Knockranny House and Hotel Spa in Mayo ticks all the boxes for a dreamy escape - literally! Surrounded by scenic views and open space, you can almost feel your mind and body relax when you arrive.
And that's just by arriving. Once you step inside you are greeted by a friendly smile as you check in and the reception hall, with its open log fires and antique furniture, makes you feel right at home.
The hotel is just out on the outskirts of Westport town, perfect to pop into if you want to check out the shops or if you are looking for some fresh air... but once you put on your robe, it may be hard to leave.
If there is one area of the hotel that will get your mind drifting off it is the breakfast room. No matter what you have planned for your day, make sure you pencil in time in the morning to enjoy their breakfast buffet while you look out at the scenic views around you.
Sitting there, with a cup of tea in hand, looking out at Croagh Patrick it is as if time sits still and you will find yourself asking the question "why do I not do this more often?"
There is always the option for those who love walking to wrap up and head out. However, for me and probably many others, it was the spa I was making my way towards.
Ultimate relaxation
With a pool and sauna to use during, the spa will also entice you with an array of packages. From facials to warm body massages you have lots of options to choose between and there's even a couples deal that includes a two-night stay, breakfast, dinner, and a two-hour experience at the Spa Salveo for under €500.
If you are staying overnight make sure to check out the sleep meditation class - and don't worry if you haven't booked a treatment as this is complimentary to anyone who is staying as a guest in the hotel!
So what does it involve and is it as calming and relaxing as it sounds? The answer is a big fat YES!
Sleep meditation class
This sleep therapy is scheduled close to many people's bedtimes so that when it is over you can just float back up the stairs and slip under the sheets.
Jumping into a robe (provided for you), I went down to the spa and got comfy in the relaxation room. With subtle lights and the room temperature just right, you are halfway to the perfect night's sleep.
Guiding us through the treatment was spa manager Carrie Cann who describes the experience as 'a routine using relaxation techniques to help clear the mind... and relax the body.'
It uses three products and sees a Kerstin Florian cream rubbed into the skin as you relax. Carrie explained: 'We begin with camomile body lotion and organic lavender bath and body oil.
'We mix the two and you have the calming benefit of the camomile and it is an intense moisturiser as well with the base of it being an almond oil. So anyone with a dry skin type, you are treating the skin and the lavender will help them sleep.'
They then use the Kerstin Florian balm on your skin. For anyone who has lower back, neck or shoulder problems this is perfect. The balm when rubbed on an area will begin to heat up but this increases circulation which prevents pain in these parts in the morning - a godsend is all I can say!
In the final part of the treatment, a hot cloth is placed over your eyes that is lavender scented, blocking out the light and making you forget you are in a room with others. Therapists then get you to concentrate on your breathing, which allows the body to fall into a state of peace.
This session is great for all kinds of people. Those who are forever busy, find it tough to sleep, or those who just want a good night's rest. It definitely worked for me as that night I had one of the best sleeps I think I have ever had.
Delicious food
All this relaxing sure can get your tummy rumbling and just as their spa is welcoming and sophisticated, so is the menu at Knockranny House and Hotel.
The hotel has the multiple award-winning chef Seamus Commons at the helm who has put together a mouth-watering menu available throughout the day and late into the evening.
I went for the Golden Fried Brie which sat on a bed of organic leaves, peppered with pomegranate seeds,(€11.90) followed by Silverhill Duck breast perched on a bed of roast carrots (€32). Delicious.
So as Christmas approaches and work begins to die down why not consider adding this to your to-do list for the New Year?
These days we can't go anywhere without hearing about the importance of keeping our mind healthy and looking after our well-being, not to mention how vital a good night's sleep is. So why not treat yourself to the perfect stay that will probably give you the best sleep you have had in a long time?
For more information and to check out some of their packages click here.
Check out Knockranny House and Hotel in our gallery below:
