Inside Cork city woodland haven perched at the top of the awards tree

The interior designer, architect and owners of The Montenotte's urban forest retreat tell Eve Kelliher how they created the five-star escape

Sun, 02 Feb, 2025 - 21:05

Eve Kelliher - Home Editor

Forest bathing has taken root and we all know by now it has nothing to do with water.

The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku is all about mindfulness and basking in nature — which includes trees, of course — to boost wellbeing.

That said, interior designer Róisín Lafferty couldn't resist infusing a generous splash of literal meaning into the award-winning spaces in a woodland city-centre escape in Cork in the form of free-standing bathtubs and sold stone basins in the bedrooms.

Because the bathing and washing elements take centre stage in The Woodland Suite Experience at The Montenotte themontenottehotel.com/the-woodland-suite-experience/, she tells Irish Examiner Home. “We wanted to create a feeling as though you are bathing in the woods, with the bath and freestanding, solid stone basins, located at the view to the landscape.

“We sought to merge the indoor and outdoor experiences as much as possible to give a truly unique experience within the Irish landscape."

The bed is “front and centre”, she adds.

Like forest bathing, it’s all very immersive. “Guests can laze and relax whilst being able to take in the beautiful natural surroundings from the comfort of their bed. Nature is the feature here, with the space designed to centre around maximising the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, encouraging complete relaxation,” says Róisín.

This week the urban resort, launched last August, received the prestigious five-star classification from Fáilte Ireland.

Frankie and Jo Whelehan. Picture: Darragh Kane

This puts Cork “firmly on the map as a luxury travel destination”, according to The Montenotte’s owners, Frankie and Jo Whelehan.

Their idea when drawing up plans for the retreat was to let visitors “disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature, their loved ones and themselves”.

So, the design brief for the suites was to create “an intimate escape from the urban bustle below”, adds Róisín, who worked with architect Henry J Lyons. “A key requirement was for each unit to sit within the landscape, with expansive framed views of the surrounding woodlands and Cork city taking centre stage,” she says.

To craft the simple yet luxurious escape, designer and architect needed to use a limited set of carefully considered materials and finishes inspired by the natural surroundings, placing nature at the heart of every design decision. “We used a blend of natural, timeless earthy colours for grounded warmth with fabrics and textures to accompany key design elements such as natural light from the expansive windows and custom rice paper screens used to diffuse daylight into a soft glow,” adds the interior designer.

“The American oak joinery and natural silver travertine floors contrast seamlessly with the bronze mirrored walls allowing us to bring the outside in, enhancing the connection with nature and creating an intimate and romantic mood.”

Woodland suite interior. Picture: Ruth Maria Murphy

A two-metre red Japanese maple is also featured in every suite, curated from recycled natural wood trunks and branches. “It continues The Woodland Suites’ connection to personal rejuvenation and the woodlands surrounding,” says Róisín.

River Suite interior, featuring a red Japanese maple tree. Picture: Darragh Kane

Each living area has been meticulously crafted to create a sanctuary that blends seamlessly with the woodland surroundings.

River suite with its views of the River Lee. Picture: Darragh Kane

The River and Woodland suites offer breathtaking views of the woodland, Cork city and Harbour and the River Lee below, inviting guests to immerse themselves in woodland serenity without sacrificing modern comforts. “They can enjoy the best of both worlds — the vibrancy of Cork city and the piece of the Irish woodlands,” says owner Mr Whelehan.

The suites feature state-of-the-art Italian travertine and oak timber finishes, spacious bathrooms with scenic view bathtubs in the centre of the room, bespoke furnishing and private terraces.

Private terrace at the River Suite. Picture: Darragh Kane

Set on the hilltop within the hotel grounds, and nestled deep within trees, the enclave features nine Woodland suites and River suites, along with an exclusive residents-only clubhouse.

The design has already borne fruit on the awards circuit — winning the European Project of the Year under the ‘Lodges & Cabins’ category at the Ahead Awards in London in November and prior to that being named the Fitout Project of the Year — Hospitality (Hotel) at the Fitout Awards in Dublin.

The hotel was built within a former 18th-century residence of a merchant prince and the site as well as evolving tastes helped the new dream grow. “Both Jo and I recognise that today’s guests are seeking more experiential stays, moving beyond the anonymous large hotel experience. The Woodland Suite Experience is a direct response to this evolving demand,” adds Mr Whelehan.

“The Woodland Suite Experience, a first for Ireland, complements our existing 106 hotel rooms and 26 residences, catering to both corporate and leisure markets.”

The site itself prompted the architecture, choice of materials and design. “Our cantilevered suites were born from both the site’s unique topography and our vision to create an extraordinary guest experience, reveals Mr Whelehan.

Woodland interior. Picture: Ruth Maria Murphy

“We wanted to evoke a sensation of floating above and within nature. This design allows our woodland and wildflower meadow to embrace each suite, offering guests the luxury of a stunning hotel suite whilst feeling immersed in the surrounding landscape.”

The build preserves the terrain while embracing sweeping views — the luxe havens blend with the landscape “offering guests a luxury retreat that feels part of nature”, adds Róisín. “Sustainable elements, like charred timber and living sedum roofs, reflect a commitment to environmental sensitivity.”

John Burgoyne, associate architect at Henry J Lyons, agrees: “Our design is tied to the site. The architecture doesn’t compete with the existing landscape, but rather harnesses and frames the breathtaking views of the woodland, River Lee and Cork cityscape.”

The structures are elevated to minimise site impact and maximise the views. “We used materials like timber and black cladding to blend with the natural surroundings while living roofs planted with native vegetation allow the buildings to merge seamlessly into the woodland,” says Mr Burgoyne.

“A surprising detail that we are particularly proud of is how the architecture seamlessly intertwines with the natural landscape, embracing the contours of the terrain and weaving through the diverse array of trees.”

The architect introduced a selection of indigenous Irish tree species to further enrich the site, inspired by the existing sycamores: “Their presence served as the primary impetus behind the architectural interventions, shaping our design ethos.”

Exterior of the River Suite. Picture: Darragh Kane

Seeds are set for more growth, adds owner Mr Whelehan: “Expansion concepts are already in the works, with plans to introduce more suites — watch this space!”