A Retreat in the Garden of Ireland – Powerscourt Hotel

Wicklow Mountains

I love Wicklow, but I’m biased, I was born and raised here and recently bought a house in the heart of the county. We now live overlooking mountains and a lush green valley. Our back garden leads into a forest laden with wildlife – red squirrels, hedgehogs, Red Kites and deer. There is a reason Wicklow is known as the Garden of Ireland and I’m proud to call it home. So to visit a hotel in Wicklow, was a real pleasure!

First impressions last and on arrival to Powerscourt Hotel, the impression is one of beauty and grandeur. The driveway is dramatic and breathtakingly beautiful; ancient trees line the drive and green fields peek out from behind the forest. When you turn into the hotel it’s quite unexpected to discover such a grand, Palladian-style building.

Powerscourt Hotel

Formerly The Ritz Carlton, the hotel retains the ‘glitz of the Ritz’ but thankfully, not the price tag. To the back of the hotel, large windows reveal to guests the real treasure of this hotel – one of the finest views in the county. Uninterrupted views stretch across the valley to the peak of the Sugarloaf Mountain. The bedrooms of the hotel, elegant and somewhat stately, are blessed with the same view.

It’s not often I get to take my Mum away, and she was quite happy to come along. We oohed and ahhed at the double sinks and deep bath, the pretty living area and softness of the bed. It took me a while to lure her down to the restaurant – Sika.

Sika Restaurant serves up dishes that change with the seasons, most ingredients sourced locally and guests can even choose to eat in the kitchen at the Chef’s Table. We stuck to the comfort of the elegant dining room and enjoyed our candlelit dinner for two. We happily rolled back to the room to relax with a glass of wine in our living area.

Morning came and with it my desire to explore the spa. Mum chose to laze in bed with a cup of tea and newspaper, leaving me to descend into the belly of the hotel dressed in my robe and slippers.

There is something incredibly calming about the spa; a glitzy pool studded with Swarovski crystals, dark pillars and low lighting. The only sound was that of water flowing into the pool and I was blissfully alone. Several laps and I headed to the Hamam, only to find it broken. I found a member of staff and upon inspection, she confirmed it was broken and kindly led me to the Thermal Suite so I could have my steam.

Now the Thermal Suite you have to pay for (unless the Hamam is broken!) but it would have been worth it. Again, as it was early, I was alone and able to bask in the jacuzzi overlooking the Wicklow hills in silence. A relaxation room and 20 treatment rooms could entice you to stay in the spa for the day, however, I had to return to Mum so we could gorge ourselves once again.

Breakfast is a relaxed affair with a buffet laid out just off the main lobby. Here, couples and families, friends and colleagues gathered and I realised the hotel really did appeal to every type of guest. All seemed happy and relaxed and why wouldn’t they be? A great night’s sleep, good food and stunning views.

SPECIAL OFFERS

Grown-Up Getaway: €145 per person – B&B, dinner and 20% off spa treatments

Note: I stayed at the Powerscourt Hotel courtesy of the hotel, as usual, all content are my own thoughts and words 🙂