Cloistering Ourselves at Muckross

One of the things Aphrodite and I like the most about doing beaut.ie is all the fab new stuff we get to try. Ok, lets not kid ourselves, it's absolutely 100% the fab new stuff we get to try. So when we were asked to come to the renowned Cloisters Spa at Muckross Park Hotel in lovely Killarney, we didn't have to think too hard about what our answer would be.

And boy, were we glad we said yes. The hotel is situated in one of the most scenic areas of the country, right beside the gorgeous lakes that have made Killarney world famous, and right beside the Ring of Kerry to boot. And the spa itself is no less picturesque - we actually both gasped as the ornate double doors leading into it from the hotel lobby opened and we walked into a calming, purple lit vestibule, scented with aromatic oils. Stone footprints on the floor beckoned us forward towards another set of double doors at the far end which opened as we approached, and we found ourselves in the reception area. The entrance absolutely set the tone for the rest of the spa, and it's one of the nicest I've been in.

I was taken on a tour by the therapist that did most of my treatments, a lovely Swedish girl called Osa. From the ladies changing room, we walked out to the vitality pool area, which contains innumerable jets and fancy shennanigans for massaging as well as two jacuzzis. Flanking the pool is the relaxation area and straight outside is a hot tub, where we spent a sizeable amount of time relaxing apres treatments. To the other side of the vitality pool are a whole slew of other facilities in the Thermal Suite like a steam room, heated lounger area, aromatic sauna, foot spa, ice showers and a salt grotto.

All those facilities can be used after your treatments, and on that note, I was taken off to have my first one in one of the twelve rooms available. Decor is subtle and calming, using a lot of natural materials like limestone and wood and the rooms are well lit and warm, perfect for pampering.

Firstly I had a Lomi massage, which is a Haiwaiian treatment that's unique to the Cloisters. This is a fabulously relaxing massage which uses a lot of long, smooth movements, and concentrates on the legs and back. I found myself drifting off - always a good sign. I felt smooth and supple afterwards, and more than ready for my Ella Bache facial.

You'll have to wait for the next installment of my Cloisters journey to find out about their fab facials - but it'll be worth it, I promise!