This €180 spa treatment was the best I've ever had – and 4 others worth your money

LED treatment at ESPA.

Sometimes the only way to truly relax is to leave your world behind and escape to a spa. 

But, what about if spas have never been your thing? I am one of those people who has never really been good at spas, as ten years of internet use has eroded my attention span. 

That said, some have stood out for their brilliance despite my shortcomings as a person. I loved them, and I think you will too. 

Here are the four that have changed my mind.

Eccles Hotel, West Cork

1. Eccles Hotel, Glengarriff, West Cork

Situated on the waterfront of Bantry Bay, few places are more peaceful than the Eccles. 

Here, the spa is open to residents and non-residents and features an outdoor thermal suite (€20 for one hour) made up of a sauna, cold plunge pool and outdoor hot tubs. 

This, you see, is the active person’s reset button — resplendent with mimosas and prosecco for those looking to treat themselves.

Consider it for any of your friends who need a break from the hecticness of day-to-day life.

Relaxing at ESPA, Powerscourt Hotel Estate

2. ESPA, at Powerscourt Hotel Estate, Wicklow

Before you write this off as being too fancy or expensive, hear me out. Powerscourt needs no introduction. 

The standards of their spa suite are high, and therapists are extraordinarily knowledgeable of all skin conditions. 

For example: I was shown via dermatological technology, exactly what my skin was craving, and received just that in a bespoke facial. 

That was their LED + Nano-Dermabrasion Tri-Active Treatment (60 minutes; €165 Mon-Fri, €175 Sat-Sun) which renews cells, exfoliates and supports collagen and elastin production for softer, supple skin.

All treatments are exclusively by ESPA, and the surroundings — as viewed from the relaxation rooms — are breathtakingly gorgeous. 

Spa guests can also make full use of the thermal areas including the Swarovski-Crystal-lit heated pool, Hamman Suite, Sauna and Steam rooms. 

As well as this, the spa café offers an afternoon tea-type meal for anyone making a day of it.

The Conrad Hotel, Dublin

3. The Spa Suite at the Conrad, Dublin 2

The Conrad’s new Spa Suite package makes your room the spa and features products from organic Irish brand Jo Browne. 

This means that upon your stay, for a fee of €100 or €180 with a massage, a therapist will come to your room to slather you in Jo Browne products.

This is ideal for anyone who doesn’t enjoy the confines of a spa or for those looking for a luxury treatment solo. 

Here is where I had the best Thai massage of my life. Ask for Iula.

The Spa at the Johnstown Estate, Meath

4. The Spa at The Johnstown Estate, Meath

The Spa at The Johnstown Estate is another hub of utter wellness. 

The grounds here are also divine, and family-friendly for anyone travelling with children. 

But it’s the spa — which uses Elemis products — that is really worth travelling for. 

The Signature Full Body Ritual (€145 for 75 minutes) is a particularly brilliant Hawaiian-style massage for those of us who struggle with sleep. 

With it, 90 minutes of Thermal Spa access is also available.

Charlotte Tilbury Cleanser

BONUS:

For those who don’t like spas, or are looking for a quick spa fix without spending hours in a steam room, you can now get a Charlotte Tilbury facial in a hidden treatment room in Brown Thomas’ beauty space Planet Beauty.

The bespoke facials (€95) are redeemable against Charlotte Tilbury products, one to be skincare, and are available to purchase in-store.