In pictures: Look inside the new Woodland Suite Experience at The Montenotte hotel

One night's stay at the new intimate offering in the Cork hotel starts at €680

Thu, 01 Aug, 2024 - 11:29

Denise O’Donoghue

A new intimate hotel experience has opened in Cork and it looks like a countryside retreat in the heart of the city.

After an investment of €7.5 million, the Woodland Suite Experience has launched at The Montenotte with nine new outdoor suites and a Clubhouse, marketed as the first of its kind in Ireland.

Designed with nature at its core, the suites merge new and pre-existing architectural elements with the surrounding landscape to create a harmonious and diverse composition, featuring a minimalist and low-impact design.

The Woodland Suite Experience is perched on the hilltop within the urban resort’s grounds and includes five Woodland Suites deep within the trees, and four River Suites surrounded by Irish wildflowers, all just moments away from The Montenotte.

The exclusive residents-only Clubhouse sits at the heart of the new offering.

Curated by owners Frankie and Jo Whelehan, with Henry J Lyons and Roisin Lafferty, the Woodland and River Suites showcase understated luxury and quality design and offer breathtaking views of the woodlands or over Cork City and the River Lee.

The luxurious accommodation is designed to integrate within the surrounding landscape.

“We are passionate about providing our guests with unforgettable and inspiring stays, and with The Woodland Suite Experience we invite them to reconnect with themselves and each other whilst experiencing a total sense of escapism," said Frankie and Jo Whelehan.

A red Japanese maple tree is in each suite

Each suite features Italian travertine and oak timber floor finishes, expansive and beautifully detailed bathrooms, view-focused free-standing baths, and private terraces. The interiors feature Japanese design elements to showcase a modern, minimalist style.

They have integrated lounge and bedroom areas, and every element has been deeply considered to suit the needs and desires of guests, whilst being inspired by the surrounding woodlands. A two-metre Red Japanese Maple is featured in every suite, made from recycled natural wood trunks and branches.

For every stay at The Woodland Suite Experience, a tree will be planted on the west coast of Ireland as a contribution from the guests through The Montenotte's partnership with Hometree for the ‘Nights-for-Nature’ tree planting initiative

The River Suites feature living sedum roofs, a habitat for wildlife and vegetation, blending into the landscape of the Victorian Sunken Gardens and throughout The Woodland Suite Experience pre-existing structures and elements are incorporated into the design.

The exclusive residents-only Clubhouse serves as a private hideaway for guests, allowing guests to enjoy a sundowner’s cocktail or relax with breakfast looking out over the city.

Curated personalised activities will be available for guests of The Woodland Suite Experience, including spa treatments, free access to the salt room, inspiring itineraries and customised adventures in Cork and further afield, as well as private curated itineraries for guests of the River or Woodland Suites.

Breakfast on the private terrace of a Woodland Suite

Starting room rates for The Woodland Suite Experience are from €680 per night and include breakfast, chauffeured buggy escort to your suite, Nights-for-Nature tree planting, sundowners cocktail in the clubhouse and access to all The Montenotte’s facilities and amenities including Panorama restaurant, Glasshouse rooftop bar, Cameo Cinema (over 18s only), Bellevue Spa, Salt Room, and The Motion Health Club.