Aislinn Coffey travels to the five-star spa at Fota Island resort, just outside Cork city …
The five-star spa is a big draw at Fota Island resort, just 15km outside Cork city. The Art of Massage (€180; 70 minutes) features an exceptional full-body massage with senior therapist, Aleksandra, who massages back, legs and arms to the rhythm of music by contemporary Italian composer and pianist Ludovico Einaudi. Usually, the sound element of a spa treatment is overlooked or irrelevant – here it’s central.
The rhythmic movement of the therapist’s strokes was hypnotic, delivering next-level relaxation. The massage addressed stressed and sore muscles using Ground Beo uplifting oil (a grapefruit, coriander seed, sweet almond and calendula blend created by Cork native Peigín Crowley). This is a sensory escape that is ideal for those who find it difficult to decompress: I emerged totally zen and refreshed to further unwind in the relaxation room, mesmerised by the beautiful forest view through floor-to-ceiling windows. www.fotaisland.ie
