For my mother’s birthday, my sister and I treated her to a stay at Monart Spa in Co.Wexford, Ireland. The plan was to have a relaxing break away. We got to leve our own children at home, but treated our mother to a night with hers. Well, her daughters at least. With me living in a different country, we rarely get the chance to do things together, so we wanted to make a real occasion of it. Huge thanks to my sister for chosing the location!
I had heard a lot about Monart and, incredibly, it had all been good. All fantastic in fact. Whenever I mentioned I was going, the faces of those who had been lit up and they they told me I would love it. They were not wrong.
From the moment we arrived at the beautiful Georgian house, I was mesmerised by the place. The staff were thoughtful, helpful and very welcoming. The treatments and spa area were the most relaxing I have ever encountered. But what really struck me was the surroundings and I found myself snapping photos and gathering house ideas throughout our stay. Everything was done perfectly from the food to the decor to the gardens. It was a delight to stay there.
Light, whether natural or artifical, is so important in a room and I picked up some excellent inspiration on this front at Monart. The spa itself is built behind the original house, which dates to 1740. They are connected by a short glass corridor, pictured above.
The modern build which houses the spa, restaurant and bedrooms is an amazing piece of work. Floor to ceiling glass lets the foyer get flooded in light and provides beautiful views of the pond and gardens beyond. It is hard to believe you ater indoors, sitting here and checking in.
The staircase from here to the gallery above seems to float gracefully while the bare, pale wood of the tree adds to the feeling of being outdoors.
The bedrooms all have natural light in abundance too, with glass fronts facing out to the gardens. The beside lighting is warm and reflects nicely off the white headboard.
The garden viewed through afternoon tea my wonderful brother surprised us with.
The room that blew me away though was the drawing room of the old house. From growing up in a thick-walled old stone house in Ireland, I know all too well about dark rooms and how difficult it can be to create bright, warm spaces in them. That is why the drawing room here amazed me. It is large but made cosy and bright, despite the use of grey and black decor.
This beautiful gold and charcoal wallpaper in combination with the stunning metallic-look mirror and white marble fireplace reflect a lot of light into the room and make for a warm, cosy feel, even without a fire burning.
White woodwork (doors, skirting boards, window frames and shutters) contrast beautifully with the dark furniture and carpet while sculptures of hounds and horses liven up the room.
The yellow trim and buttons on the grey velvet sofa and cushions add a modern touch and team well with the wallpaper.
After two days and one night, I left Monart relaxed, in a fabulous mood and with tons of ideas for our own large living room beginning to sprout in my mind.
Wow…..just wow! So pretty.
Wow…..just wow! So pretty.
Wow…..just wow! So pretty.
Wow…..just wow! So pretty.
Wow…..just wow! So pretty.
Wow…..just wow! So pretty.
Wow…..just wow! So pretty.
Wow…..just wow! So pretty.
Wow…..just wow! So pretty.
Wow…..just wow! So pretty.
Oh I love Georgian Architecture, that whole period oozes so much charm and style. The afternoon tea looks delicious. What a great thing for you and your sister to do, I bet your mum was delighted xx
I know! I was in heaven.
Dosen't it? I really like Georgian houses too.
The afternoon tea was a brilliant surprise. All in all we had a fantastic time. It is a marvellous spa.
Ohmygod. I want to live there. It totally ticks all the boxes for me — Georgian architecture is my absolute fave. The symmetry, the space. The beautiful cornicing, firelplaces, shutters… aaah I'd be in interiors heaven there. Love the modern additions too — the glass and that beautiful grey sofa with pops of yellow. Yes please. I'd like it all!! Thanks so much for linking up with us — hope to see you next time 🙂 #HomeEtc PS — hope your little one is better now xx
Caro | http://www.thetwinklediaries.co.uk
Oh Caro if you ever get the chance to go there, GO! It is amazing. Quite apart from the treatments and spa area, it is just so beautifully done.
Aw, thanks for checking in about the little fella. He is much improved. x
WOW! Stunning and just beautiful. Love the character and the features. Want to go!!!!!!! Jess xx And thanks for linking up, appreciate it!
#HomeEtc
Isn't it fab? I will definitely be going again. How can you not relax in those surroundings. Plus they have a no child policy. Another relaxation bonus 😉