As you drive between the trees heading towards the Powerscourt Hotel, you get the sense that all your stresses will be left at the gates, and all that awaits is a tranquil stay in stunning surroundings.
My wife and I were invited to try out a one-night stay with special emphasis on the dining experience at the 5-star hotel, which is tucked away in the woodlands of County Wicklow.
Making the most of our trip away (and with no kids to cater to), we decided to stop in Dundrum for some retail therapy, this was actually a blessing as the M50 was jam-packed. Avoiding the bumper-to-bumper traffic, we took some quieter roads from Dundrum via Enniskerry to the hotel which only took 20-odd minutes. A top tip for those hitting the road during peak traffic.
We had a great welcome from the reception team who explained all the amenities the impressive building has to offer.
The biggest message from the staff, though, was that the reception was on level four of the hotel and we were staying on level two, meaning that we had to go down to get to our bedrooms. Something to keep in mind if directions aren't your strong suit or you have little ones with you that are prone to getting lost.
Of course, the staff really do think of everything, and I was assured that there is a phone on every floor for anyone who goes astray.
The star of the show for us was the very impressive bedroom suite. A very cool room doorbell set the tone for a luxurious sitting room, double bedroom, dressing room, massive marble bathrooms and rainforest showers.
The double balcony had breathtaking views and had two tables and chairs so you could take full advantage of the stunning surroundings. There was even room for a desk for some remote working.
The two TVs meant that these two parents got to watch exactly what they wanted, no arguments needed.
There’s so much to do once you arrive at the hotel. Despite the heat, we took a gorgeous stroll around the estate and you can rent bikes to see the full extent of the property.
There is a relaxing spa and we choose to take a dip in the 20m Swarovski crystal-lit swimming pool, which has an impressive sauna.
The changing rooms are dotted around the middle sauna section and you can change in those before hitting the pool. There is a well-equipped gym as well which has great views of the Sugar Loaf to help you get those gains.
All spa guests enjoy full use of the thermal areas including Swarovski-Crystal lit heated pool, Hamman Suite, Sauna, and Steam rooms. There is also a Spa Café onsite.
The Sugar Loaf Lounge is a perfect oasis to watch the world go by or a catch-up with your friends in spectator surroundings. The space caters to both very well.
Later that evening we enjoyed a three-course meal in the Silka Restaurant. Situated on the third floor of the Hotel, the floor-to-ceiling glass windows take full advantage of the breath-taking views and make for an incredible dining setting.
With such beautiful surroundings, it came as no surprise that the restaurant had a dress code of smart casual, and requested that men do not wear shorts and that collared shirts are worn. Something to take note of when packing for your trip away.
The bread selection was on point and my wife and I enjoyed our mains of lamb and cod. A cheese board finished my wife's meal, while I had the rhubarb with vanilla and raspberry.
We finished the evening on the terrace as the sun was setting and the temperature, thankfully, dropping.
The Sika Terrace & Restaurant is open for all-day dining during the summer months and offers a good range of Irish contemporary cooking. I think the thing that stands out when you dine there is that they offer popular classics very well with a refreshing distinctively modern twist.
If you're looking for something a little more relaxed, you can skip the restaurant and visit McGills Pub - a more relaxed setting with typical pub grub on offer.
Breakfast was a relaxed affair the next morning back in the Silka restaurant, which offered a nice mix of buffet and menu service.
We traveled child-free to the hotel this time, but there looks like lots to do for the whole family at the property.
For families, Powerscourt offers an outdoor playground, giant chess game and nature walks as well as Afternoon Tea experiences for all ages. Also in easy reach is the gorgeous village of Enniskerry (complimentary estate bicycles available) or pay a visit to Powerscourt Waterfall and enjoy a family picnic together.
I think, if we were to stay again at this hotel and it wasn't so hot, we would definitely take take advantage of the wonderful Wicklow countryside and get out and walk more. The private Riverside Walk within the walls of Powerscourt Estate sounds ideal, with 3 km of unspoiled walkways.
The Viscount of Powerscourt laid the River Walk’s main pathway in 1868 so that his family could enjoy the serenity of the river Dargle. I was also informed on check-in that if it is an adventure break you are looking for, the hotel can organise mountain climbs, escorted walks or abseiling and mountain biking. Golf can also be arranged at Powerscourt Golf Club.
The Details
We were invited to the Powerscourt Hotel for a one-night stay for the purpose of review. Overnight stay for two sharing from €276.00 per person sharing to include breakfast, two cocktails of choice and three-course dinner. For more information, please visit www.powerscourthotel.com.
For more staycation inspiration, check out our reviews of The Westin Hotel and The Conrad Hotel.
