Relax and unwind in an idyllic wilderness
Daphne Abernethy enjoys a stay at a top Co Mayo health spa
I AM the eternal optimist. I expect every gym programme to magic away my flab, every massage to banish stress and tension permanently, and every facial to take 10 years off me. None of these miracles have happened yet, in fact, my list of ailments (dodgy back, tense shoulders up to my ears and sleepless nights) seems to be growing.
But if, like me, you are spurred on by that ever-elusive pot of gold at the end of the therapeutic rainbow, then Delphi Mountain Resort and Spa could be just what you’re looking for. One of Ireland’s best kept secrets, it is a new kind of luxury resort designed for those seeking rejuvenation and escape from the stresses of modern life in a wilderness setting. The spa is in south west Mayo, although with splendidly Irish surrealism, the address is Leenanne, Co Galway, halfway between Louisburgh and Leenanne, and the majestic scenery all around is so stunning that as you approach the place, it is easy to see how this magical wilderness is the inspiration for the location. Set in the heart of Delphi Valley on 300 acres of forested estate, the health complex is itself a thing of beauty.
Carefully designed in local scone and wood, the building is beautifully in harmony with its surroundings; circular motifs in the exterior dominate, with cave-like passages and pillars reinforcing the ancient heritage of the area so rich in dolmens and portal tombs. Large bay windows make the most of the spectacular vistas, with awe-inspiring views of Mweelrea, Connnaught’s highest mountain, providing the perfect inspiration for rejuvenation. As such, it’s a far cry from novelist Kathy Lette’s description of health spas as “minimum security prisons with palms”.
The good news is that the Delphi resort does not insist on the obligatory bale of hay for lunch; the chef specialises in the freshest of local produce and an intimate cocktail bar provides the perfect balance to all that crisp, clear mountain air, offering the perfect starter for my two-day stay. tearing myself away from the restaurant, which was recently named by the Sunday times as the world’s best spa restaurant, and changing into customary robe and slippers, I rather self- consciously approached the lush relaxation area with appointment slip in hand,sipping fresh ginger tea and observing the clientele as they lounged in the adjacent spa and tearoom. My first treatment was an allotherapy, otherwise known as a marine algae body wrap.
After being shown to the treatment room and the initial reserve of stripping off in front of a complete stranger (I needed’t have worried, towels were strategically placed) I lay on my back as the therapist covered me from head to toe in silky-smooth micronised seaweed, mixed with warm seawater. I was then wrapped in a heated blanket which was zipped up the full length of my body. Feeling something like a basted chicken i lay in the small dimly-lit room and simmered nicely for about 55 minutes whilst the therapist massaged pressure points on my head as mozart trickled in the background. i felt happily and culturally totally mish-mashed. The aim of this therapy I was told was to cleanse and detox the body as well as to deeply cleanse and exfoliate the skin. and it certainly felt good. Apparently essential minerals are also absorbed into the body, while the seaweed aroma adds to the general ambience.
A far cry from our youthful pursuits of playing in puddles, the body wrap is nonetheless a perfect
therapy for the child within. My next treatment, which i was particularly looking forward to is known as balneotherapy. This is a water treatment in a specialised designed bath with high pressure rotating underwater jets which vigorously massage the body using special seaweed and aromatic oils. These are added to the water to promote relaxation and toning as well as to increase circulation and detoxification.
therapy for the child within. My next treatment, which i was particularly looking forward to is known as balneotherapy. This is a water treatment in a specialised designed bath with high pressure rotating underwater jets which vigorously massage the body using special seaweed and aromatic oils. These are added to the water to promote relaxation and toning as well as to increase circulation and detoxification.
However, any ideas of dozing off were soon scuppered as i felt more like I was on a ferry crossing in choppy seas while the heat added to my increasing exhaustion. I never realised relaxation could be so tiring, i told the therapist 20 minutes before the treatment officially ended. Don’t worry she told me, it was perfectly normal. A good night’s sleep left me feeling fresh and all set for my aromatherapy session at noon. Here, a combination of essential oils was massaged into my body to enhance enhance lymph flow and circulation with the aim of eliminating more toxins and promoting relaxation. and it did the trick. My back and shoulders, the therapist said, were a minefield of knots, indicating stress while my eyes were also over-worked; not surprising as I spend eight hours a day in front of a computer.
This, and the reflexology treatment later in the day, carried out by the same therapist, Kim from South Africa, were probably my favourites. My feet, she said, showed up stress in my kidneys and ovaries, while my classic venus foot-shape indicated an over-active and creative imagination as well as an inclination to be obsessive (tell me something I don’t know!). She also suggested some aromatherapy oils and gave me herbal teas to take home. Kim’s friendly approach was indicative of the professional attitude of all the staff, who were genuinely helpful in an informal sort of way. I finished off with a facial exfoliation using a coconut husk followed by a facial massage with fresh coconut flakes, topped off with a papaya-based cream to give my skin a smooth, silky feel. The couple of days was the perfect choice for anyone who wants more from a relaxing break than general lounging or pampering.
Not only will you enjoy luxury accommodation in the stunning Irish countryside but there is also arange of over 30 activities available for guests. facilities include a steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, relaxation room and treatment rooms where allmanner and form of massage, including Swedish, sports, herbal, reflexology, aromatherapy and Indian head massage, are on offer. the centre also specialises in a variety of luxury and rehydrating facials, exfoliation, mud and seaweed treatments/wraps, to balance pampering and relaxation treatments. The more active among us can try a spot of kayaking, biking or tennis in between a little light tai chi, yoga or dolphin watching. pony trekking and water skiing are also on offer, while walkers have access to Mweellrea, Sheefry, Paltry and Manmturk mountains.
Among the other outdoor activities are canoeing, sailing, rock climbing, boat trips down killarney
harbour and offshore island trips. Well known beauty spots include Asleigh Falls and Doolough Valley, scene of the tragic famine walk where around 400 perished through hunger and exposure when they were refused food and shelter from a local landlord after a 20-mile walk from Louisburgh. The great thing about whats on offer at this resort is the flexibility, as guests can combine
treatments and activities from any of their programmes, be it health spa, spa indulgence, relax and destress or the great outdoors programme with multi-activity and adventure. A total body and lifestyle assessment is also available to establish your current fitness level and eating patterns. here a specific series of tests will determine four basic components – body composition (including water content, fat percentage, and muscle tissue), muscular strength, endurance and flexibility. A customised exercise programme and diet sheet is also included. you will find activities for all ages which can become a lifetime habit, the idea being that when we find something you enjoy we stay naturally motivated.
harbour and offshore island trips. Well known beauty spots include Asleigh Falls and Doolough Valley, scene of the tragic famine walk where around 400 perished through hunger and exposure when they were refused food and shelter from a local landlord after a 20-mile walk from Louisburgh. The great thing about whats on offer at this resort is the flexibility, as guests can combine
treatments and activities from any of their programmes, be it health spa, spa indulgence, relax and destress or the great outdoors programme with multi-activity and adventure. A total body and lifestyle assessment is also available to establish your current fitness level and eating patterns. here a specific series of tests will determine four basic components – body composition (including water content, fat percentage, and muscle tissue), muscular strength, endurance and flexibility. A customised exercise programme and diet sheet is also included. you will find activities for all ages which can become a lifetime habit, the idea being that when we find something you enjoy we stay naturally motivated.