The Merrion Health Club and Spa in Dublin is delightful urban day spa that has everything you need for a weekend city spa break. Recently refurbished and rebranded, the health club really punches above its weight and is a welcome addition to the elegant hotel in the centre of Dublin.
The hotel, part of the Leading Hotels of the World oozes old world charm without being cliched or stuffy. Every single member of the staff I met was warm and friendly and genuinely wanted to help, assist or have a chat. The National Gallery and The Natural History Museum are just a few minutes’ walk as are the main shopping streets and Brown Thomas department store. The hotel’s design is classic and understated. Its contemporary take on traditional design give it a flavour of the past without being chintzy or old fashioned. There are two restaurants, The Garden Room (which also serves breakfast) and the Michelin star Patrick Guilbaud.
THE MERRION HEALTH CLUB AND SPA
The Merrion Health Club and Spa is small yet perfectly formed with a thermal and wet area that really delivers. The 18-metre pool is long enough to do laps, there’s a good sized steam room and compact sauna (really only for 2, maybe 3 people). But put these together and you have a mini spa journey that will soothe aching and tired muscles in an instant.
There’s a seating lounge looking over the pool adjacent to the gym and physiotherapist room and a vitality bar serving protein snacks and healthy juices (check out the Mean Greens with apple, cucumber, avocado, lime, mint and spinach). The Club is also home to a new salon operated by award winning hairdresser, Ciaran Nevin, and physiotherapy services from Milltown Physiotherapy and Personal Training is also available. The aesthetic is easy on the eye, calming and soothing. Neutral paint colours, soft Irish fabrics and delicate lighting in the space have been designed by Georgian interiors expert Alice Roden, whose work is seen throughout The Merrion. I particularly loved Lindsay Sekulowicz’s drawings in the relaxation room, created with 23.5 carat gold.
The six treatment rooms at The Merrion Health Club and Spa are modern and spacious offering the best of ESPA and Biologique Recherche treatments on the menu. It’s here where the magic really happens.
THE TREATMENTS
The ESPA Massage was excellent – combining deep tissue muscle release, stretching and heady essential oils. It soothed the soul and offered deep and true relaxation.
Next up was the Biologique Recherche Facial. A thorough consultation and quick skin analysis determined that I needed a Skin Soin Facial. What followed was pure heaven. It was one of the most relaxing facials I have every experienced. Using light touch massage and manipulation techniques interspersed with cool compresses, the skin is cleansed, then exfoliated using the brand’s unique P50 exfoliant. A series of masks, serums and hydrators then got to work deep within the layers of my skin. I drifted in and out of sleep to awake finding my skin less red, more hydrated and looking healthy and alive again.
Post treatment you are offered a delicious kiwi and avocado smoothie alongside a lime sorbet in the deep relax room. I lazed here for half an hour then headed back to the pool area (for a few more selfies). I used the gym which features the latest Life Fitness equipment and it was a great work out. The Merrion Health Club and Spa is a day spa with a difference. You could enjoy the space for a few hours, but this isn’t necessarily a full day spa experience. With a couple of treatments, use of the gym and the wet area, it would be a great half day wellness adventure. It surpassed my expectations.
THE BEST BITS
The quality of the treatments was exceptional
Enjoying a full Irish cooked breakfast post workout
A leisurely swim in the pool
The warm and friendly staff in the spa and throughout the hotel
The unexpected surprise of the post-treatment sorbet and smoothie
Spacious changing rooms with large lockers – greatly appreciated
ROOM TO IMPROVE
Space is an issue at times and there are only three loungers by the pool squeezed against the wall.
I found the music in the relax room was too loud
The gym equipment is crammed in a bit tight – not heaps of space to move freely
THE DETAILS
Accommodation
From €310 per room per night based on two sharing with a full Irish breakfast.
For a night in the Junior Suite at The Merrion prices from €1015 per night, based on double occupancy
Health Club and Spa
Biologique Recherche Soin Lissant Facial – €159 for 85 mins
ESPA Deep Tissue Massage – €115 for 55 mins
To Book call the Spa team on +353 1 603 0759 / +353 1 603 0600, email thespa@merrionhotel.com or book online at www.merrionhotel.com
