Ciaran Mulligan of thefabuloustraveller.com sampled some relaxation in Monart gave us this detailed report
In between lockdowns I wanted to treat myself and my partner to a fabulous spa break in Ireland. When you think of spa hotels there are a number that come to mind, G Hotel Galway City, Seafield Hotel & Spa in Gorey, Co Wexford, The Europe Hotel & Spa in Killarney, Co Kerry, Slieve Donard Hotel & Spa in Newcastle, Co Down, The Cliff House, Ardmore, Co Waterford and one of the most famous Monart Destination Spa, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford.
To be fair I have stayed in most of these hotels/spas mentioned above and found all to be very enjoyable, but on this occasion I decided to return to award winning Monart Destination Spa in Wexford, owned by entrepreneur, Liam Griffin.
We decided to stay on a Saturday night and luckily we managed to get a last minute cancellation. It’s worth noting last minute cancellation doesn’t mean reduced price, there is a waiting list (especially in between lockdowns) to get into Monart.
Despite being only a few minutes from Enniscorthy town, Monart feels like you are in the middle of nowhere. We arrived at lunchtime to the fabulous 18th-century Georgian manor where we were met by a super professional concierge who took our car and escorted us inside with our bags. We were swiftly attended to by reception staff who I have to say made us feel very welcome.
Soon after we got into our robes (which you are encouraged to do to make you feel very relaxed) and headed to the garden lounge for a very enjoyable lunch and not to mention a few fabulous cocktails. We decided to start with Lime & Chilli Butter Chicken Wings, followed by the Monart Classic Cheeseburger. I loved the garden lounge (aka the bar) as its so relaxing and chilled. Our fabulous French waiter who has been with the hotel for many years couldn’t be more helpful and obliging. No request too big nor too small.
After lunch we headed to the SPA for some serious relaxation. What I liked about Monart from other spas was that there was no time limitation on your visit to the spa and you did not need to pre-book to access the spa (other than speciality treatments). Other resorts who I contacted in advance of this trip had placed a limit on your time in the Spa with many stating you have up to an 1 hour in the spa and it needed to be booked in advance.
The spa at Monart had all facilities open with social distancing throughout. The Thermal Suite had limited some seating areas to create social distance, but all facilities were in use including The Hydrotherapy Pool, The Sauna, The Steam room, Salt Grotto, Finnish outdoor sauna, Infra-red pro suite, Caldarium, and Sanarium. We were very lucky to also get a cancellation for a spa treatment. We enjoyed a one hour back massage followed by a visit to the relaxation room to totally chill.
Our package at Monart included an evening meal in the main restaurant however, I preferred the Garden lounge so we decided to have our evening meal in there. If you decide to have your meal in the garden lounge you will be credit €40 per person against your meal cost in the garden lounge (the alternative would be to have your full meal in the fine dining restaurant). Worth noting if you are having a starter, main, dessert and a few drinks in the garden lounge, you will be paying a lot more above your credit allowance. What I also liked about dining in the garden lounge we were able to select our food from the garden lounge and dining room menu. Nothing is ever a problem in Monart which is why you feel so relaxed. Don’t expect to stay up all night, Monart wants you to switch off and be relaxed, expect an early night and wake up refreshed for their fabulous breakfast. Before you check out they encourage you to visit the spa again…which we did!
Monart is not a cheap destination especially if you add in the extra treatments etc but you will return home relaxed, refreshed, wanting to return again and again.
If you would like to visit Monart after lockdown No 3, make sure you get your booking in now.
*Just to note that this visit took place after lockdown no. 1 with social distancing throughout the hotel for all guests, temperature checks on arrival and Covid questionnaire to be completed.
