Having just returned from a 2-night stay at Inchydoney I am very much relaxed. In April I also spent 2 days at Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa and every time I go there I am so impressed with the hotel, its staff, the food, the accommodation, and the spa that I just had to share my experience of this amazing Irish Hotel. I noticed on this visit that they won the Gold Medal Awards as the best 4 star hotel in Ireland which is a great achievement.
Their website states, “A warm welcome awaits you in one of Ireland’s most exclusive and tranquil retreats. A true destination for people who value time together.” and this statement could not be more true.
Check-In
The check-in for any hotel is usually the same across most hotels, however here on check-in, we had a very nice check-in followed by a complimentary welcome drink which was very much appreciated. We spent about 30 minutes relaxing in the reception area before heading to the room.
The Room
The Rooms are very luxurious with beautiful sea views out over the Atlantic coast. It is a setting far removed from what you expect for Ireland, more resembling the south of France. It feels like you are very far from home and it is very relaxing. The room comes with robes, clippers, tea facilities, a Nespresso machine, complimentary water, flat screen TV, and our room had a beautiful balcony area where we could chill in the warm sun which enveloped the balcony. The sleeps are very comfortable and the bathroom is large with everything you need including Elemis products.
The Food
There are 2 restaurants that we visited, these were nautically themed Dunes Pub & Bistro and our Fine Dining Gulfstream Restaurant. The Dunes Pub was where we enjoyed a fantastic prawn curry, which tasted fantastic and the portion size was just perfect. In the Gulfstream Restaurant, we had John Dory, again, sublime food with a stunning view out over the bay. The service at the restaurants is excellent and you are checked on to ensure all is good.
Breakfast is served in the Gulfstream Restaurant and you will be sure to have everything you want at breakfast.
The Spa
It was about 8 years since I had a spa treatment, so this was worth waiting for. I had the Sleep Tight treatment which included a foot treatment, back massage, and also a neck and shoulders/head massage. It was very relaxing indeed and while enjoying the fruit in the relaxation room post-treatment, my fitness tracker showed my heart rate at 9 bpm lower than my normal average resting heart rate – so it really did relax me.
Before we went for the spa treatment we did enjoy the Seawater Therapy Pool and the sauna and steam room which was a great way to enjoy all the Spa had to offer.
The Location
Inchydoney is located about 10 minutes from Clonakilty in Co. Cork and has a beach only steps away from the hotel. From Waterford the journey took 2 hours 30 minutes which is not bad indeed, especially considering the rewards of relaxation which awaited us.
Overall Review 10/10
Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa is set in a stunning location and has fantastic accommodation food and service. This hotel stay gave the most spectacular scenery, food, and relaxation with the best views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and is a very romantic and picturesque location on the Wild Atlantic Way. With Free Parking, Free Wifi, an indoor Saltwater pool, steam room, sauna, and fitness center, all of which you can enjoy for free during your stay – this has to be the Best Hotel I have visited in Ireland. I look forward to returning very soon.
Website: https://www.inchydoneyisland.com/