Escape to Inchydoney
Norah Casey visits beautiful West Cork to experience Ireland’s only thalassotherapy spa at Inchydoney Island on the shimmering shoreline of the Atlantic coast.
The original 'Inchydoney Ocean Hotel' was built in the early 1930s on 'the island' just 3km from pretty Clonakilty in West Cork. It advertised itself as the ‘most modern’ all-electric hotel.
Among the many pleasures on offer at the seaside resort were bathing, boating and fishing with tennis courts and a 9-hole golf links. But it was the ballroom, which regularly hosted dances and fancydress parties through to 3am, which was the real attraction, particularly the regular ‘monster whist drive and dance’ in the 30s and 40s.
Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa stands on the site of the former hotel which was demolished in 1997. The new incarnation is a beautiful wellbeing oasis in the same superb location overlooking two spectacular beaches on the Atlantic. The beauty of scenic West Cork is the perfect backdrop to this special place. The hotel is owned by Bandon-born Des O’Dowd, a local man who embraced and nurtured the quintessentially Irishness of the team, décor, provenance of the food and the many eclectic artistic treasures on show.
Des commented recently that as well as his own, there were 30 families involved in the running of Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa - lots of sisters, brothers, partnerships and off-springs. Some have been there from the outset. It is one of the nicest feelings to be enveloped in warm, efficient and seemingly effortless hospitality, while recharging the batteries. While service gets the top spot, the scenic location is definitely the second. All of the rooms are ocean facing and have balconies and expansive windows frame the wild Atlantic waves, blue skies and stunning beaches on either side of the hotel. But the spa is what really draws the overwhelmingly Irish visitors to Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, voted Ireland's Leading Spa Resort at the World Travel Awards multiple times.
INTERIORS
The décor is coastal-inspired, contemporary New England, cool blues and whites mixed with traditional textiles like tartans and herringbone. Pristine plantation shutters, curved oak furniture reminiscent of waves and walls clad like rippled sand dunes, draw from the surrounding landscape and add a subtle nautical feel. The rooms capes are far from bland however with spectacular colour pops of yellow and crimson adding a witty twist to the muted greys and warm beige tones.
ISLAND SPA
Tired minds and bodies have been rejuvenated through the practice of ‘taking the waters’ for hundreds of years and Inchydoney is home to Ireland’s only recognised Thalassotherapy Spa. The Seawater Therapy Pool is supplied daily with fresh sea-water drawn from the ocean and treatments use seaweeds to revitalise the body and relax the mind.
The Spa also has a steam room and sauna and offers reflexology and a range of Elemis beauty treatments. My favourite reenergisers were the Seawater Massage Bath (seawater pumped directly from the ocean and heated to 32 degrees) with top to toe massage jets, a glorious back, neck and shoulder Swedish massage and the ‘Treat your Toes’ signature treatment which was foot and pedicure heaven. The treatments are not only therapeutic, they are luxurious. Fluffy blankets make the Relaxation Area a heavenly respite between treatments and the joy of lounging around all day in bathrobes make the Island Spa the ultimate indulgence.
ACTIVITES
We walked the expansive golden strand on both sides at sunrise and sunset and even ventured in to the seas for an exhilarating swim. Surfers arrive early to catch the waves which are some of the best in the country. Book in advance at the hotel for surf lessons, wetsuit and board hire. You can also book kayaking and whale-watching trips. Kites, buckets and spades, beach games and balls are available to borrow from reception and you can order a picnic on sunny days.
Inside you'll find open fires, a Netflix room, library, snooker room and a peaceful residents' lounge stocked with books, daily newspapers and gorgeous sea views. The Snooker Room on the second floor is also a very popular choice for young and old. There is a quirky outdoor amphitheatre that is a perfect perch for sea gazing and morning coffee al fresco.
Food and Drink
Fine dining is on offer in the Gulfstream Restaurant with spectacular Atlantic views from the third floor. Locally caught fish and excellent meats are on the menu served with a contemporary flourish. Dinish Island scallops are paired with Clonakilty Black Pudding and apple and apricot salsa, while Bantry Bay West Coast Oysters are served with lemon, Ponzu and sweet ginger. Union Hall cod, West Cork prawns and Shannonvale chicken are also stars of the show. A great wine list matches the great food offering.
You may well eat nothing more until dinner after the sumptuous breakfast, also served at the restaurant. Lots of delicious morning fish options on the à la carte with a plentiful buffet.
On our first night we ate seafood at nautically themed Dunes Pub & Bistro. Standout dishes include local West Cork Seafood Chowder, seafood Platter and, of course, fish and chips. We also got to listen to the fabulous John Spillane while dining.
LITTLE TOUCHES
When you arrive at the hotel you receive a welcome drink of Five Farms, the world’s first ‘farm to table’ Irish crème liqueur and homemade jam upon departure. Free Wi-Fi throughout with plenty of nooks and crannies to curl up in and read a book. The rooms and suites all offer Nespresso and mineral water. The bathrooms are contemporary with great showers and Elemis toiletries. And you can book complimentary morning Yoga by the Sea on the headland overlooking the ocean.
Visit inchydoneyisland.com.