Forest bathing has become a phenomenon of late in our nature-starved, hectic modern lives. Inspired by the Japanese relaxation practice of shinrin-yoku, the process of spending mindful time in the woods has been shown to boost the immune system, lower blood pressure and stimulate better sleep. A couple of hours breathing in the phytoncides that trees use to protect themselves against diseases and insects is believed to be a great boost for mental.
A stay at the Adare Manor, with its 340 hectares of Irish woodlands, gives little excuse not to luxuriate in a spot of forest bathing. In fact, some of the treatments at The Spa at Adare Manor – named No 1 Resort in the World by readers of Conde Nast Traveller in 2022 – finish with a “mindfulness walk” through the surrounding sylvanscapes.
There’s an arboreal theme to the treatments at Adare Manor’s spa too. Its philosophy is inspired by the “tree magic” of the ancient Ogham druidic alphabet, where each symbol corresponds to a specific tree. Aiming to channel this Celtic spellcraft, the spa’s wellbeing offerings are split into Willow, Oak, Ash and Birch (representing harmony, balance, renewal and rebirth respectively), all of them healing frazzled synapses.
The Spa at Adare Manor uses 111Skin products beloved of celebrities including Victoria Beckham, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Aniston and Sienna Miller. It’s the only spa in Ireland exclusively partnering with the scientifically formulated Harley Street brand.
The signature 90-minute Rose Quartz Restorative Facial, for example, uses 111Skin hydration potions as part of its three-level approach: a bespoke facial message, followed by a “wrinkle-busting” wand treatment, then a rose quartz stone massage. The effect? A cheekbone-lifting, contour-defining pacifier that leaves spa visitors glowing inside and out. After their sessions, guests are given a cup of tea and a wedge of chocolate cake, which puts the “treat” into treatment.
The Spa at Adare Manor also has a gorgeous relaxation area, manicure and pedicure salon, sauna, hair boutique, fitness centre and an indoor pool (for bathing of the non-forest kind) where swimmers are treated to fairytale-like views of the woods and picturesque River Maigue.
In 2027, Adare Manor’s golf course will host the Ryder Cup. The golfers better be careful – if they spend too much time inhaling the resort’s magical Celtic forest air (or, heaven forbid, paying a visit to its tranquilising balm of a spa), they could find themselves too relaxed to hit a ball.
Lysanne Currie is editor in chief of Meet the Leader. She also writes for Robb Report, Diplomat, Guardian, Influence, Tempus and Investor
