Kim and Kanye love Castlemartyr and so do Irish authors!

Castlemartyr good for Mums and Celebrities alike!

Who can blame Kim and Kanye for wanting to come to Ireland for their honeymoon. I can vouch for the fabulous Castlemartyr Resort after spending a leisurely and luxurious weekend there with my writer pals, Niamh Greene and Maria Duffy last autumn. As busy mums we were wrapped in a web of cotton wool and spent most of our time in the spa. We had the best sleep ever but I'm sure Kim and Kanye will have other plans for their stay. If you would like to read my review it's also available on the Sunday World website just click here www.sundayworld.com

As autumn sets in and the school routine arrives like a thud it can be a stressful time for busy mums. Packed lunch boxes, endless colouring, taxiing and homework are enough to make you scream and long for a return to the hazy days of summer. With a host of fabulous hotels on our doorstep, I decided to do something about the Back-to-school-blues and gathered a couple of like-minded mothers in need of rest and relaxation. Our destination was the luxurious Castlemartyr Resort in County Cork and the moment we arrived we slipped into a cocoon of pampering. A helicopter was parked on the lawn outside and we hoped for an appearance from Daniel Craig at any moment. Instead we were met by Lionel, the porter, who took our bags and showed us to our triple room – a Junior Suite with extra bed and good option catering for three.

Our receptionist had suggested on arrival that we try some croquet on the lawn or take a dip in the swimming pool. But a glass of wine beckoned and we kicked off our two night stay with a meal in the Bell Tower which was a delight and a treat. There was something on the menu to suit everyone and I settled for the scallops to start followed by mouth-watering duck. The staff couldn’t do enough and it felt so lovely to have our dinners served up to us for a change. We retired to the lavishly decorated Living Room bar after dinner, which had us feeling like characters in Downton Abbey. As we sipped our after dinner drinks we pondered the mummy taxiing avoided earlier in the day.

Castlemartyr is a pretty town about fifteen minutes east of Cork and surrounded by plenty of amenities – Fota wildlife Park and the Titanic exhibition in Cobh are only a short drive away and perfect attractions to visit with our families. But this time we were on our own so an ideal day trip for mums is a visit to Ballymaloe farm and gardens close by.

Next morning, after a huge breakfast of Eggs Benedict, waffles and a lot more, we headed straight for the spa with our books in hand – literally. This was a chance to relax and it is something we girls do exceedingly well. The pool area was bright and looking out onto beautifully manicured gardens. It was completely separate from the spa which was quiet with a small but adequate relaxation room. In fact it was so relaxing after about an hour we slipped off to sleep – we hoped our snores didn’t disturb those in the treatment rooms next door. The sauna and thermal pool took up much of the time until it was our turn for pampering. We all had facials and the spa carried the ESPA range which included aromatherapy oils that left us smelling gorgeous. A day spa special is currently on offer for €99 including treatments and lunch.

Our second night was spent in the Italian restaurant Franchinis but be warned the pizzas are massive – we could have easily shared one between three. What more could we do but go back to the rooms and slip into our white robes and slippers and pretend that we lived like this all the time. We had a big box of roses that needed finishing off and a couple of bottles of wine to wash it all down. One brave mum woke early next morning and took a walk on Garryvoe Beach close by. There was also the option of walking the hotel grounds with the resident spaniels Countess and Earl who are always up for walkies! But we were all ready to take on another massive breakfast washed down with plenty of cups of tea and toast. The menu card was inscribed with a quote from Oscar Wilde aptly saying ‘Only dull people are brilliant at breakfast’. That was our excuse anyway. “I’ve to collect my daughter from dancing at three and my son has a football match later today,” I said to my friend. “That’s exactly what my pair are doing too,” she replied. The M8 has made the trip to Cork short and accessible and before we knew it we were home. As we settle into long nights by the fire, the memories of the lovely relaxing time we spent in Castlemartyr Resort will surely help us mums make it to mid-term break.

Incredible special offers from Royal Caribbean for May 2014

Below are details of two of the most exciting cruises on offer this summer. I look forward to reporting about our Greek Odessey in October when we will be setting sail from Venice and continuing on to Turkey...watch this space...but with these incredible offers you may well get there before me! Please let me know how you get on if you do!

Create Mediterranean memories with Royal Caribbean International this May

Enjoy a holiday experience unlike any other, with Royal Caribbean International’s (www.royalcaribbean.ie; 0844 493 2061) Liberty of the Seas for a seven-night Western Mediterranean fly-cruise from €1,165 per person (based on two people sharing an interior state room). Test your surfing skills on the FlowRider or enjoy some serious “me-time” in the onboard, blissfully indulgent spa.

Price includes return flights from Dublin, transfers and a seven-night cruise departing from Barcelona (Spain) and calling at Marseille (France), Villefranche (Nice, France), Florence/Pisa (Italy), Rome (Civitavecchia, Italy) and Naples (Italy) before returning to Barcelona for the flight home; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

Price is based on 25 May 2014 departure. 
For more information or to book call 0844 493 2061 or visit www.royalcaribbean.ie  

Explore Greece and Turkey this May with Royal Caribbean International

Book a last minute holiday to explore the best of the Greek Isles and Turkey with Royal Caribbean International’s (www.royalcaribbean.ie; 0844 493 2061) Splendour of the Seas. A seven-night Greek Isles and Turkey fly-cruise is priced from €1,139 per person (based on two people sharing an interior state room) and enjoy some of the tastiest meals at sea with Asian delights from Izumi or a personal chef experience at our exclusive Chef’s Table.

Price includes return flights from London Gatwick, transfers and an eight-night cruise departing from Venice (Italy) and calling at Split (Croatia), Ephesus (Kusadasi, Turkey), Santorini (Greece) and Katakolon (Greece) before returning to Venice (Italy) for the flight home; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.
Price is based on 24 May 2014 departure. 
For more information or to book call 0844 493 2061 or visit www.royalcaribbean.ie 

Lovely Lyrath in Kilkenny

Hubby and I always like to do something nice for our anniversary. So, recently we checked out the luxurious Five Star Lyrath Estate near Kilkenny and found the perfect retreat for sweethearts!

We arrived at three in the afternoon which gave time for a short tour of the hotel from the warm-hearted doorman. He proudly informed us about the history of the estate, and the lavish architectural refurbishment. We were itching to see to the room – which didn’t disappoint. We had a large deluxe room with balcony – decked out with cast-iron table and chairs it was perfect for a glass of wine before dinner. Room service was swift – we tested it out straightaway, then changed into our bathrobes and slippers and headed to the Oasis spa. It offered a couples treatment option so we could be pampered together, and I had possibly the best facial ever. The hydropool is especially nice as it offers guests a taste of the outdoors, while still inside, with an open wall looking out over the green landscaped gardens.

I’m not a frequent visitor to Kilkenny but was pleased to find out that the city is bustling and there are plenty of options to amuse a couple of lovebirds with quaint boutique shops, cafes and bars. There is of course Kilkenny Castle and a host of other local sights to see. Kilkenny is close to Cork, Wexford, Waterford and a host of other counties that are within close proximity and easily explored in a day, providing you are not having a lie-in of course! The hotel supplies bicycles and the estate has a signposted walk perfect for a romantic after dinner cycle or ramble.

For those who love to work up a sweat there is a gym, sauna and swimming pool. Of course there are other options for working up that sweat and the generously proportioned rooms allowed our imaginations to run riot.

We ate in Yindees restaurant which had good choice and a pleasant nod to Asian cuisine but there are other eateries with bar food in Tuppers bar and La Perla restaurant.

Enjoy 3 nights B&B in a luxury suite with Champagne and canapés on arrival, and the following morning wake to a delicious Champagne breakfast served to your bedroom. A stay at Lyrath Estate is a truly relaxing and luxurious way to spend time with someone special, and packages start at €495 per person sharing.

Lyrath Estate

Dublin Road

Kilkenny

Phone: +353 56 7760088

www.lyrath.com

Galway with Granny and Granddad

Travelling with three generations needn’t be a challenge, if the destination for your weekend trip is just right. So with my Mum, my Dad and ten-year-old daughter Nicole, packed into the car, we set off for the newly refurbished accommodation at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Galway.

The hotel is in a great situation only a few hundred meters from Eyre Square and currently offering special packages for the over 65s. We ate lunch on arrival with oodles of choice from the hot buffet and salad bar. The delicious lemon meringue pies from the dessert tray were hard to resist so we had one each.

Granddad was keen to watch the Liverpool match so we dropped him off at Eyre Square in Garveys pub which offers music at weekends and was a delightful find. It left us three girls free to shop!

William Street was the start of our ramble through the shops and iconic bars that line the streets down to the Quay. The bustling street market sells the usual array of trinkets jewellery and handcrafts that put in a lovely afternoon. 

When we returned with our purchases to the hotel we were keen to try the leisure facilities. While Granny had a pampering facial in the Spa, Nicole and I decided to try out the newly opened Salt Grotto. We found it to be a place of peace and respite for the whole family and apparently it has medicinal properties that help improve the respiratory system. Nicole and I sat through a peaceful thirty minute session and afterwards, with the taste of salt on our tongues, hit the swimming pool.

Salt Grotto

Only over-sixteens can enjoy the sauna and Jacuzzi in the leisure center and there is a hot tub out on the deck with a beautiful view of the estuary.

 That night we dined in Marinas restaurant and with a Liverpool win earlier everyone agreed that they had a terrific afternoon. Dinner was delicious with excellent choices – we ate lamb, duck and fish and Nicole loved the spare ribs and pasta from the kids menu. The Sushi in the Sky restaurant on the fourth floor catered for those looking for a more romantic setting and specialised cuisine. The hotel offers cooking classes among other activities to make your stay educational and more interesting.

All the nightlife of Galway was on our doorstep but we retired to the bar and relaxed until time to go to our rooms. It’s worth splashing out on the newly refurbished Business class rooms which are luxurious with spectacular views. The beds are made super soft by feather and down mattress topers and the personalised reading lights allowed Nicole to sleep while I read. Although I’m not a coffee drinker the nespresso machine in our room was a nice touch.

As a busy mum I love nothing more than a nice spa retreat and I will most certainly be back to the One Spirit spa. With an excellent choice of rooms in the thermal suite The Beach came as a pleasant surprise – using subtle lighting and warm sand to lie on I was whisked away to sunnier climes. I went from the beach to the rock sauna which was extra hot before trying the hammam steam room.

The suite wasn’t busy on the Sunday morning I was there and I had the laconium and aroma rooms totally to myself. The relaxation area is swaddled in a warm cocoon of cushions and couches with subtle lights to lure you into rest. The usual herbal teas and fruit bowls are on offer with plenty of reading material. While my feet were pampered with a top class pedicure, Granny and Granddad brought Nicole off to mass.

Before returning home to Dublin we took a trip to the Aquarium in Salthill en famille. Fish can be touched and observed with or without the guided tour but we preferred to just wander while Granny and Granddad enjoyed Nicole’s reaction to the creatures.

Galway hosts its annual Arts Festival in July and the famous Galway Races in August make it a great destination in summer. You might even want to stop off for a mini-break while dropping your teenager to Irish college and with competitive rates at the Radisson Blu it is probably the perfect hotel for all the family.

FACT BOX

The ‘ Revive Pamper Package’ at spirit one spa includes the Elemis Pro-Intense Lift Effect Facial, use of the Thermal Suite, Pool, Hot-Tub, Jacuzzi and a delicious two course lunch in Marinas Restaurant for €100 per person. 
To book call spirit one spa on 091 538 423 or email spiritone.galway@radissonblu.com. Include an overnight stay in one of the newly refurbished bedrooms from €120 for two people sharing midweek or from €155 for two people sharing at the weekend. Guests booking midweek will also receive complimentary passes to the salt spa. For bedroom bookings call 091538521 or email reservations.galway@radissonblu.com.

Jamie Oliver takes to the seas this year with Royal Caribbean's new ships!

In yet another first for Britain’s best loved chef, Jamie’s Italian and leading holiday company Royal Caribbean International today announce that it will open the first Jamie Oliver eaterie at sea.  The company’s most innovative resort ships, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas will feature a Jamie’s Italian.  ‘Anthem of the Seas’ will open to guests during spring 2015 and sail from Southampton whilst ‘Quantum of the Seas’ will open to guests during autumn 2014 and sail from New York.

The addition of Jamie’s Italian to the restaurant portfolio aboard the Royal Caribbean ships reflects the holiday company’s plans to completely reimagine dining at sea. Smaller, flexible and personalised main restaurants and a collection of smaller, modern and distinct eateries such as ‘Jamie’s Italian’ and experiential restaurant ‘Wonderland’ will cater for the full spectrum of food lover.  The new approach to dining will feature exclusively on Royal Caribbean International ships ‘Quantum of the Seas’ and ‘Anthem of the Seas’ replacing the Captain’s Table style dining usually associated with the cruise holiday experience.  

“I’m thrilled to partner with Royal Caribbean, a brand that continually pushes the limits of what’s possible, to debut my very first restaurants at sea onboard the new Quantum-class ships,” said Jamie Oliver. “Royal Caribbean shares my approach to food and dining, which is to serve simple, fresh ingredients in a warm, inviting ambience. I couldn’t be more excited to bring my love of Italian cooking to their guests with Jamie’s Italian.  It’s going to be brilliant!”

Since opening its first restaurant in Oxford in May 2008, Jamie’s Italian has become one of the biggest success stories in high street eating. The quality of the food and service, coupled with the affordability of the food, has meant that customers return time and time again. The casual dining experience is based on offering tasty and simple Italian food, using only the best fresh ingredients. All produce used in Jamie’s Italian is higher welfare and the restaurants aboard the Royal Caribbean ships will be no different.

Click here to see Jamie Oliver explain about his new restaurants on RCCL

Norwegian Good!

I haven't been blogging for a while because I have been on my travels and planning some more which will keep me very busy this April. But for now I have a report from Oslo. I took a long weekend to Norway's capital in February with the family and we were all pleasantly surprised by the laid-back hospitality we received from the Norwegians. I was even inspired to write a short story that will be published this summer- more to be revealed soon!
For now I'll leave you with the article published in the travel supplement in the Sunday World newspaper on March 23rd 2014.
Happy travels
Michelle x

Have you ever been lured by cheap flights to travel somewhere you wouldn’t normally go? Ryanair are currently offering good value fares to Oslo from Dublin. But with only eight Krone to the Euro be prepared as you may need open wallet surgery on arrival.

We set off en famille on the short two hour flight to Rygge airport. Norway is outside the EU zone which was worth noting at Dublin Duty Free. With transfer time of one hour to central station we were in the city very quickly. Our first stop was at our hotel which was centrally located next to the Main Street, Karl Johans Gate and the palace. The King and Queen don’t seem too fussed about  home security as there are no gates or walls around the palace so anyone can rock up and knock on the front door.

The Radisson Blu chain has five hotels in Oslo and we stayed in the Scandanavia. Our room was spacious with a private balcony and the children slept on a couch that converted into a double bed. When travelling with children a hotel swimming pool is a must and the Radisson Scandanavia has a small pool, sauna and gym. The rooftop bar on the twenty-first floor boasts one of the best views of Oslo and it’s well worth stopping off there for a drink before heading out for the evening.

City breaks with kids can work very well or be a total nightmare but Oslo is more than just a city offering culture and museums – in the winter months there is the added attraction of snow. In the summertime there is the newly acquired city beach.

 Our first and most important acquisition was the Oslo Pass which entitled us to all travel on public transport and entry into most public museums, galleries and exhibitions. The passes come in 24 hour, 36 or 72 hour cards and you activate them by writing the time and date in an allocated space. It costs roughly €200 for four family passes that last 72 hours. Good value if you consider most museums can charge up to €40 entrance for a family. Oslo has a good transport service so there’s no need to use taxis.

We travelled with a nine and thirteen year old who were keen to see snow so we set off on our first day to the Holmenkollen ski area and enjoyed a spectacular view of Oslo en route. The ski jump is impressive and the ski simulator got the whole family in the mood for skiing. Holmenkollen houses the Ski Musuem which honours famous Winter Olympians and explorers. That evening our hotel receptionist directed us to a gorgeous little Italian restaurant called Boletini about 100 metres from our hotel which we found to be unbeatable value as all restaurants are expensive. A cup of coffee averages about €5/6 and a bottle of beer can cost anything over €10.

The next day we set off for Vinterpark in Tryvann. After a half hour train ride out of the city a bus was waiting at the T station to bring us to the slopes which were less than five minutes away. Don’t expect the same choice of slopes you find in the Austrian or French Alps as Vinterpark is only about 1500 feet above sea level. But there are plenty of green runs for the kids to get their ski legs and for the more proficient skiers there is a black run and variety of reds to choose from. As with everywhere we went the staff were friendly and laidback speaking perfect English.

There are so many museums in Oslo that it is impossible to see them on a weekend break but the National Gallery was close to our hotel. The children didn’t have to walk through too many rooms before finding The Scream by Edward Munch. 

We were only a few minutes walk from there to the Nobel Peace museum. An interesting photographic exhibition documented the average amount spent on food by citizens in different countries around the world and this enthralled all our family members.

The museum wasn’t very big and after passing through the room of Nobel prizewinners we had plenty of time to take a walk along the picturesque harbour front to Akershus fortress – one of the city’s most visited attractions. My daughter had seen the Disney film Frozen a couple of weeks before and was able to tell us that the Akershus Castle was the inspiration for the castle in the movie. It’s currently a military barracks and training academy but the castle is kept intact and a good example of traditional Norwegian architecture.

Next day was sunny and warm so time to explore the fjords. The best way to see the Oslo Fjord is on a river cruise. Batservice Sightseeing AS run several different cruises all year around. The fare is discounted with the Oslo pass but be aware that services are limited in winter if the fjord is frozen over.

The sun appeared as we set off from pier three, in front of city hall. Our tour guide talked us through the harbour area and out into the countryside with wonderful views of the wooden summer houses. They were painted beautifully in bold colours and it felt like we were gliding through a picture postcard. As our boat cut through the ice the sound was similar to bamboo wind chimes. 

This was one of the hightlights for all the family.We hopped off the cruise fifteen minutes from the end at Bygdoy pier, where some of the most important museums are situated including the National Viking and Folk museums. Bygdoy is a suburb only fifteen minutes from the city centre by bus and home to the famous Fram ship which is the only vessel to have made it to both the North and South Poles. 

The Norwegians have a tremendous legacy of explorers and they revere them justly. Effigies of Roald Amundson and the crew complete with photographs and personal belongings fill the huge perfectly preserved boat. The children loved the interactive nature of this museum which is next door to the Nautical and Kon Tiki museums. Kon tiki is the primitive ship used by Norwegian Heyerdahl to sail the Pacific Ocean in 1947. 

There is so much else to see in Oslo, like the museum of technology and the stunning new modern art museum. I sadly had to pass by Ibsen’s house, which was of special interest to me as writer, because we simply didn’t have time to drop in.

There’s never been a better time to visit Norway and with the celebrations of two-hundred years of their constitution about to kick off this summer it might be time to start saving now for a special and very different city break for all the family.

Before visiting Oslo see visitoslo.com

For travel details see www.ryanair.com

To stay at the Radisson blu Scandanavia see radissonblu/oslo

Slieve Donard hotel and spa resort

As winter insists on sticking around there’s nothing like a spa break to rejuvenate the spirit and body and I’ve been curious for some time to see what spa resorts are on offer north of the border.

The Hastings Group boasts six hotels in Northern Ireland and the closest to Dublin is the award winning Slieve Donard Hotel with its renowned Spa. 

So I asked my gorgeous friend, producer and presenter of Midday, Elaine Crowley, to join me while I checked it out. 

We did a ‘Thelma and Louise’ on it and drove up the M1 from Dublin like we were getting out of Dodge. 

I was deceived by Google maps into thinking that we only had a short drive from Newry to Newcastle, but after taking the A25 route we ended up on a rally track peppered with lumps, bumps and tight corners. 

We later discovered that the B180 route, which is referred to as the scenic drive, has a smoother road. As we entered the town of Newcastle The Slieve Donard Hotel came into view. Nestled at the water’s edge with a spectacular view of the mountains of Mourne sweeping down to the sea, we were transported back in time! 

And it was no surprise to find that the musician and painter Percy French was invited to perform and stay in the hotel in the early twentieth century. In homage, one of the restaurants is named after him. 

Another guest to the hotel was the king of silent movies, actor Charlie Chaplin and his visit is honoured by a plaque in the reception area.

Built in the Victorian era by the railway as an ‘end of line’ luxury holiday destination, the old hotel maintains much of the character of a bygone age. The new extension which holds the resort rooms and spa is a modern and comfortable build. 

The swimming pool has a separate sauna and steam room with a lovely view of those mountains. 

The spa offers the ESPA range along with aromatherapy massages and facials. Elaine opted for an aromatherapy massage and I went for the rehydrating facial. Aisling, my therapist helped to put the memory of the scary roads behind me as she offered a choice of four different lighting options to make the treatment room more relaxing. 

I also had a choice of oils for my treatment. I opted for the sandalwood balancing oil and Elaine went for the regal Frankincense and Myrrh. 

We floated out of the treatment rooms into the vitality pool. The relaxation rooms have relaxation beds that are operated by remote control to raise the back or feet or both. Personalised earphones and the reading light were a nice touch. 

Dinner was a delight in the Oak Restaurant, complete with Corinthian pillars and a pianist performing on a grand piano. The menu offered wide choice and the presentation and quality of food was impressive. 

I opted for the monkfish while Elaine had the rib-eye and we both agreed that it was one of the best meals we had eaten in a long time. The sommelier recommended a delicious bottle of Spanish wine and was ever attentive re-filling our glasses. There was good choice in bars to retire to after dinner. We opted for the drawing room where our sommelier set our wine glasses in front of a blazing fire.

When we eventually went up to our room we slept on beds that were appropriately called ‘clouds’ as they were extremely comfy. Next morning breakfast was a hearty buffet in the Oak Restaurant. The Bushmills whiskey beside the porridge proved tempting but fresh cream and honey was a safer option.

We decided to visit the spa one more time before checking out and watched the waves pound the colourful seafront. The Slieve Donard was the recent winner of the Hotel and Catering Gold Medal award as the best four-star hotel in Ireland. 

With a few more delicate touches it would not take much to bring it up to five-star standard as it has all the basic ingredients with a scenic setting, excellent quality food and spa. 

It is also a popular venue for weddings and parties and as it is a large hotel it can comfortably accommodate all guests, whether they are looking for a fun-filled or relaxing stay. If you want to feel like you have travelled somewhere far away without going through the whole airport experience this may just be the ideal place for a spa break.

 Click here for article www.sundayworld.com