If there was an out-of-body experience to be had it’s most definitely the Inchydoney Island experience.
When JOE was welcomed along to sample all that the famed Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa has to offer, there was pandemonium amongst the team as to who the lucky visitor would be and, in the end, there’s no point in denying that those who drew the short straws missed out on a staycation which only had one down side – I had to leave the paradise resort and return to the office.
The awesome Atlantic
The meandering drive from the West Cork town of Clonakilty towards Inchydoney Island is breathtaking as the road sweeps along towards the award-winning hotel. Nearing my destination the brakes had to be applied on numerous occasions to adjust to the stunning scenery. And then, boom. I edged my crock over a steep hill and it was right in front of me – the awesome Atlantic Ocean with its swash a mere 100 metres from the front doors of the Lodge & Spa.
After tucking my dilapidated motor into a corner of the car park, I was given the heartiest of welcomes by the staff with a welcome drink of my choosing, either a glass of Irish Mist that will hit your toes and comes back up again or a freshly made pot of coffee. Nice touch.
You don’t see guests with mobile phones glued to their ears, no watches, it’s a challenge to find a clock in the entire building…
I was also given ample time to unwind in front of the open coal fire after a four-hour drive from Galway and not just scurried along to a room to get you out of the way like most hotels do these days. Well, either that or they forget about you entirely.
No, not in Inchydoney. Everything is meticulously prepared to ensure your stay is hassle-free and thoroughly enjoyed. The welcoming manager Peter, a chap who I’m pretty sure was born with the broad smile that stretches across his face today, makes you feel right at home and then it’s off to the room on the fourth floor which is, in a word, mesmerising.
Instant appeal
I could go into detail about how plush and luxurious the room actually was (pictured below), but the unique selling point is immediately obvious. Every room in the hotel has an amazing view of the beach that stretches for miles along the coast and somewhere far out on the Atlantic the water must touch the sky. It’s as if JMW Turner had been at work here with a stroke of his paintbrush.
After only a couple of hours at the resort I understood the appeal of this place. You don’t see guests with mobile phones glued to their ears, no watches, it’s a challenge to find a clock in the entire building. And if for some bizarre reason you want to switch on a TV, then you would be better off staying in your room. However, I thought it a sin to stretch for the remote due to the fact that when I lay back on my marshmallow-like bed I had a panoramic view of the aforementioned real life JMW Turner painting.
I was literally transformed from a highly-strung, permanently online, busy body journalist into a serene human being whose switch had been flicked off…
After a short snooze it was off to the Gulfstream Restaurant later that night for fine dining at its best. I actually had to ask a fellow guest who had won the All-Ireland hurling final earlier that day as I was literally transformed from a highly-strung, permanently online, busy body journalist into a serene human being whose switch had been flicked off from once I stepped over the threshold of Inchydoney.
Culinary delights and Spa treats
Courgette and garlic soup to start, preceded by a delicious Dublin Bay mussel compliments of the chef, followed by a strawberry and vodka sorbet and then on to the succulent duck served with red cabbage. Epic. Of course, anything in the line of seafood comes highly recommended. But my weak spot, like so many others, is the sweet one. Creme brulee like you’ve never tasted before or the chocolate fondant which is baked to order and will satisfy the most chronic of chocoholics.
After a peaceful night’s sleep, made easy after the culinary delights in the dining room, it was an early rise and down to the Spa for treatments. The brochure is extensive, ranging from body wraps to seawater treatments and facials to body treatments.
I settled for the latest package on offer at Inchydoney Spa, coined the “Sunshine Experience”. Effectively, it does what it says on the tin. Starting with a body polish, followed by a sensual chocolate body wrap that helps to de-stress and a relaxing Indian head massage while encased in the chocolate cocoon. The second leg of my treatment was the Elemis Muscle Melt Massage, which lasted for 45 minutes with the pleasant and professional therapist finding knots of tension all over my body that I didn’t even know existed. An extravagant array of fruit and juices is provided after treatments and you can spend as long as you like kicking it back in the relaxation room.
Later that afternoon, I ventured to the seawater therapy pool (pictured below) which is complimentary to all guests. I usually find swimming a mundane experience, but this set-up is out of left field. Based on the concept of Thalassotherapy, which is the therapeutic use of seawater, they pump water directly from the ocean and heat it to 31 degrees. Waterfalls, neck showers and a geyser spa all help to soothe muscles and tone the body. I spent a major chunk of my day here.
Stretching your legs
In between your trips to the Spa and heading out for a long strolls on the seemingly endless beach, you’ll want to replenish your energy with some tasty grub in the Dunes Bar & Bistro. Reasonably priced and a huge variety of dishes to quell your hunger in a convivial atmosphere.
If you’re staying for longer than a night or two there are many excursions and things to do offsite. I took a spin into Clonakilty on the Monday night during my and, although it was quiet around the streets of the colourful town, there was ceoil and craic to be found in De Barras pub – a monthly haunt for well-known musician John Spillane.
Inchydoney is also a haven for surfers – the resort has specific packages for wave seekers – and they will not be disappointed. Check out the resort’s live beachcam of what today’s surf is like. Whale watching, boat trips on the lagoon and a host of live music venues in Clonakilty are other options which the staff at Inchydoney Lodge will be more than happy to inform you about.
So, if it’s escapism you’re looking for this is your spot. If it’s a place to bring a loved one, be it your partner, your mother or even to venture solo for a break away from the rat race, this is your spot too.
For me, the Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa experience is to be continued.
Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa currently have a number of special offers available, click here to find out more.
