Totally ruined and spoiled rotten at Faithlegg House Hotel, Waterford

It’s a sad state of affairs when catching up with besties is reduced to an annual Yuletide knees-up.

Working, parenting and geography stand in the way of any kind of half decent get-away.

Several attempts at organising an overnight fell by the wayside until fate, or rather Faithlegg, intervened.

Before anyone could say “I can’t make it because my youngest is climbing Everest/my oldest is performing solo in the National Concert Hall/my middle child is having a mid-child crisis…” I’d accepted the offer of a four-star weekend on behalf of three of us.

I like weekends away that don’t involve half the weekend getting there. At just over two hours drive from Cork city, Faithlegg House Hotel and Golf Resort in Co Waterford comes under the heading “reasonable journey”.

The red carpet was out the Friday night we arrived— for a wedding party. In fact weddings dominated proceedings for the weekend, but then it’s the perfect package for a celebration of that nature: a glorious setting overlooking the Suir estuary; great grub; a delightful old-world elegance and very fine service

Faithlegg is steeped in centuries of history, so here’s the potted version: a couple of swells held it, down the centuries, depending on which English king they supported. The family to leave the most noticeable legacy was the Powers, wealthy merchants from Waterford city.

They gave their family crest of Stag’s Head and Cross to the house, still displayed over the grand main entrance to the hotel lobby. One of the Power boys, Nicholas, also gave his name to our master bedroom in the main house.

We could have held a disco in it or a rave or whatever you’re having yourself. In other words it was super-sized, it had a very large ensuite with double sinks, a giant fireplace, and sheets as fresh and crisp as any I’ve slept in.

All we lacked was a pictorial for how to operate the shower.

We ate in the lounge the first night: a hearty Three Bean and Lentil Cassoulet for me; the others had Irish Smoked Salmon and a Noodle Stir Fry. There were no disappointments. The dearest of our dishes was less than €14, although there are more expensive options on the menu.

Despite the demands of a wedding party, food was served with a smile until 9pm — onwards and downwards then, armed with a cocktail menu.

The best part of weekends away are the lie-ins. We sauntered down to breakfast around 10.30am to the beautiful Roseville Restaurant where giant bay windows overlook fabulous lawns.

Local yoghurt and seasonal fruit compote took the edge off. Simply delicious. I made a pig of myself on homemade scones and croissants. The following morning I had a hot buffet option of scrambled eggs, sausages, fried tomato and bacon. There’s also a selection of cold meat and cheese and a coeliac option.

Next up, a trip to the Estuary Spa. Each of us had the Hendrick’s Spa Expressly Organic Facial, a 35-minute treatment using all manner of fabulous lotions and potions lathered on and smoothed in by the hands of the talented Jackie.

After indulging ourselves for a while in the relaxation room, we headed for the swimming pool, then a dip in the Jacuzzi and finally a steam to sweat out the cocktail menu. Bliss. We then headed upstairs for afternoon tea.

I had considered skipping this part of the package but it turned out to be a highlight. We were led into the kind of drawing room I dream of, more giant bay windows, beautiful upholstering, swanky drapes.

The waitress asked if we were partaking of Hendrick’s Gin Afternoon Tea? We were, I said. Within minutes she was back laden with a tray and two fine-sized china teapots. She poured some of the contents into delicate teacups, bearing the words “Hendricks, a most unusual gin”.

This was most unusual indeed — two teapots full of gin and it barely afternoon. In no time at all, toasts to Mr Hendricks rang out around the drawing room.

As if gin cocktails weren’t enough, a couple of tiered cake plates then arrived bearing an array of mouth-watering cakes and savouries, followed by pots of coffee, to take the edge off Mr Hendricks.

Stuffed and in need of some bracing air, we headed out into the grounds and from there, towards Cheekpoint, a village with panoramic views over the estuary and a fabulous children’s playground.

There are a good few walks around Faithlegg graded according to level of difficulty. Ours was not taxing and we were back inside two hours in time for dinner prepared by a team headed by chef Jenny Flynn.

My starter was the nicest I’ve ever had: Dunmore East Crabmeat Creme Brulee, consisting of Bergimo Cheese, Smoked Paprika and Brown Bread Batons. For mains I had Oven Roasted Fillet of Sea Bass with Crushed New Potatoes, Samphire, Kalamata Olives & Salsa Verde. Really good.

Dessert was both chocolatey and fruity because a couple of us shared our orders. I had a red wine the name of which escapes me but it went down very well.

All in all it was a most enjoyable weekend — a great place to kick back and catch up and I particularly recommend the Hendrick’s Gin and Spa Day package which comes at just €75 and includes a spa treatment of choice and the aforementioned afternoon ‘tea’.

A great way to celebrate a special birthday or a treat for the bride-to-be. You’re on a winner with Faithlegg.

Room rates are; midweek classic; 49pps, weekend €79pps

Nicolas Power Suite midweek 69pps, weekend €99pps