Arriving at Monart's imposing gates outside Enniscorthy, you get a sense that something quite special lies inside this private estate.
Unquestionably one of the most relaxing places to stay in Ireland, this five star destination spa is flawless - unsurpassed anywhere on the island, while giving global competitors a run for their money too. Right from the first moment, when the valet whisks your car away, to the time when you amble back towards it with your sojourn complete, there is a pleasing ease to all that happens at Monart, 'the great escape'.
You are buzzed in past the imposing black gates, up the steps to the 18th Century old house facade, transitioning from Georgian through what feels like a glass tunnel into an organic future set in a high end 1970s coastal Californian retreat. The flow from your arrival evokes the senses and imagination. The place is awash with natural light and height, with dramatic pieces and striking colours but, all the while, exuding a calm, assured, laid back charm: by the time this transition is complete, the fleeting visitor becomes a grounded guest.
Part of the effortless style and spacious stillness comes no doubt from the Mary Reynolds designed grounds, nestled as they are within 100 acres of woodlands. The grounds wind around and roll playfully – you‘ll encounter mini cascades, a willow woven labyrinth and teletubbiesque hills. What Reyonds has managed to do here, somehow, is to create the ease of a city park with the natural rugged feel of an ancient forest. Her imprint is clear as a spring morning here – landscaping is very sympathetic to the old world and old wood surrounds – big broadleaves have been retained, with nature coming comfortably to cocoon without closing in on the guest room windows and balconies.
The rooms at this adult retreat are exceptionally large and thoughtfully designed, with views of lake, woods or garden, many with balconies stretching out towards the trees - and Italian marble bathrooms adorned with Pevonia toiletries. Being a destination spa, most guests don fluffy white bathrobes and matching slippers for the day, and this generate a monastically slow pace in guests, adding to the overall sense of serenity.
The thermal suite – free to access for guests, and highly recommended – has no fewer than nine treatment rooms and five more for extra relaxation. Staff are exceptionally welcoming, and their affable style quickly puts guests at ease. Included are infra-red, caldarium, hammam, salt grotto, sanarium, steam, ice shower grotto, Finnish sauna, plus an extra hot Swedish sauna cabin outside. The latter comes with an outdoor ice bucket, which is great fun – especially if you opt for the hour long instructor led treatment. A range of classes are available throughout the day, which are well worth booking in advance. As well as the water-based rooms, there is an ultra-loungy tea room and a solitudinal dark room, both with stunning views and perfect for whiling away seemingly endless idle hours.
As to sustenance, it is no penance at Monart - a cornucopian breakfast gives both hearty and healthy options and, in addition to the excellent evening restaurant (see below), daytime options include the gorgeous Garden Lounge (recently renovated to creat 'an oasis'; menu to 7.30pm...), the (robed) Spa Café, and Afternoon Tea surrounded by 1920s Eileen Gray furniture in the Drawing Room or Library of the Old House.
The Restaurant:
Renowned for its contemporary fine dining (non-resident guests welcome by reservation), there are no white robes in the elegant evening restaurant. Menus are introduced with a welcoming list of local suppliers, such as Mary Regan organic poultry (Caim), Green Hill Fruit Farm (Davidstown) and Ballycross Apple farm. Local meats and seafood dishes are complemented by an exceptional à la carte Vegan Menu which adds plenty of creative options. With a nod to the east in flavours and textures, Laska Lamak and many variations of aubergine dishes – from caponata to crisps, tempura to caviar - are typicsl of the choices that will reward the curious palate.
Desserts finished with finesse merit special mention, also an ambitious cheeseboard, ideal for two to share. An expansive wine list is also at times expensive - some rare bottles clock up the zeros – but there is value to be found, from regions such as Languedoc.
Here as elsewhere at Monart, it’s the attention to detail – the pitch perfect amuse bouche, sorbet, or a thoughtful glass of lemon water after a salty starter - that impresses, also the excellent service.
