The €80m hotel where even the dogs are royalty
Just what lies between the points on Mr Schulze’s moral compass was not spelt out, but the legal activities open to those staying on the historic east Cork estate range from boating with local fisherman, hot air ballooning to private readings by authors in the lush surroundings.
Guests can also pull on their hiking boots to explore the 220-acre grounds in the company of the two resident Irish setters, Earl and Countess.
In short, personal assistants will liaise with guests in advance to ensure they experience the kind of service one might rightfully expect were one in the happy position of forking out €2,750 per night for the presidential suite, which, with two bedrooms, a dining room, living room and library, clocks in at 3,000 sq ft.
It’s one of 11 high-end suites in the beautifully restored 17th century Manor House, which was a private residence before being taken over by the Carmelite Order and run as a boys’ boarding school.
Those plumping for one of the 10 manor suites (€1,450 per night) will have to make do without a library or dining room: accommodation runs to a large bedroom, sitting room, bathroom, shower room and sauna.
The house, which is the fulcrum of the resort, also encompasses three restaurants, a private guests’ lounge and the Knights Bar whose striking original Rococo ceiling has been restored.
The Manor House lies in the shadow of a ruined castle built in 1210 by the Knights Templar, which was owned by Walter Raleigh.
Past pupils, some of whom were among locals given a tour yesterday afternoon, could hardly have recognised their alma mater. Two grey dormitory buildings to the rear of the Manor House were demolished to open up a vista of verdant lawns and waterfalls, while a discreet glass and wood building to the right houses the 24,000-sq-ft Auriga spa and the new 93-bed wing of the hotel.
Rooms here start at €425 per night and bear the same stamp of understated elegance. Those nearest to the spa have a small garden to the rear, while hidden in the bedside locker are touch panels that control the lighting and the curtains. Handy for those mornings where one glimpse of the sheeting rain could be enough to prompt guests to swiftly hit the “close” button.
There was no call for that at the opening yesterday, though. The sun sparkled and a bagpiper played as developer John F. Supple and Mr Schulze cut the ribbon to open the estate, located 30 minutes’ drive from Cork city.
The 150 staff were on hand to welcome visitors, and cater for the nine guests already enjoying the surroundings.
Capella boss Mr Schulze, a founding member of the Ritz-Carlton group, said it has its sights firmly set on the top end of the hotel market.
The Castlemartyr Capella is the second resort to open in a planned chain of 14. A second Irish operation is being built in Dunboy Castle, Castletownbere, with a provisional opening date of April 2008.
Other destinations include Germany, Russia, Singapore and Mexico.
For more information: www.capellacastlemartyr.com
* €80 million: The cost of developing Capella Castlemartyr Resort.
* €425 to €2,750: The cost of the 109 rooms ranging from standard to presidential.
* 220: The number of acres in the estate.
* €130: The cost of a ‘moon phases massage’.
* €120: The cost of afternoon tea for two including a bottle of champagne.
* €200: The cost of a two-hour sightseeing tour.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
