Beautifully Restored Ashford Castle Unveils Luxurious New Spa

The new spa marks the completion of the two-year restoration and enhancement program at the castle, which reopened in April 2015.

With its fairy-tale setting, range of relaxing treatments, state-of-the-art facilities and breathtaking views of Lough Corrib, The Spa at Ashford Castle provides a sanctuary of calm and serenity inspired by the location and history of this iconic building, parts of which date back to the 13th century.

A striking new bronze conservatory, designed by French architect Philippe Bonino, houses an indoor resistance pool with views across the serene Lough Corrib. Three seashell chandeliers hang here, further enhancing the ambience of the locality and links to the nearby Atlantic coast.



A central design feature is the beautiful Tree of Life mural by celebrated South African ceramic mosaic artist Jane Du Rand, which stretches across an entire wall of the pool area. Drawing inspiration from Irish folklore, the mural centers around an oak tree, which the Celts believed was a cosmic storehouse of wisdom and whose acorns were considered good luck. The woodland creatures in the tree's branches and roots are also found in Celtic mythology.

Decorated in muted greys, greens and creams, The Spa also boasts an invigorating hammam, steam room, manicure and pedicure area, a relaxation suite and an outdoor terrace with views over Ireland's second largest lake.

Five treatment rooms, including a couple's room, offer an extensive range of therapies. Guests can choose from three product lines: organic Irish spa brand, Voya, hailing from nearby County Sligo and based on hand-harvested seaweed; internationally renowned Elemis; and Red Carnation Hotels' very own B|Africa product range, which blends native African plant extracts and elements of the sea with eco-friendly production technologies.



PureFlow™ offers the latest innovations in wellness technology, and this is the first time this fitness program is being offered in Ireland. The procedure is designed to enhance the body's blood flow to make the brain more alert, combat fatigue and help improve endurance, performance and recovery. It is the perfect fit for Ashford Castle's new gym, which offers breathtaking elevated views and is complete with the latest Life Fitness equipment and a personal trainer who will create bespoke sessions according to individual goals.

Expertly designed packages have been devised for the ultimate luxurious spa stay and include:

The Ultimate Ashford Escape Spa Package - prices from €930 (approx. US$1,063)

• Two nights' accommodations in a Corrib Standard Room
• Breakfast each morning in the George V dining room
• Bottle of Champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries in room on arrival
• Dinner for two in the George V dining room one evening
• Ashford's Signature B|Together Spa Experience -- designed to add positive love energy to relationships
• Healthy post-spa lunch served in the Drawing Room
• Access to the relaxation pool, steam room and gymnasium

Awaken Your Senses at Ashford Castle Spa Package - prices from €680 (approx. US$778)

• Two nights' accommodations in a Corrib Standard Room
• Breakfast each morning in the George V dining room
• Dinner for two in Cullen's at the Dungeon one evening
• Access to the relaxation pool, steam room and gymnasium
• An Ashford iconic Winter Spa Experience: choose one of the following:
- Two sessions of PureFlow™
- Warmed Spiced Mud Wrap
- Ocean Fresh Facial

The Spa at Ashford Castle will be run by spa manager Michelle Ryan in close consultation with Toni Tollman, daughter of Beatrice Tollman, President and Founder of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Both Beatrice and Toni Tollman have been an integral part of the design team for Ashford Castle, having overseen its complete restoration, enhancement and renovation. Every guest room, suite and public area has been individually designed and refurbished with carefully sourced antiques, exquisite fabrics, bespoke carpets and original artwork, representing the ultimate in refinement.

For more information about Ashford Castle, please visit: www.ashfordcastle.com.