A first for this famous Ring of Kerry village, local man Eoin Moriarty opened this boutique-style hotel, Sea Lodge Waterville, in June 2015.
Both Eoin and his sister Sharon Fitzgerald, who is the Manager, have happy childhood memories of summers working in the old hotel, which was once owned by an aunt and uncle, and it's been an exciting project bringing it back to life in a new contemporary style.
As well as offering a refreshingly modern alternative for visitors to Kerry, it's designed with local community needs in mind. So, The Lough Bar (where breakfast is served) provides a comfortable place for people to meet for informal meals and relax at any time, while Legends Lounge - which is named after the many famous people who are associated with the area - is a versatile space that can be used for evening entertainment, or opened up for weddings and other get togethers.
Bedrooms continue the seaside theme, and five have balconies with sea views across Ballinskelligs Bay. Each is named after a local scene and, while simple, there is attention to detail in the furnishings with White Company sheets on the sinfully comfortable beds, prints by local artist Madeleine Maria Weber on the walls, and Voya organic products from Sligo in bathrooms which boast on-trend tiling and high pressure showers. There's a Magimix coffee machine in each bedroom too - and a gorgeous Skelligs chocolate on your pillow each night...
Dining choices are between the restaurant, where the style is 'hearty fine-dining' and the bar, where there are more rustic options. Both major on local produce like Kerry lamb and Portmagee fish and, although there's no sourcing policy statement or supplier list, there's a good sprinkling of local producers name checked on menus - and some Irish craft beers and cider on the drinks list too .
The Sea Lodge has brought something different to Waterville and it's a welcome addition to the area.
