PowersCourt is set in the grounds of a beautiful estate and driving in I was mesmerised by the gorgeous views across a wooded valley. Although it had only been 30 minutes since I had left Dublin, I could have been a thousand miles away from the bustling city as the fresh air and acres of Wicklow mountain greenery transported me to a much-welcomed place of peaceful tranquillity.
Inside the hotel doesn’t disappoint either. The first thing I noticed were the flowers. The really beautiful and rich displays were just like those in the lobbies of the Georges V or Hotel Costes in Paris. Think more is more, but in a very tasteful and elegant way.
As for the décor, everything marries together to create a lovely, relaxed ambiance. Wide, sweeping staircases are enveloped in the light of a plethora of chandeliers and vast windows mean you are only ever a step away from the spectacular view outside. And speaking of outside, the hotel gardens flow from formal, well-thought out lawns journeying into the wooded valley as birch and beech trees stand tall protectively – waiting to provide some shaded sanctuary on a hot summer’s day.
Unfortunately, today was not that hot summer’s day so I quickly made my way back inside ready to be shown to my room. At this point it is impossible not to mention the staff, who were friendly and kind throughout my stay and always ready to offer some advice on the local offerings (of which there are many).
After quickly dropping my bags off at my room (think BIG, with a gorgeous balcony and mountain views, plus a Pretty Woman worthy bathroom and the ultimate work-station where I caught up on some emails later that evening, after the best night’s sleep in an extra-wide and super-soft bed of dreams – literally!) But first, my date and I visited the outstanding and world-renowned SIKA restaurant.
Now that experience deserves a review all of its own, but suffice to say, we enjoyed delectable dishes and a really great wine (chosen to match my amateur description of what I like) by the restaurant sommelier. I’ve included some pics in my video review.
But let’s talk about the spa – my main reason for visiting this really fabulous hotel. First impressions always count, right?! And the ESPA spa certainly makes for a good one. Set out over two floors, the spa houses an extremely well-equipped gym, pool (its floor is actually studded with Swarovski crystals, I kid you not), a café, relaxation room, hammam suite and SO many treatments on offer.
I opted for the ESPA Natural Face Lift spa treatment – a facial designed to make skin look and feel better. My (AMAZING) therapist talked me through the treatment and what to expect, before beginning with an eye and lip cleanse followed by a facial cleanse. She then performed a pleasantly surprising skin analysis using UV technology which highlights any particular concerns and allowed the therapist to choose the best products for my skin’s needs.
My skin was slightly dehydrated - no surprise there, given the time of year, plus the copious amount of travel I had done of late, plus too much coffee/not enough water and the fact that I had spent the day on a shoot in Dublin, so the studio lights won’t have helped either.
Next up, came the second cleanse which is actually accompanied by steam to warm the skin and muscles. I could feel my pores opening to let all the badness out and the goodness get in! My therapist mixed some Tri-Active™ Advanced ProBiome serum with an ESPA face treatment oil (specific to my skin’s needs) before beginning the facial massage. This actually consists of four stages that replicate a workout and I have to say it’s pretty full-on, but in a good way! The first is a detoxifying massage with clarifies and drains toxins, then an invigorating ‘Kobido’ massage comes next which activates circulation and brings fresh oxygen to the skin cells. This did feel a little odd as my skin was pushed (and lightly slapped/tapped) into all directions, but not at all uncomfortable. Jade rollers were then used to help smooth lines and wrinkles before my favourite part of the facial massage – the sculpt massage. This involves deep, slow techniques that lift and smooth fine lines, and left me feeling thoroughly relaxed! I’m pretty certain I dozed off at this point.
Next, a lifting and smoothing mask was applied to my face, neck and décolletage. Packed with peppermint and eucalyptus, the instantly cooling sensation felt incredible after the previous warming stages. As the mask did its work, my therapist treated me to a soothing scalp massage before peeling off and applying ProBiome serum, eye cream and moisturiser to finish. She then led my fresh-faced and thoroughly happy self to the relaxation room.
Catching a quick look in the mirror, my skin immediately looked more radiant and dare I say it, more youthful – and this workout was much more enjoyable than my usual body pump!
Checking out was a reluctant affair. I had had the most wonderful 24 hours and really didn’t want to leave. The hotel – and the spa – now hold some very special memories for me and I have already booked a return visit. The trip was gifted but as usual, I have not been paid nor persuaded to give certain opinions here, except my own honest ones. And I can honestly say that this hotel and the spa treatments are right up there with some of the best I’ve experienced in the world. So go on and get it booked. Because you’re worth it. Absolutely one hundred per cent worth it.
You can check out my best bits (including the He-Shi shoot I did just before the trip to Powerscourt) over on this Instagram highlight here ->
https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE3ODYzNzAwMTI4MzY1ODYx/?utm_source=ig_story_highlights_share&igshid=z227e30kvtnj
And you can book here: https://www.powerscourthotel.com/special-offers/sometimes-it-s-nice-to-do-nothing-or-a-little-bit-of-everything---/51-17/