Lough Eske Castle in Donegal offers a taste of time-hallowed comfort, set in a location dating back to 1400. This Donegal castle has been rebuilt and renovated over the years, with its current incarnation offering the perfect balance of five-star innovation and rich historical heritage. Nestled in a 43-acre forest estate along the shores of Lough Eske, the Solis hotel and spa are overlooked by the Bluestack Mountain range, the perfect treat for those looking to experience the best of the past, but with modern perks.
Each guest room features bespoke furniture and a calming neutral décor. Around the hotel antiques and artworks sit side by side with internet and TV facilities, while venerable bronze statues standing next to iPod docking stations. It’s this thoughtful approach which makes Solis Lough Eske the ‘World’s Best Luxury Country Hotel’, as voted at the World Luxury Hotel Awards. With its opulent banquet hall and private meeting rooms, it’s little wonder that the castle is renowned as a destination for weddings and private functions. And this world-class boutique hotel will make a special event simply unforgettable.
In the surrounding region, guests can relax with activities including hiking, golf, biking, river angling and horse riding along the beach. The hotel has three different restaurants from which to choose; the low-key Oak Bar, the Gallery Bar with its selection of 60 fine whiskeys, and the Cedars Grill overlooking the hotel lawns, where chef Philipp Ferber serves up a masterful take on local Donegal cuisine.
The Solis Spa is as sensual as one would expect; seated on the original castle’s Glass House, the aqua and gold-mosaic spa centre comprises seven treatment rooms (including two designed for couples), a 12m infinity pool and a thermal suite with sauna, steam room, sanarium, tropical showers and ice fountain. After finishing treatments, visitors are invited to unwind and contemplate in the relaxation area, where six designer beds look out onto the courtyard.
The spa uses products by Aromatherapy Associates, treating imbalances in skin and spirit alike with expertly selected essential oils applied through Swedish and neuromuscular massage. Warming black pepper and ginger aid in the Muscle Release treatment, while the Rose Oil Hydrating Cocoon smoothes and nourishes the skin.
Each essential oil is more than a scent, carrying out a vital function to balance and purify the skin’s surface. The delicious Enrich Body Treatment uses Ylang Ylang and Vanilla to aid relaxation, with a salt and coffee scrub to wake up and exfoliate dull skin.
Those seeking a quick fix will love the package with an Express Facial followed by Afternoon Tea, while the ultimate indulgence at Solis is undoubtedly the ‘Total Wellbeing’ day. This entails six hours of purest bliss beginning with a sauna and body scrub, followed by a body massage, a facial, a scalp massage and finally a pampering hand and foot treatment to leaving you relaxed literally from head to toe.
For all its imposing interiors and beautifully manicured grounds, the ambiance at Solis Lough Eske is easy-going and friendly, making this the ideal venue for wedding parties, couples and families alike. Even pets are provided for, with a dog-walking and grooming service offered as well as special pet menus for feeding time.
It’s these little touches that count, and which make the Solis experience a quite thoroughly modern take on historical luxury.
Visit www.solishotels.com/lougheskecastle/spa/donegal-ireland-,default-en.html for more information