Ever since I heard the ads on the radio, I’ve wanted to stay at Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa.
It’s a 4-star hotel that is off the beaten track and overlooks a beautiful beach, yet is also only seven minutes drive from the charming town of Clonakilty.
What could be better that that? Not much as it turns out.
My husband and I arrived late on Friday night to a warm welcome at reception and an even cosier welcome in our room, complete with private balcony with an ocean view and some delicious goodies laid out in a shell-shaped dish. The ocean theme was strong and I was into it.
After a glorious night’s sleep in the spacious bed with excellent pillows (this is a big thing for me), I was up early to do the activity I was most excited about – yoga on the beach at 8.45am.
The thing is, I’m not actually a yoga person. I’ve taken a few classes here and there but it’s been years since I did an actual class. But there was something about getting to stretch and meditate on the beach that I knew would be be something special. And this one, by Deborah O’Connell did not disappoint. I don’t know if it was the stunning location, the sound of the waves gently hugging the shore or the unrushed, almost tranquil approach she took to guiding us through the poses, but it was pure magic and made me want to sign up for regular classes immediately.
Feeling deliciously relaxed, I made my way to the Gulfstream Restaurant for breakfast where an impressive buffet laden with fruit, pastries, seeds, meats, juices, yoghurts, gluten-free options, a pancake station and cereal greeted me. As if that wasn’t enough, a veritable feast was also available to order from the menu. I went for the Eggs Royal with Ummera Smoked Salmon and Baby Leaf Spinach and was thrilled with my choice when it arrived at the table.
You can’t go to Inchydoney and not go for a walk on the wide, sandy beach, beloved by locals and tourists alike. It’s a fantastic spot for a spot of swimming, surfing or tiring out your dog for the day!
After having lunch in Clonakilty, we returned to the hotel to relax, read and prepare for the next stage of our trip – the treatments. Snugly ensconced in our bathrobes, we made our way to the Island Spa where we enjoyed a Seawater Bath and Classical Algae Wrap. Roughly twenty minutes each, I remember feeling extremely present in each of the treatments. Bathing in a darkened room, lit only by shimmering lights inside the bath and the glow of candlelight, I ruminated on how much of my daily life is dominated by the glare of an altogether harsher form of light – the screens of phones, laptops or TVs. It was a welcome break from that grind and I found myself reflecting on those thoughts again as I enjoyed some time in the relaxation area, before going to the pool, sauna and steam room.
The food in Inchydoney is something really very special. There is a strong history and culture of great food production locally in West Cork – in fact, over 60% of Irish artisan producers are located in the area – and the hotel is very proud to showcase the best of their produce. It also helps that the Gulfstream Restaurant has panoramic sea views, fresh and breezy décor, wicker shades and painted white shutters – chic and elegant while also creating an atmosphere of laid-back serenity.
As I gazed at the menu, I realised that the toughest part of the night would be trying to decide what to order. We eventually went with Seared Marinated Tuna Loin and Pan-fried Scallops with Clonakilty Black Pudding for starters, Fillet Steak and Fresh Atlantic Fish and Seafood for main courses, followed by the Exotic Pavlova and Chocolate & Raspberry Tart for our desserts. Every dish was perfectly cooked, the service was excellent and we turned in for the evening, full and content.
As I was leaving the hotel the next morning, I tried to put my finger on what the weekend reminded me of – walking on the beach, great food, coastal decor and relaxed vibes. It was only when I was nearly home that it hit me – I felt like I had been in a Nancy Meyers movie for the last 48 hours.
If anyone needs me, I’ll be watching Something’s Gotta Give…
To find out more about Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, visit inchydoneyisland.com.
