Sally Foran: Cork based wellness brand expands its plant-based approach with new collab

Peigín Crowley's wellness brand GROUND has brought its natural, plant-based approach to the new spa at The Grace, Westport Estate

Peigin Crowley from GROUND Wellbeing with products in Castlemartyr Estate

Thu, 17 Sep, 2026 - 01:00

Sally Foran

As a long-time fan of GROUND Wellbeing treatments, I was thrilled to visit the new spa at The Grace, Westport Estate where the Cork brand has teamed up with La Bottega Collective.

GROUND was founded by Peigín Crowley in 2020, initially at her kitchen table, and uses natural, plant-based ingredients in its treatments and products. Now B Corp certified, they have partnered around the world with iconic properties such as The Bulgari, Jumeirah, Four Seasons and Rosewood.

At The Grace, GROUND's new Hotel Bathroom Essentials Collection is being introduced across all 129 guest rooms and suites.

The collection includes shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand wash and hand and body lotion in a delightful Lavender and Cedarwood scent, all vegan-friendly formulations and housed in aesthetically pleasing refillable dispensers.

A nervous-system reset

Set within the 430 acres of the historic Westport Estate, the new spa at The Grace is serene and relaxing, with six treatment rooms, a tranquil relaxation lounge, a nail and make-up studio and a wellness retail area.

The atmosphere is unhurried and calming - the perfect place to enjoy a nervous system reset. To help guide me on the journey, I opted for The Restorative Ritual, a 60-minute treatment combining nurturing facial massage with soothing Gua Sha techniques.

This is a soothing, slow, flowing massage treatment which works to reconnect mind and body - perfect for those of us feeling a bit overwhelmed.

The focus is on the face, neck, décolleté and scalp — I adore having my hair and scalp massaged, so this part was sublime — while the work around my face, neck and jaw helped ease the tension I had been carrying.

The Restorative Ritual, 60 minutes, €135

Three more GROUND treatments to try

The BIOME Facial, The Shelbourne

Designed to restore the skin’s delicate microbiome when compromised, this facial works to soothe and repair the skin’s barrier, helping to reduce inflammation. Combining therapeutic massage techniques, probiotic rich plant nutrition and cooling therapy, it soothes inflammation, promotes balance, and leaves skin feeling rejuvenated. It begins with Ground heat pads on the abdomen, a double cleanse with Biome Cleansing Oil which contains Jojoba oil, to repair the skins barrier and the Restorative Cleansing Balm, with Geranium to purify, soothe and reduce any inflammation, followed by a spritz of the Plant Water. The Biome Gel Mask is applied next with gentle AHAs to exfoliate. While this works its magic, you’ll receive a gorgeous hand, arm and shoulder massage. Biome Overnight Repair Oil is then massaged in to awaken the lymph flow over the whole face, followed by Biome Purity Face Balm. Next a scalp massage, using Beo Recovery Hair Oil, with Rosemary to help stimulate hair growth and Clary Sage to help promote healthy hair. Concluded with the Ground Gua Sha Stones, to cool and remove any lymph and Biome Repair Serum, for a strong, hydrated skin barrier, this is my favourite GROUND treatment ever.

60 minutes, €135

Ground Wellbeing Tenalach, Castlemartyr Estate

An exclusive treatment created for Castlemartyr, Tenalach takes its name from an Old Irish word meaning "Earth Song" and is inspired by the natural beauty and calming energy of the estate. The 60-minute ritual focuses on the back, face and scalp, while the 90-minute version is a full-body experience incorporating a foot ritual, face and scalp massage. Both use Castlemartyr's bespoke signature oil, infused with lemon verbena, sweet geranium, rose, fennel, pine and lavender.

60 minutes €145, 90 minutes €180

Healing Roots, Farnham Estate

Inspired by the ancient woodlands and quiet grounds of Farnham Estate, this 60 minute massage begins with a sensory scent selection drawn from the estate's trees, plants and natural landscape, allowing you to choose the oil you'd like your therapist to use.

A deeply grounding back massage is followed by your choice of face and scalp work or a foot ritual. Designed to calm the nervous system, release tension and restore a sense of balance, this woodland inspired ritual is shaped by nature, stillness and care. Afterwards, enjoy a self-guided woodland walk and explore the natural beauty of the estate at your own pace. Divine.