One sure way to kick the January blues is to book a breakaway some where gorgeous. That’s exactly what my best friend and I did this week. Sara had spotted a brilliant deal on Facebook for the Seafield Hotel & Spa Resort. Located in Ballymoney, just outside Gorey, Co. Wexford, it was the ideal place for a last minute break as it’s not too far from home. They had slashed prices for just one date, Monday 20th January – I can think of worse ways to spend a Monday in January!! The special rates were for B&B reduced to €40 per person, (reduced from €60). Dinner with B&B was reduced to €79 per person, (normally €99). Both packages included use of the thermal suite so we booked in for some relaxation and rejuvenation.
On Arrival at Seafield Hotel
Seafield Hotel is tucked away at the end of a lovely drive decorated with self-catering apartments, ideal for a group booking or family. Check in at the Seafield Hotel is from 3pm and Sara and I arrived a little while before hand. We killed some time by enjoying a G&T on the balcony off the Village Bar, savouring the gorgeous view. The check in was quick, easy and the receptionist couldn’t have been more helpful.
A Room with a View
Our twin room featured a balcony, boasting views of the picturesque Tara Hill at the rear of the hotel. It’s worth noting that when Sara booked the room, she specified that we would like a balcony room and we did pay a small extra charge for that. It was definitely worth it! Especially if you are staying while the weather is fine – it’s like having an extra room. The decor in the room is really modern and it was kitted out with all the essentials; seating, wardrobe space, a TV, tea and coffee making facilities, etc.
The bathroom was huge, with twin sinks sat in front of a mirror that spanned the width of the back wall, large bathtub and a monsoon style shower. Toiletries from the White Company were provided and good lighting was much appreciated when it came to doing our makeup for dinner that evening. Robes and slippers emblazoned with the Seafield Hotel logo hung in the bathroom. They were essential as we were more than ready to head down to the Oceo Spa.
Having unpacked our luggage, we changed straight in to our swimsuits and robes and made a beeline for the spa. The lift took us directly from the floor our bedroom was on, to the lower basement level for the spa. I really loved this. It meant no trapesing through the reception or corridors to find the spa, while you’re in robes and flip flops! It adds to the element of luxury at the Seafield Hotel.
Indulge in the OCEO Spa
Having won countless awards, including the 2019 Global Luxury Hotel Spa at the World Luxury Spa Awards, there is definitely a vibe of exclusivity at the Oceo Spa. When we arrived, what immediately struck us was the gorgeous scent that envelops the reception area. It was dimly lit with soft candle light lanterns establishing a pathway, passing the gym facilities, to the changing rooms. Like I mentioned, we had complimentary use of the thermal suite during our stay. On this occasion we didn’t book any spa treatments, but if I was staying in the Seafield Hotel again, I would absolutely schedule a treatment.
Our first port of call was to the outdoor vitality pool. It was absolutely gorgeous and I could’ve spent hours in it! Even though it was about 2 degrees outside, the heated pool was so toasty and extremely relaxing. The pool faces the sunken private gardens, which made it feel like we were a million miles away! Inside, there is a 16-metre pool, monsoon shower, ice bucket shower and ice grotto. As well as an aromatherapy steam room – this was stunning and I had never seen one of these before. Basically imagine a steam room with cool lighting and aromatherapy oils in the air, it honestly smelled divine.
There are also two other steam rooms; after using the ‘Steaming Hot’ one for about two minutes only, we were like two little pink lobsters coming out of it. We then realised there was also a ‘Hot’ steam room. That would’ve been a better one to start off in! But my God, we did some laughing about it as we cooled down at the ice grotto. Every single pore on our bodies was probably open, the plus side being my makeup applied SO good that evening!! 😂😂
Dining at Seafield Hotel
There are two options for dining at Seafield Hotel; the Greenroom Restaurant or the Village Bar & Grill. Having already sussed out the menus online before we even got there, (who else is guilty of that, I would nearly have my order ready to go before sitting down!!), we chose the Village Bar & Grill. It was a really funky, New York style grill and the menu catered to a variety of appetites. I don’t think I can even do the food justice by describing it – it was out of this world! I enjoyed every single bite, it was honestly one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time.
Sara and I shared the Mozzarella Flatbread to start as it was just enough to wet the appetite. We paired it with a gorgeous bottle of Pinot Grigio. For mains, Sara enjoyed the Irish Prime Burger while I tucked in to the Prime Irish Sirloin Steak. That wouldn’t usually be my first choice but there wasn’t a bite left on my plate by the end of it. The steak was cooked to perfection and the accompanying veg. and fries were delicious. My mouth is watering as I think about it again!!
With the meal surpassing my expectations, it would’ve been a sin to skip the dessert. We each chose the Chocolate Brownie Sundae to round off the meal. I couldn’t fault one aspect of the meal. The service was timely, the waiting staff were friendly, the ambience was cool and the food was delicious.
Monday – nothing a Cocktail can’t fix
Afterwards, we moved in to the bar to put the Cocktail Menu to the test. There was so much to choose from, whether you’re a gin lover or fond of a classic like a Cosmopolitan. Sara and I ticked a few off the list, like the Bee’s Knees, Pornstar Martini and Margarita. Each was just as heavenly as the last and the atmosphere in the bar was really chilled and trendy.
Breakfast is Served
After a fantastic nights sleep, we gathered ourselves together and went down to the Greenroom Restaurant where a buffet breakfast was served. Again, the options were endless; from a Full Irish buffet, fresh fruit and pastries, gluten free options and a selection of fresh juices. The morning’s papers were also provided, so you could catch up on the news in the relaxing surrounds of the restaurant. The breakfast was so tasty and had us well set up for the day ahead.
Back to the room to chill out for another little while, we checked out around 11am. At the Seafield Hotel, you can check out up to 12 noon. Although you would nearly be tempted to stay another night!
Overall..
I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Seafield Hotel. It surpassed my expectations and I’m already looking forward to booking another stay. Sara spotted this deal on the Seafield Hotel Facebook page so that is definitely worth keeping an eye on. Use of phones was restricted in some areas, like the spa obviously, so I’ve dropped in some images from Seafield Hotel’s website to give you an idea of just HOW stunning it is!
For more general information, you can visit Seafield Hotel’s website here. If I’ve touched on anything that you would like to know more about, drop me a comment below. While you’re there, leave some suggestions of other hotels in Ireland I need to check out!
