Immaculate grounds, impressive wellness facilities and a Ryder Cup golf course make this multi-million Euro restored manor one of the most perfect resorts in the world. It’s ideal for solo travellers, couples and families looking for pure escapism beside Ireland’s prettiest village Adare. Founder of Compare Retreats Dervla Louli Musgrave explores the Condé Nast Traveller and Michelin award-winning property to discover more about the new impressive holistic wellness recreation centre and its exclusive partnership with 111SKIN.
Lush Location and Fantastic Facilities
Adare Manor is located in the picturesque town of Adare just a short drive away from Limerick and Shannon Airport. The manor sits upon 840 acres and boasts a selection of perfectly manicured gardens without a blade of grass out of place, a trout river, parklands and a magnificent golf course that is a joy to play on. The five-star hotel underwent Ireland’s most expensive renovation project over 18 months after JP McManus and his family acquired it and was reopened to critical acclaim in 2017. The most recent addition of The Padel Club, a holistic wellness centre with a generous pool, gym, yoga, golf simulation and padel courts, is the cherry on top of what is already an incredible property.
The manor itself is fairytale perfect with 365 glossy leaded windows, decorative gargoyles and a slew of mythical creatures and monsters made out of local limestone. The awe-inspiring interiors feature grand room dimensions, plush fabrics, romantic patterned pairings, intricate woodwork, drapery and opulent silk wall coverings that discerning aesthetes will swoon over. The lavish surroundings are balanced out by the happiest and friendliest team who make every guest big and small feel special upon arrival. The VIP treatment begins the moment you valet your car and doesn’t end until you check out, making it the most consistent example of fantastic customer service that I’ve ever experienced.
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Plush Accommodation
Adare Manor has 104 state-of-the-art bedrooms with king or super king beds with views overlooking lush gardens, the spectacular golf course or the river Maigue. The rooms range from classic bedrooms to expansive suites and there are two three-bedroom cottages on site that are ideal for larger groups and families.
Heavily draped curtains, marble bathrooms with double sinks, generous beds and 24-hour concierge service are the norm for each room. Room service is spot on and no request is too big or small—my iced coffee was brought to the room every morning at 7:00 am and my mum and I had the prawn Caesar salad on the in-room dining menu was the perfect classic light lunch. The room was a flawless respite in between meals, golfing, falconry, spa treatments, pool time, walks and movie nights.
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Diverse Dining
The beauty of Adare is that there’s something for everyone when it comes to dining and all dietary requirements can be catered for with just a little notice. Culinary connoisseurs should head straight to the Michelin-starred Oak Room where Michael Tweedie lovingly creates tasting menus showcasing Ireland’s finest artisanal ingredients. There’s an emphasis on indulgent top-quality produce like Doonbeg lobster and truffle-spiked vegetables.
For something more casual and varied The Carriage House with its indoor and outdoor dining options is the place to be. The options are vast and cater to everyone from those on healthy spa breaks to those looking for a fun foodie getaway. The Nashi pear salad, cauliflower steak and king crab rolls were big hits during our stay. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served here and it’s elegant yet child friendly with lots of cosy corners in the lounge area.
Afternoon Tea in the pale blue Gallery is a real treat and the champagne-coloured Drawing Room is another warm and inviting relaxed F&B option. If you’re still feeling peckish in the evening head to the cinema for a show accompanied by popcorn and treats or to The Tack Room for a little nightcap.
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Abundant Activities
There is so much to do at Adare and it’s well worth setting your alarm clock to make the most of all of the fun activities and facilities. An exemplary action-packed day could include a stretch in the yoga studio, walk through the walled garden, 9 holes on the green or in the golf simulation room, an educational session with owls and falcons, a carriage ride through the grounds, laps in the heated infinity pool, some archery, fishing, clay pigeon shooting, axe throwing or an Irish gundog experience. The options are endless and perfect for all ages and activity levels. I tried almost everything during my stay and the enthusiastic team made everything so enjoyable.
Indulgent Treatments
The Spa at Adare Manor is the ultimate treat and I was blown away by the results-driven treatments, brilliant therapists and how peaceful the spa was. It’s the first spa in Ireland to partner with the medically-inspired 111SKIN brand and it’s a perfect union that offers relaxing treatments with clinical-level results.
The treatment menu is extensive and offers well-loved favourites like aromatherapy massages and manicures all the way to more specialised treatments like cryotherapy energy facials and meso infusion tension release treatments. After letting my therapist know I wanted to focus on reducing pigmentation and brightening she used a mix of products and techniques and I left the spa glowing. My mum enjoyed a relaxing massage and we both waxed lyrical about how much we enjoyed our pampering sessions.
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We Loved
Falcony with Liam and 111SKIN treatments in the quiet spa came up trumps as favourite activities. A stay at Adare is also incomplete without trying your hand at a round of golf or two on the stunning course.
Our Insider Tip
Take advantage of the multiple dining options on site and pre book dinners and lunches in the different restaurants. Ask for a room overlooking the gardens as they’re a delight to wake up to every morning. Last but not least, don’t forget to wander into the very cute and quaint Adare village. The thatched cottages and little boutiques are fun to check out and offer a memorable opportunity to pick up some tokens from your travels.
Looking to book your retreat at Adare Manor? Contact our luxury travel concierge at bookings@compareretreats.com
