Monart's website boasts of its five stars, and how it is regarded by many as one of the world's leading destination spas. Since its opening three years ago, these accolades have come with a hefty price tag - something that may have discouraged many from checking-in. However, as hotel prices are falling all over the country, Monart has lots of special offers, making its prices attainable for the 'normal' person. So, is Monart worth it?
The hotel creates a dramatic first impression. From the moment you arrive in Monart, you indulge in pure escapism. Just a few minutes' drive from Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, Monart is set in 100 acres of countryside, with horses and woodland surrounding the hotel. A historic house (1740) is connected with a glass walkway to the modern building, which houses the accommodation, bar, restaurant and spa.
Attentive but not overpowering staff are there to greet each guest. A valet parks your car and takes your bags. Each guest is shown to their room individually. There are 68 deluxe rooms and all have their own private balconies with either a woodland or lake view. The rooms are spacious, with the high slanted ceilings, soft beige tones and glass sliding doors allowing plenty of natural light.
Guests are encouraged to wear robes and slippers around the hotel; the only place this is not permitted is the restaurant. This may seem a little strange at first but doesn't take long to get used to. As well as being convenient and comfortable, it's also quite liberating to be free of the fashion pressures that can be associated with staying in a five-star hotel.
On arrival at the spa the staff show each guest around the suites, explaining what all the different rooms are for. The thermal spa offers saunas, ice bucket showers, sanarium, caldarium, knieppe cure pool, aromatic steam room, salt grotto and a hydrotherapy pool. A nice touch is the foot massages which are on offer as you laze around on the loungers looking out to the gardens.
The use of the thermal spa is included in the cost of your room. However, most people pay for additional treatments. I had a facial costing €90 and reiki at €115 for 55 minutes. The treatments are expensive, but I could not find fault with either. I was epically impressed with the reiki therapist, who spent a good 15 minutes with me after the treatment giving me advice. She was clearly someone who was passionate about her job.
If you don't want to splash out on a treatment, the thermal spa and walks around the grounds will keep you busy. The gardens were designed by a Chelsea Flower Show winner, Mary Reynolds. Waterfall, stream, mature trees and rolling hills all intermingle to create an inspiring and beautiful space. For a more challenging walk, there is a 3-4km trek called The Gallops.
The fine dining restaurant is recommended by the Michelin and Bridgestone Guides. It serves light and modern cuisine every evening and Sunday lunch to both residents and non-residents. The food is good and service is excellent. However, it is expensive, with main courses ranging from €22.95 to €38.95 for the fillet of beef. The bar is less formal and the menu is more reasonably priced, ranging from €15.95 for a Monart salad to €24 for Tiger Prawns. If you don't mind disturbing the cocoon of calm, you could travel to Enniscorthy town, which has a few reasonably priced restaurants.
Attention to detail in Monart is first class, and you just know that everything has been thought out carefully. Hints of Feng Shui are there, with a real sense of balance between the modern complex and the natural world outside. Every window offers a perfect scene which connects the guest to nature. Patrons are requested to keep their voices low, newspapers are confined to the main house and Monart is a child-free zone. All this helps the guest forget the stresses of life from the moment they enter the hotel.
The manager said that 70% of Monart's business is return business and I can understand why. I'm already planning my next trip.
Deirdre Mullins
For more information, visit: www.monart.ie.
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