Balancing act

Katy Harrington samples the action and adventure at Delphi Mountain Resort

MORE than a decade ago I visited Delphi Mountain Resort as part of a Transition Year school trip. Back then I was a disgruntled teenager with more interest in Nirvana than nature, but since then Delphi has had a revamp and is almost unrecognisable from my school days. Under the ownership and management of husband and wife team Rory and Aileen Concannon, Delphi has gone from a rundown activity destination complete with dormitory-style bedrooms to a warm and luxurious hotel which just happens to have a kick-ass adventure centre on site.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

If like me, you have old Delphi gremlins from the past then forget them. The journey from the nearby town of Westport (a 30-minute drive) sets the scene for arrival at the hotel, which has been designed to harmonize with its jaw-dropping surroundings.

There is no doubt that Delphi’s trump card is its unparalleled location. Set within 400 acres of Connemara forest on the wild Atlantic coast, the resort sits beneath the imposing Mweelrea and 12 Bens mountain ranges and is just a short drive from Cross Beach, one of the world’s finest surfing beaches.

Arriving in Delphi, there is no escaping the feeling that you really are in the great outdoors, and because of the unique valley setting you can say goodbye to your mobile phone and internet connection, as the signal is weak to non-existent. The thought of being without coverage for a few days will probably send iPhone addicts into a tailspin but having no contact with the outside world is another of Delphi’s pluses.

THE ROOM

The suites would rival any good four-star hotel, plush and comfortable, with doors opening out onto a courtyard for a fantastic breath of fresh air first thing in the morning.

Rooms were spacious with a superb bathroom and the most fabulous king size bed complete with the best sheets and softest blankets. With no traffic whizzing by outside, no mobile phone beeping and nothing to wake you but birds twittering, getting a good nights sleep at Delphi is guaranteed.

A few minor quibbles, the large and inviting built-in bath was incredibly difficult to climb in and out of and actually became borderline dangerous when wet. The hairdryer (an essential for most women after a day of activities and sauna) gave up after a few seconds and never came back to life.

AMENITIES

Delphi is heaven for nature and wildlife lovers and you could happily spend the whole break just walking the staggeringly beautiful mountains, rivers, lakes and taking in the majestic scenery of Connemara. It sounds like a cliche, but there really is something to suit everyone.

The adventure centre offers a suite of over 25 ocean, forest and mountain-based activities which will satisfy everyone from extreme adventure junkies to the less thrill seeking. Choose from sea kayaking in Killary Fjord, surfing, Canadian canoeing, channel your inner Huckleberry Finn with raft building or take a challenging climb up Mweelrea, the highest in the West of Ireland.

Our group started with the high ropes, an obstacle course of tunnels and crossings, similar to a regular obstacle course (just 40ft above the ground traversing a wire). Our instructor was helpful and encouraging and our entire group completed the course easily enough (and without too much shrieking). After the ropes, we made our way on to the delightfully named ‘wall of terror’, an outdoor climbing wall that you scale up and abseil down. The activities are testing but not terrifying and afterwards we all felt a communal sense of accomplishment, which is why Delphi is a popular choice for team-building getaways.

TREATMENTS

After a strenuous day you may rightly feel entitled to a little R&R and Delphi won’t disappoint. The spa and thermal suite has a jacuzzi that Hugh Heffner would approve of, a superb sauna, steam room and a relaxation room. The spa has an extensive menu of treatments and helpful staff who will tailor packages to suit your needs. We tried the self-explanatory seaweed bath and the Delphi Mountain Spring signature facial with a range of fantastic organic skincare products.

The Delphi Organic Seaweed Bath lasts 50 minutes and costs €50, the Delphi Mountain Spring Facial lasts 95 minutes and costs €95. Full day spa packages start from €260.

THE RESTAURANT

The restaurant enjoys a spectacular mountain view and the fare offered is impressive too. Lobsters and mussels are caught fresh every day in Killary fjord, organic lamb and beef comes from the farms and hills surrounding Delphi. The adjoining bar is a good size and stays open late but revellers may be interested in taking a taxi into Westport for a more lively night out.

ANYTHING TO ADD?

Delphi prides itself on its eco credentials.

Natural stone and wood are used throughout the resort and pure spring water flows directly from the mountain which means the water tastes as good as Evian. There are recycling bins dotted around and even the activities are sustainable in environmental terms, so not a noisy quad bike in sight.

THE BILL

Two night midweek offers start at €159pps; two night weekend breaks from €189pps.

Special deals include a two night Easter family package from €399pps and three night May bank holiday breaks from €289pps.

INFORMATION

For more information contact Delphi Mountain Resort on 095 42208, or visit www.delphimountainresort.com