WOW Royal Caribbean take cruising into the future!

I received this press release from Royal Caribbean about their new Quantum class ships which will be of special interest to all those who love technology and social networking! I especially like the idea of my cocktails being made by a robot and with the new interior cabin decor now everyone has a view of the ocean.

This may well be the perfect ship to try cruising if you are not already a fan!

FOR THE SMOOTHEST TRIP, SAIL THE SMARTEST SHIP – ROBOTS AND NEW TECHNOLOGY DELIVER HASSLE-FREE HOLIDAYS

Royal Caribbean International’s new Quantum class ships take technology to a new level with a whole host of cruise industry firsts including RFID (Radio-frequency identification) luggage tracking, the fastest internet at sea, oh, and robots working behind the bar…

Tech-savvy modern holidaymakers will be blown away by new ship Quantum and Anthem of the Seas, which seamlessly incorporates new levels of digital technology across all of its on-board spaces, providing holidaymakers with the most technologically driven holiday in the world.

Video available click link here

Boatloads of bandwidth keep guests connected; easy-to-use systems expand guest choices and simplify schedules; and radio-frequency identification RFID technology speeds the boarding process and allows guests to keep track of their luggage every step of the way.

The Quantum class ships earn their ‘SMART’ credentials in six different areas thanks to innovative customer-centred technology including:

1.    SMART Check-In:  From shoreside to ship in record time

A Quantum-class holiday begins at home, where guests can generate boarding documents online, upload their own security photo, and receive digital boarding confirmations.  By the time they arrive at the cruise terminal for departure, Royal Caribbean guests can go from “shoreside to ship” in 10 minutes with no check-in counter to navigate and no lines to stand in.

Guests will be able to track luggage in real time on their smartphones.  Luggage will be tagged shoreside with RFID technology at drop-off, and guests can monitor their bags’ progress through key points en route to the stateroom.  On departure, the process is reversed.   

2.    SMART Concierge: Flexibility at your fingertips

Quantum and Anthem of the Seas will offer new RFID WOWband wristbands, which require only a simple tap to quickly navigate the ship, make onboard purchases and serve as the room key. 

Simplicity and efficiency are also at the heart of two new apps that put guests in charge of their cruise choices: Cruise Planner, which allows guests to research and book dining reservations, shore excursions, spa appointments and more before their holiday begins; and “Royal iQ,” available as a downloadable app and provided at freestanding iQ stations around the ship. “Royal iQ” allows guests to manage details during the cruise, includes a convenient calendar that provides at-a-glance views of their bookings and reservations and allows guests to keep in touch with one another and home.

3.    SMART Connect: Downloads at the speed of modern life

Quantum class ships will operate with industry leading bandwidth, using a new generation of low, mid-Earth-orbit satellites, launched by tech partner O3b Networks. With speeds that match fast broadband connections onshore, guests can be online 24/7, no matter what personal device they bring onboard.  Guests can watch streaming video, check email, share images on social media and enjoy face-to-face video conversations – even in the middle of the Ocean.

In yet another first for the industry, Quantum and Anthem of the Seas’ connectivity makes it possible for one of the SeaPods in SeaPlex to become a live global video gaming suite where guests can enjoy Xbox Live and compete with other gamers worldwide or on other Royal Caribbean ships.

4.    SMART Experiences: Shaking martinis and spinning screens

Technology also powers surprise-and-delight elements on Quantum class ships. A brand new venue,

Bionic Bar is the first bar with robot bartenders not just at sea, but anywhere in the world.  It is a must-try interactive experience whereby guests order via tablets and then have fun watching the robotic bartenders hard at work mixing and delivering cocktails of choice

Robots drive another entertaining feature on Quantum and Anthem of the Seas.  Two70 is home to a troupe of six Roboscreens that stage surprise performances during every cruise, creating scenes while soaring and twisting solo, or uniting as one. Guests will also experience Vistarama, which transforms its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows into any scene, real or imagined, by combining 18 projectors to create an ambient surface over 100 feet wide and over 20 feet tall. Across this expanse, impromptu digital shows come to life in stunning 12K resolution providing the audience with 270 degree views.

The Quantum class ships take advantage of technology in functional forms as well.  Guest staterooms are equipped with device-charging USB outlets, as well as energy efficient and environmentally friendly lighting systems. Interior accommodations are outfitted with Virtual Balconies that display real-time sights and sounds of the sea through 80-inch LED screens, ensuring every stateroom has a view.

5.    SMART Service: Crew can connect better with guests – and with home

The technology benefits of Quantum and Anthem of the Seas extend to the ship’s crew.  Custom apps will allow crew members to keep better track of guests’ tastes and preferences, allowing staff to tailor their already remarkably personalised service to an even higher degree.  Whether a guest prefers gluten-free dining, early show seating, or shiatsu massage, the features of the smart ship allow crew members to anticipate every need.

And the ship’s remarkable capabilities give the company an opportunity to make life better for crew members too, since Royal Caribbean will present every crew member on Quantum and Anthem of the Seas with a free, personal Microsoft tablet, with a suite of services and apps that is theirs to keep.  And as technology upgrades are made across the company’s fleet, every shipboard employee in the entire Royal Caribbean International fleet will also receive their own tablet – a total of 40,000 tablets.

6.    SMART Sustainability: Cleaner and greener

Technology has even played a part in making the ship more environmentally friendly.  Sophisticated computer modelling was used to reduce the vessel’s energy consumption with efficient hull configuration, engine design and energy saving devices.  The ship has eliminated the use of incandescent bulbs; all lighting will be provided by low-energy LED or fluorescents.  Motion sensors even dim hallway lighting when no one is present.

Stuart Leven, managing director, Royal Caribbean International, commented:

“Guests onboard our new Quantum class ships will be forgiven for thinking they’ve been transported to the future when they see first-hand all of the incredible technological advancements that have seamlessly been incorporated into the ship and the wider holiday experience.  The new technologies make things possible at sea that could never have been done before. The Robot bartenders, RFID luggage tracking devices and Roboscreens, among others, are complete game-changers for the industry and we’re confident that guests will be blown away when they step onboard.”

The Quantum-class ships, Quantum of the Seas and sister-ship Anthem of the Seas (debuting in Southampton, U.K. in April 2015), will introduce a new set of first-at-sea onboard experiences, such as Ripcord by iFLY, a heart-pounding skydiving experience; North Star, a thrilling adventure that transports guests more than 300 feet in the air on a breathtaking journey; cutting-edge transformative venues including SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line’s largest and most advanced staterooms ever.  Guests also will enjoy the new Quantum-class Dynamic Dining, a completely new culinary experience that offers a landscape of 18 restaurant concepts as vast and varied as dining in the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, including specialty restaurants created with partner-chefs Jamie Oliver, Devin Alexander and Michael Schwartz.

More information on Quantum class is available at www.RoyalCaribbean.com/QuantumoftheSeas.

Seychelles - A family trip to the Garden of Eden

The mere mention of the Seychelles conjures up images of sundrenched beaches with powder-soft-sand and turquoise blue water. It isn’t surprising that Irish brides Jennifer McGuire and Rosanna Davidson choose to enjoy their post nuptials on this delightful archipelago in the Indian Ocean. However, my husband and I are under no pretence that we are embarking on a second honeymoon, as we set off with our ten-year-old daughter, Nicole and teenage son, Mark to see what the Seychelles has to offer families. The kid’s first question – where is the Seychelles? One-thousand miles from Africa’s east coast and a couple of degrees south of the equator. Our mission as a family is to Island hop around four islands and get to meet some giant tortoises. The excitement mounts as I inform the kids that one of the islands we will be visiting is where the Thunderbirds movie was filmed.

We spend our first three nights on popular Beau Vallon Beach which is a good base to explore the Seychelles largest and most populated Island, Mahe. The five-star Savoy hotel boasts the largest swimming pool in the Seychelles, which ticks the boxes for the kids and the adjoining rooms mean privacy for parents! The kids get to fish and try their hands at kayaking but for the more adventurous diving and paragliding is also on offer.

The capital, Victoria, is only a few kilometres away and our first excursion en famille. Named after the British Queen who ruled over the islands in the nineteenth century it’s a thriving town, with high activity around the replica, silver Big Ben clock in the middle of the main street. “It’s a present from the British,” our guide Chris informs us. He’s kitted out in a Liverpool shirt and bonds instantly with my son who has found a kindred spirit. “You should see this place at carnival man...the whole town goes crazy.” Victoria plays host to a colourful carnival every year that rivals Rio. Twenty five countries took part in the festivities last year and it is ever growing. Next year it runs from 24^th – 26^th April and three days of fun filled action for all the family is guaranteed. Chris describes the beautiful girls from around the world wearing little more than feathers and my son already has plans to return someday. “...and we drive on the left side of the road too like the British.” The plug sockets are standard three pin as in the UK and Ireland so there’s no need for a continental adaptor.

First stop is Victoria Market – a bustling centre for all culinary delights. The kids watch aghast as a shark is portioned up at a fish stall. A variety of exotic fruits and foods are on offer and the trip is proving to be an education, even for the adults. The Seychelles is a matriarchal society, with women making up fifty percent of the government and children are adored and well catered for. The locals speak good English, but my son and I can make out a few words of the local Creole, which is a mixture of French and English.

A colourful Hindu temple catches Nicole’s eye as we leave the market. With her camera in hand, she excitedly captures the ceremony being performed by the holy men inside. Most of the Seychellois were converted to Catholicism after the erection of a mission, established by the British in the mid-nineteenth century. The lodge, on one of the islands highest points, is no longer standing but the remaining site is one of the best viewpoints on the island and Chris insists on taking us there – which doesn’t disappoint. A short drive down the hill brings us to Seychelles tea factory on Morne Blanc. Here the kids get to see the entire tea process from picking to blending and bagging in the factory.

After three days we embark on our first island hop. The journey to Praslin, the Seychelles second largest island, takes one hour on the high speed Cat Cocos catamaran. Home to the UNESCO heritage site of Vallée de Mai, the suggestion by some that Praslin is the location of the Biblical Garden of Eden comes as no surprise. This is the only place on the planet where the legendary Coco-de-Mer tree grows in abundance. The kids are quick to point out that the unusual shaped fruit bears a striking resemblance to certain private parts of the human anatomy. Praslin is paradise. Coconuts hang lushly from spindly palms and tiny orange birds, the red-headed forest fody, jump from perch to perch.  On arrival at our hotel, La Domaine de La Reserve, one of these little birds lands on our porch and sings a welcoming tune. It is this kind of interaction with nature that makes us feel instantly chilled. Nicole squeals with delight as a tiny bright-green-lizard, scurries up the wall of our porch.

La Reserve hotel has four special family rooms which are stylishly kitted out with prime views of the private coral beach. Three small steps outside our veranda and we are walking on the coral sand and picking up colourful shells from the turquoise water – a shoal of silver fish brush by our ankles. This hotel is set among unique conditions that are perfect for snorkelling in safety and privacy. Wifi is on offer around the hotel but with a huge swimming pool open all day and night the kids don’t have time for social networking. Night time is spent watching out for shooting stars outside our veranda. With a half board option of varied cuisine the kids love the food. Entertainment follows dinner each evening and our favourite is the Creole evening where the entire family go native and get involved in coconut shelling and traditional dancing. The hotel offers free bike hire and we set off for some wave jumping on Anse Lazio, on what is considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in the world. The south east monsoons make May to October the windiest months but it is also the least humid time of year and perfect for the kids.

After two nights on this paradise we set off early with Creole travel on an excursion to Curieuse Island. We are met by ranger Paul – a man who loves his job, and who can blame him. He is guardian of the 200 giant tortoises who roam this once leper colony. Since 1969 it has belonged to the animals and he takes us on a trail of the mangroves and hills from one side of the Island to the doctor’s house on the other side. On route we feast on husks of coconut and berry, while hermit crabs and giant millipedes cross our path. “I made a good crab curry with a fellow like this last night,” Paul beams. We can tell that it was delicious by his description. The already digested bodammier fruit however does not appeal. The giant tortoises feast on this small purple fruit when it falls from the trees but the centre nut is left intact and apparently delicious. However, even the kids are satisfied just to take Paul’s word for it and not tempted to taste when he rips it from the tortoise pooh!

The catamaran anchors for a delicious Creole BBQ and some snorkelling before leaving us off on La Digue. At the end of an exhilarating day we have arrived on our fourth island. The rock formations on La Digue are famous. Pale pink and ochre granite forms, they rest along the crystal shoreline and look like Dali himself sculpted them for our personal pleasure.

Breadfruit hangs on every road verge, ripe for the taking – a versatile fruit that can be compared to our own potato. The breadfruit proves a big hit with Nicole. It can be chipped, boiled, fried, eaten as salad or dessert and lies scattered on the ground. Legend has it that if you eat the breadfruit you will return to the Seychelles – needless to say we schoffed bags of the crunchy fruit that are bought for 60cents each and taste like an exotic crisp. We stay in a small but exquisite family run guest house on this island that is only 5 km long and easily walked around in less than a day. The Cabanas des Anges guest house has a small swimming pool but our crew love the fact that it is right outside our veranda.

The fairy terns dive and swoon in pairs around the clear blue skies – as much a symbol of love as nature can provide. We lose ourselves in this primitive paradise where the locals commute on foot or by bicycle. The alternate mode of taxi is ox and cart and possibly the slowest but most fun way to get around the island. 

We explore the famous Anse Source d’Argent beach and wonder how so many beautiful beaches can be on such a small island. Anse Source d’Argent is also the setting for those dreamy adverts for the Bounty Bar that pop up on our TV on cold winter nights. It’s easy to find a spot to ourselves and suddenly we are the Swiss Family Robinson.  While Nicole and her brother play x’s and o’s on the sand with a piece of driftwood, hubby and I kick back on the sand and pretend we are on a second honeymoon.
The Seychelles is an incredible destination and worth paying that bit extra to experience something truly special for the whole family. With idyllic weather that doesn’t drop below 26* or rise above 33* every month is a perfect time of year to visit. We travelled through the night and with a convenient one stop commute to Dublin airport there were no complaints from the kids. On the cold winter nights the memories of our special time on the Seychelles will keep us warm and the Bounty Bar advert will undoubtedly bring a smile to our faces when it pops up on TV. 

Fact box

  

Seychelles Tourist Office for UK and Ireland

Tel: + 44 (0) 207 730 0700

www.seychelles.travel

Fly to the Seychelles with www.emirates.com

Economy Class return fares, inclusive of all taxes and prices start from:
1. Adult - Euro 704
2. Adult and child aged between 2 - 11 Euro 1271 
These prices are currently available for autumn 2014 and April 2015. 

Creole Travel Services Seychelles

Creole Travel Services can facilitate all aspects of a holiday to Seychelles, from hotel reservations to flights and excursions bookings.

It ensures that clients experiences the true essence of Seychelles through its excursions which operate from Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. You can choose from a selected range of excursions, whether it is romance, adventure or family fun. Or you can even tailor your experience to your own desire.

Oooooklahoma a trip with my Dad!

I have had a wonderful summer so far travelling to new places and I've started to write a new book! I'm behind on my blogging but look out for a feature coming soon in the Irish Mail on Sunday about my time spent in Oklahoma in June. I visited the Red Earth Festival, which is one of the biggest Pow Wows in the country, while I was there.

My dad at Red Earth with some new Indian friends

Chisholm Trail Lookout Point

We started off with a stay at a ranch and fitted in a lot more - I will be posting the article soon but here are some photographs of this amazing state and all that it has to offer.

Trolley ride to feed the cattle

Riding the Range at Island Guest Ranch

My father got very attached to his horse

Ponca city Pioneer woman statue

We ended up in Jail at the western museum in Enid

Then we went south to chickasaw country and made friends with our guide Fran who told us all about her nation.

Then we bought mountain pies at the foot of the Arbuckle mountain range, had time to buy antiques in Commanche, a hat in Stockyard City and finished off with a baseball game in Oklahoma city!

famous fried pies

Commanche

Stockyard city

Chickasaw Baseball Park

Oklahoma is also the state with the largest stretch of Route 66 still in tact and there are plenty of museums and famous sights to see along the way - including the museum of the West where I almost lost Dad!

Ann's Chicken Fry House on Route 66

Spot the real John Wayne

It was such a wonderful trip and I'd recommend to bring anyone who's a fan all things cowboy and Indian!

For more information about Oklahoma see www.travelksok.co.uk/

American Girls take a bite of the Big Apple!

New York has to be the perfect city for a girlie weekend. So, when my daughter Nicole, recently turned double digits, we set off for three nights to celebrate. We took a United Airlines direct-flight from Dublin to Newark and treated ourselves to some extra leg space for $60. With personalised entertainment systems, I was able to catch up on all the latest movies – from Wolf of Wall Street to American Hustle, while Nicole enjoyed Disney’s Frozen and other kids’ classics. The airplane journey was an adventure in itself, and I wasn’t asked once, “Are we there yet?” As we descended over Mahattan and the Statue of Liberty came into view Nicole gasped, “It’s tiny Mum!”

Nicole couldn’t wait to visit the American Girl store on Fifth Avenue. So, after dropping our bags in the Radisson Martinique Hotel, we set off to see what damage we could do with my credit card. The American Girl brand is a subsidiary of the Mattel group and its products reflect a variety of historical American Girls. With 60 personalised faces to choose from, your daughter can have her very own 18” doll that looks just like her. Dolls retail at $110 but you need to spend a lot more on accessories to have your daughter and doll co-ordinating. We were shown around by our personal shopper, Anne from Kentucky, who discreetly asked what our budget was. This was a good thing, as it would be very easy for a mother to lose the run of herself in a store that has everything her little girl desires. We decided to treat Nicole’s doll to a hairdo and ear piercing. Then the doll got a new outfit and a pet dog. We were meeting our friends for dinner, and booked into the American Girl Cafe on the third floor, for the ultimate finale to our shopping experience. Nicole’s doll got her own high-chair, and the food was delicious and reasonably priced – at $26 pp for three-courses.

Dinner at the American Girl Cafe

After dinner we took a stroll around the Rockefeller ice-rink, where there was an exhibition of decorated-giant eggs on display. We walked back to our hotel via the bright lights of Times Square, and took a photo of The Real Naked Cowboy. With our biological clocks on Irish Time, we were relieved that our hotel was located conveniently on 32^nd street and Broadway. Our room was on the top floor and large by New York standards. The Radisson Martinique is an historic hotel and the decor preserves the spirit of Beaux Arts perfectly.

Next morning the Buffet Breakfast was served in the Cafe Martinique, which whisked us to turn-of-the-twentieth-century Paris. Nicole devoured pancakes and syrup with hot chocolate, while I enjoyed a huge selection of fresh fruits, eggs and bacon. Our hotel was only two-blocks away from the Empire State Building. So, with city passes in hand, and an 8.15 start, we skipped the first line and didn’t have to wait long before we were ascending in the elevator to the 80^th floor. We had a great view of the city and the Freedom Tower, which is now the tallest building in Manhattan.

A City Pass is a must buy if you want to visit the major sights and museums. Macy’s is only around the corner from the Empire State and a must see. Here, Nicole had her eyes made-up with sparkly lilac shadow, because we had a very important treat that afternoon. Mamma Mia is in its twelfth year in the Broadhurst Theatre, on Broadway, and we had tickets for the matinee presentation. It is one of Nicole’s favourite movies, so I wasn’t sure how she was going to feel about seeing it on stage. I needn’t have worried, as she was enthralled from start to finish – apart from the embarrassing moment when I got up to dance. But as the rest of the audience were bopping in the aisles, Nicole decided she should get involved too.

Next day, our friends took us on a magical drive over the Queensboro Bridge to Astoria, to check out the Museum of the Moving Image. This suburb, in Queens, is where big screen history really began. The museum holds some of the most notable memorabilia from the movies and has plenty of interactive exhibits for kids. Nicole had fun doing a voiceover on the Wizard of Oz and making her own flick book movie. She got to see models of Yoda, Chewbacca and The Elephant Man. Afterwards we strolled down Steinway Street and enjoyed the cafe life of this booming suburb. As the Herald Square subway ran directly under our hotel, we had a quick train ride home that night. The boroughs have a lot to offer with trendy bars and boutique shops so it is worth stepping off Manhattan to explore them.

It was our last day and we had some important shops to visit. The FAO Schwarz toy store has to be every child’s dream. Nicole’s eyes were certainly bigger than her belly, as she sped around the Big Candy Store on the ground floor, collecting Wonka sweets and Gummy Bears.

The stretch down Fifth Avenue took us to more shopping heaven, but we needed our wits about us before tackling Hollister, and Abercrombie and Fitch. We queued for ten minutes, night-club-style, before gaining entry to the stores. Then I couldn’t make out the price tags, or hear myself think over the blaring music and scantily clad assistants – perhaps this was a clever ploy to distract and part of the brands success. 

We had more fun in The Juicy Couture store, where everything was on 40% sale, before lunching in the Museum of Modern Art. Although Nicole loves art, I wasn’t sure how a culture blast would fit in with our agenda on this trip. Once in the museum she grabbed my camera and happily snapped her way around the Picasso’s, Van Gogh’s, Monet’s et al. She even had the energy afterwards to take a trip on the circle line cruise, and delighted in the fact that the Statue of Liberty was a good deal taller than her brother.

With a second daily-flight now available from Newark to Dublin on United Airlines, it is possible to fly home at 10pm and really make the most of your last day. We left New York with a suitcase full of shopping and a bagful of precious memories. It may be extravagant to take a ten-year-old here, but it has to be the stuff that dreams are made of.

To read this article on the Sunday World website click here sundayworld.com

FACTBOX

Website for the Hotel Radisson Martinique is www.themartinique.com,

Facebook page is facebook.com/themartinique.com.
Rates vary seasonally, from $285.00.

United Airlines offers a nonstop service from Dublin, Shannon and Belfast to New York-Newark Liberty International Airport. A second daily nonstop service from Dublin to New York/Newark will operate from June 6 to Aug 19th, 2014. Flights are operated by Boeing 757-200 aircraft featuring 169 seats – 16 flat-bed seats in United BusinessFirst® and 153 in United Economy®, including 45 Economy Plus® seats with added legroom and increased personal space. Visit www.united.com or call 1890 925 252 

NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organisation for the City of New York. For all there is to do and see in New York City, visit nycgo.com or call the Irish office in Dublin on +353 1 6319604.

City Pass available from http://www.citypass.com/new-york Prices from $109 per adult & $82 per child

Mamma Mia tickets can be purchased via the nycgo.com website @ http://www.nycgo.com/events/mamma-mia Tickets from $124 per person

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.