St. Patrick’s weekend is approaching, but where to escape the plastic parties and enjoy the craic in style? Luxury Travel writer Mark Southern discovered Ireland’s best St. Patrick’s getaway, along with the best places to enjoy the Irish spirit without novelty hats and cheap Guinness.
Inish Turk Beg, Clew Bay, Ireland
For the complete authentic experience, steer clear of crowded Dublin and instead head for something a little more different at Inish Turk Beg, a private island in Clew Bay, off the West Coast of Ireland.
Home to award-winning accommodation, spectacular scenery, free-spirited adventure and fine artisan produce, the remote island is accessible by helicopter from Knock Airport.
You should stay in the uber modern Reek Cottage and enjoy the stunning vista across the ocean, before sampling the limited edition single-malt cultivated on the island, and relaxing whilst some of Ireland’s finest chefs knock you up the special of the day from the fish the locals catch daily.
It’s not all relaxation though, and you’ll need a change of clothes as you’ll be enjoying the water-sports, fishing and horse riding.
It’s real Ireland. And not an inflatable Guinness hat in sight…
Ten Manchester Street, London
Hidden in a discreet corner of Marylebone, the chic boutique hotel, Ten Manchester Street is a perfect London bolthole away from the stresses of City life.
Book the plush Grand Suite for the weekend and relax into the bespoke Christopher Guy designed lounge, before dining in the excellent hotel restaurant.
Only minutes from the bustle of the West End, the hotel’s real gem comes from enjoying a hand rolled Cuban cigar and Irish coffee in the coolest cigar lounge in town.
The Chocolate Boutique Hotel
An unassuming Dorset exterior hides one of the UK’s most unique hotels, The Chocolate Boutique Hotel, where you’re encouraged to fully embrace your chocoholism.
Book the Chocolate Truffle Suite and marvel at the chocolate fountain waiting for you in your room, before gorging yourself on the home-made chocolate treats hidden around your suite.
Finally, when you can no longer gaze on another sweet treat, head downstairs into the contemporary cocktail bar and enjoy a Chocmeister Chocktail, with an added shot of Irish whiskey.
thechocolateboutiquehotel.co.uk
The Landmark Hotel, London
A genuine gem in London’s luxury spa offerings, The Landmark Hotel will indulge you with world-class treatments, and refresh your mind, body and soul.
Check into the Presidential Suite, and enjoy the five star opulence of your own luxury home-from-home in the Capital.
Take a dip in the decadent double bathtub before heading down for a late morning VOYA spa treatment, where some of London’s finest therapists will wrap you in Irish seaweed leaves enriched with super-ingredient bio-actives, leaving you feeling fresher than if you’d kissed the Blarney Stone.
Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill Followed By The Four Seasons Park Lane, London
As sexy and chic a restaurant as you’ll find within walking distance of Picadilly Circus, Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill offers an authentic Irish twist on the classic seafood dish.
Presided over by multi-award winning Dublin chef, Richard Corrigan, Bentley’s sumptuous décor and seductive ambience will give you the St Patrick’s night of your life. Order the dozen oysters and share with a special someone over an Irish stout.
Get a cab back to the Four Seasons on Park Lane, and find out if those famed aphrodisiac properties are true.
bentleys.org & fourseasons.com
