changed the physical pools, infinity pool, huge heated chill out areas or fabulous infrastructure - but you never know. Sadly I hear children are allowed now - hardly a spa experience if kids are shrieking and splashing about but that policy may have sunce changed back to adult only again- worth asking..

I found.myself with work in the Maryborough in Cork and while not as exceptional ilas the old radusson blu in cavan it was lush and mystical and indulgent for the 2 or so hours I wallowed in it and the service was absolutely 5 star.

I was in the Kilashee Country House recently and made it my business to nosey on down and use the spa. While the girls were really nice and very helpful it was like walking back into the 1980's - very poor and out of date and I'd have been well put out and perhaps asking for a refund if I'd gone specifically for a spa weekend. As with the rooms and menu - thou the drinks and wedding were good!! Definately not on my ever go again list.

I'd gone yo Brookfield lodge in (Tunakilly ?) in Wicklow a few years back and they could not have veen nicer or more accommodating and we spent about 4 hours lushing about in it. Its very open amd pool focused but I loved the thermal couches (whatever they're called) and the hot towels and whatnots .

Temple in Moat is closed now I hear - in fact a refugee centre I hear. Lucky them.

Nicest Spa? Better than Monart??

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