Random title with 2 main subjects that are miles away from each other, I know, but you never know what you'll get with me! You'll be pleased to know no donkeys were dolled up in the making of this blog post.
In February, for her birthday, my mum got invited by the lovely people at Cromleach Lodge to try out their spa for a pamper afternoon. They also told me I could come along so I was delighted I could feature it in my blog. I've never been to Cromleach Lodge before but I've only heard good things about it so I was eagerly anticipating the afternoon. As I didn't have the best end to the week it came at an opportune time - there's nothing like a spa day to take your mind off things!
We had a little bit of time to kill before our appointments so we headed to the Sathya Sai donkey sanctuary, bags of carrots and gingernuts in tow. Sue, the lady who runs the sanctuary, told us all about the donkeys. It's a bit like a retirement home for donkeys who have been abused, injured or who are just getting on a bit. She has 53 donkeys in total - I don't know how she remembers all their names, I can barely even remember mine some days! We gave the donkeys plenty of carrots and gingernuts and then headed on our way to Cromleach Lodge, a short drive from the sanctuary.
As we drove up I was in awe. We could see the hotel from the road (as well as some stunning scenery) and it looked absolutely beautiful, especially as the sun came out in full force that day. After a quick snoop around the hotel we headed to the Ciunas (which means 'quiet' in Irish) spa to robe up. We were led to a gorgeous relaxation room to have a quick bite to eat before our treatments as we were starving and the half a KitKat each we'd had on the drive over didn't suffice. We admired the mountain views as we sipped our teas (I've become quite partial to green tea, even though it does taste a bit like the ground) and nibbled at homemade biscuits. I chose a tomato and mozzarella ciabatta and mum went for a ham, cheese and onion toastie. The sandwiches were very tasty and came with a small side salad that had the most delicious dressing - I must find out what it was!
When we were fed and watered we were shown the steam room, sauna, and - the most exciting bit - the outdoor hot tub. Of course we headed straight for the hot tub! It was so relaxing sitting outside savouring the amazing scenery and soaking up the sunshine. The only thing was because of the breeze I did get quite chilly but I am a naturally cold person! There was also no step inside the hot tub so I nearly went flying in, graceful as ever. Apologies to the other people in the hot tub, they probably got an eyeful and were probably blinded by my milk bottle legs glinting in the sunshine.
After sampling the steam room (with added colour changing fairy lights) and sauna it was time for our treatments. I chose the mini makeover (not the facial for once!) and mum decided on the hydrotherapy bath as she loves that sort of thing. We parted ways and my lovely makeup artist started to work her magic. I believe her name was Natasha (I could be wrong, you know how bad I am with names) and she was lovely and friendly. Kudos to her for putting up with me squirming when she did my eyeliner - you don't know fear until someone else is poking at your eye! I was also delighted with how natural the makeup looked, I was a bit worried they wouldn't be able to match a foundation to me but she was very thorough and talented and I actually looked half human at the end ;-)
The finished look! P.S my best friend Bethany did the ombré in my hair. She's a trainee hairdresser and she's brilliant! If you live in Sligo check out the MSLETB training centre in Ballytivnan, where she trains, and you can get your hair done there without the hefty salon prices.
I was so relaxed by the time we'd finished I nearly fell asleep on the way home! Unfortunately then it was back to reality and dinner needed to be cooked but I was so relaxed I didn't mind so much. Next time I go I'll have to try a seaweed bath. They overlook all the views you can see from the hot tub.
If you're after a pampering day, a weekend away or just a bite to eat - I hear their restaurant is incredible - definitely pay a visit to Cromleach Lodge. Just don't drive afterwards or you may fall asleep!
Thanks a million to all at Cromleach Lodge for a fabulous day. Have a look at their website here for more information.
We had a little bit of time to kill before our appointments so we headed to the Sathya Sai donkey sanctuary, bags of carrots and gingernuts in tow. Sue, the lady who runs the sanctuary, told us all about the donkeys. It's a bit like a retirement home for donkeys who have been abused, injured or who are just getting on a bit. She has 53 donkeys in total - I don't know how she remembers all their names, I can barely even remember mine some days! We gave the donkeys plenty of carrots and gingernuts and then headed on our way to Cromleach Lodge, a short drive from the sanctuary.
This Shetland pony has better hair than I do.
As we drove up I was in awe. We could see the hotel from the road (as well as some stunning scenery) and it looked absolutely beautiful, especially as the sun came out in full force that day. After a quick snoop around the hotel we headed to the Ciunas (which means 'quiet' in Irish) spa to robe up. We were led to a gorgeous relaxation room to have a quick bite to eat before our treatments as we were starving and the half a KitKat each we'd had on the drive over didn't suffice. We admired the mountain views as we sipped our teas (I've become quite partial to green tea, even though it does taste a bit like the ground) and nibbled at homemade biscuits. I chose a tomato and mozzarella ciabatta and mum went for a ham, cheese and onion toastie. The sandwiches were very tasty and came with a small side salad that had the most delicious dressing - I must find out what it was!
When we were fed and watered we were shown the steam room, sauna, and - the most exciting bit - the outdoor hot tub. Of course we headed straight for the hot tub! It was so relaxing sitting outside savouring the amazing scenery and soaking up the sunshine. The only thing was because of the breeze I did get quite chilly but I am a naturally cold person! There was also no step inside the hot tub so I nearly went flying in, graceful as ever. Apologies to the other people in the hot tub, they probably got an eyeful and were probably blinded by my milk bottle legs glinting in the sunshine.
After sampling the steam room (with added colour changing fairy lights) and sauna it was time for our treatments. I chose the mini makeover (not the facial for once!) and mum decided on the hydrotherapy bath as she loves that sort of thing. We parted ways and my lovely makeup artist started to work her magic. I believe her name was Natasha (I could be wrong, you know how bad I am with names) and she was lovely and friendly. Kudos to her for putting up with me squirming when she did my eyeliner - you don't know fear until someone else is poking at your eye! I was also delighted with how natural the makeup looked, I was a bit worried they wouldn't be able to match a foundation to me but she was very thorough and talented and I actually looked half human at the end ;-)
The finished look! P.S my best friend Bethany did the ombré in my hair. She's a trainee hairdresser and she's brilliant! If you live in Sligo check out the MSLETB training centre in Ballytivnan, where she trains, and you can get your hair done there without the hefty salon prices.
I was so relaxed by the time we'd finished I nearly fell asleep on the way home! Unfortunately then it was back to reality and dinner needed to be cooked but I was so relaxed I didn't mind so much. Next time I go I'll have to try a seaweed bath. They overlook all the views you can see from the hot tub.
If you're after a pampering day, a weekend away or just a bite to eat - I hear their restaurant is incredible - definitely pay a visit to Cromleach Lodge. Just don't drive afterwards or you may fall asleep!
Thanks a million to all at Cromleach Lodge for a fabulous day. Have a look at their website here for more information.
Nice review, I heard great things about the place.
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