Powerscourt Estate, Dublin: Wellness Retreat In The Garden Of Ireland - Updated 2024

Steeped in history, a former castle

This is no ordinary hotel because it is situated on an estate of 1,000 acres/404 hectares that comes with wonderful history. Formerly a castle in the 13th century, the original building was owned by the la Poer family (a Norman family from France). When the territory fell back into Irish hand (hence it’s called Power in English), the viscount commissioned Richard Cassels, one of the greatest architects in Ireland in the18th century, to design a grand house on the remnant of the castle. Fire destroyed the building in 1974, which led to a renovation in 1996. While the Slazenger family still maintains custodian of the estate, the hotel is owned and managed separately by the Marriott chain under an independent Autograph Collection, representing a luxury and lifestyle hotel. Presenting guests with a massive hotel compound, the grandeur of the crescent shaped 7-storey Palladian building is topped off with a big hall in Georgian design, with high ceilings, comfy sofas and fresh flowers.

Spacious room with a luxurious look and feel

There are 194 rooms in the resort with plush pillows and a feather-bed waiting for you. Because of its spaciousness, there is no sense of a crowded feeling. The Garden View Suites at 731 sq ft/66 sq m and consists of 6 different areas: a wardrobe room with cabinets and a built-in; a king-size bedroom with a TV; a seating area with a TV, sofas and study desk; a room with a bathtub and 2 separate vanities with a recessed TV; a rainforest shower with mirror built in the wall; and a separate WC with black and white elegant wallpaper.

Best of nature and a top garden

Just a short walk from the resort is a 47 acre/19 hectare landscaped garden that resulted from a labour of love which took 20 years to complete. In 2014, the garden was voted No. 3 in the World’s Top 10 Gardens by National Geographic. Other beautiful gems within and near the estate are Dargle River and Ireland’s highest waterfall at 121 metres/398 feet. The scent of woods and conifers lingers in the ancient woodland.

Recalibrate your body, mind and soul

The spa is guaranteed to be the highlight of your stay. Excellent natural skincare products by Espa, a UK brand, are used and you are taken care of by outstanding service. You will enjoy the facial — what is noteworthy about it is a cold crystal is applied on skin to stimulate blood flow. Access to calm Serenity Room and the Thermal Suites with any booked treatment are added bonuses. There is the Espa Café that serves health-oriented breakfast and lunch during your spa retreat. You can then relaxed under dim Swarovski crystal lights by the 20 metres/65 feet indoor pool, state-of-the-art steam room and hot tub facilities. The Fitness Suite is a good size and is bathed in morning light with a superb view of Sugar Loaf Mountain. There is a good range of classes offered such as yoga, body combat, spin class and circuit training.

From fine dining to afternoon tea

There are 3 options in the resort: 1. Sika Restaurant (once a Gordon Ramsay restaurant under the previous hotel chain), named after Japanese deer introduced to the estate in 1860 — for dining 2. The Sugar Loaf Lounge, for afternoon tea or light meal that is famous among locals. 3. McGills for a pint in traditional Irish pub.

For guests, the 24 hour in room dining is convenient and accommodates all types of dietary requirements. Other options are at Powerscourt Golf Club Restaurant and Avoca Terrace Café within the estate.

Countless other activities to enrich your stay (from USD 265)

Other ways to explore the picturesque surrounding area include golf, hiking, horse-riding and cycling (they provide a map, which was very handy and you can utilised complimentary bikes at the concierge desk). Food lovers can take the opportunity to visit Ballyknocken House, home to one of Ireland’s best-known chefs, Catherine Fulvio. You can also visit Enniskerry, the former estate village, which can be organised as complimentary at any time.