Then there’s the scenic surroundings. Not your first visit to County Mayo? We reckon there’s tons to explore. Plump for Croagh Patrick, the region’s best-known peak, or wander the craggy coastline edging the Atlantic Ocean. Alternatively, let your spa hotel bring nature to you through treatments using locally-sourced seaweed and therapies as calming as the landscape itself.
Spa hotels in Mayo for soothing the body and mind
Whether you're looking for your next holiday or you live locally and are looking for a lavish weekend-long treat, check out these spa hotels in Mayo. With heated pools, tailored treatments and views over sparkling lakes, they're a surefire cut above the rest.
An out-of-this-world spa hotel in a County Mayo castle
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If Ashford Castle is anything to go by, the Guinness family have great taste – they’re the former owners of this 800-year-old building, which is now a 5-star spa hotel. Modern amenities like a cinema room and hammam are must-visit additions at this historical hotel. But before you investigate the facilities, head up to your room and prepare to be wowed. The sleeping spaces in this iconic building are as stately as you’d expect. Admire the hand-picked artwork, curated period furniture and plush fabrics while padding about on the bespoke carpets.
Just like the rest of this opulent hotel, the spa’s nothing short of sublime. Start your wellness journey here on the heated marble seating in the essence-infused steam room, breathing in the eucalyptus-spiked aromas while feeling your whole body relax. After a lifestyle shower, the treatment rooms – with views over the grounds – are your next stop for a marine therapy such as an organic seaweed leaf wrap by Voya accompanied by a massage, facial, scrub or wrap.
The pool is nestled in a bronze conservatory, with chandeliers crafted from seashells and an intricate mural inspired by Celtic myths decorating one wall. Sit in the whirlpool area to unwind as the water rhythmically soothes your body. Or opt for a gentle workout by doing a front crawl against the resistance swimming jets. There’s also a gym set in a glass-encased room with panoramas of the grounds.
The relaxation terrace, meanwhile, looks out over Lough Corrib – a scene so peaceful it might even lure you out for a wander. Give in to the temptation: Ashford Castle has 350 acres to explore, with an equestrian centre for a canter round plus a falconry school.
More treats await in Ashford Castle’s restaurants and bars, and there are no less than 12 to choose from. A top pick for its quirky setting is Cullen’s at the Dungeon, where you can eat Irish fare like lamb rack with fennel under the medieval flags hanging from the curved ceiling.
Ashford Castle
Cong
A County Mayo spa hotel with a woodland-surrounded indoor pool
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Swap your house for a manor this weekend with a stay at Hotel Mount Falcon, surrounded by lawns, forests and ponds. Embrace the outdoor activities offered here, from clay-pigeon shooting to archery, or simply wend your way around the grounds and straight into the spa and leisure centre for some rewarding hot-tub time. The heated pool’s set in a conservatory with woodland views, and there’s also a sauna and steam room for blissful detox sessions.
Treatments are simply top class. The Biotec facials by Elemis are especially celebrated for their youth-defying effects. There are also massages, scrubs and wraps to choose from. Alternative therapies include reflexology and Indian head massage. Neom Organics treatments focus on easing stress, promoting calm and lifting your mood. The do this by using meditation, shiatsu, Thai massage, trigger point and reflexology. Factor in some time in the relaxation area afterwards to continue unwinding.
Once your energy’s boosted, hire bikes for jaunts around the area or get in a session on the golf course. Not up for cycling or swinging your irons? Head on a 15 minute drive and you could be admiring Lough Conn. Meanwhile the scenic peatlands of the Ballycroy National Park are an hour’s drive away.
If you indulged in beauty treatments at the spa – manicures, pedicures, waxing, brow care, lashes, makeup and tanning are all on offer – you’ll feel ready to show yourself off. An Irish-influenced meal at The Kitchen means you won’t have to go far. Find yourself a cosy cushion-lined nook inside the stone-walled restaurant, preferably next to the stove fire in the cooler months. Order dinner made with produce grown in the estate’s kitchen gardens, with dishes such as slow poached and honey roast guinea fowl.
Rooms feature handsome tailor-made furniture designed in a period style, as well as the building’s original high ceilings that create the feel of extra space. Opt for the Wallpool Suite to gaze out at the views from the multiple windows, or simply lie back under the ornate chandelier while revelling in the warmth of the fireplace.
Hotel Mount Falcon
Ballina
A peaceful spa hotel in Mayo near whimsical Westport
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The name says it all – Westport Woods Hotel & Spa is sandwiched among trees spanning back three centuries in serene surroundings that make for a peaceful holiday. Spa-wise, you’ll have an indoor pool with a large arched window letting in plenty of natural light, along with a Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. When it comes to treatments, therapists use all-natural Voya seaweed-based products, whether in bathing ceremonies or body wraps. Facials are also on the menu, along with beauty therapies like waxing, brow and lash care, and nails. Give skin a healthy glow with an organic scrub using a peppermint and sugar tincture to remove dead cells, or embrace the heat of a lava shell whole body massage.
Fully relaxed, you should sleep soundly under the plush duvet in your spacious room. All look out over the trees and are designed in earthy colours that blend in with the natural landscape, with some featuring pops of red for a dynamic feel. And if these comfortable confines mean you don’t want to head out for food, you can make the most of the 24-hour room service. You could also pop downstairs to the Bench Café Bar – grab a chair to sing along to rousing renditions of live music. In the mornings, you can stay healthy with a light continental breakfast or carry on the indulgence with a full Irish.
Decided to dress up and have a sit-down dinner? The award-winning Lake View Restaurant, masterminded by Head Chef Rosario Dias, specialises in meals incorporating local produce. Tempting dishes include Kelly’s Wild Atlantic Way black pudding and Irish Angus beef. Sit down next to the wide windows for lake and woodland vistas, or nestle in a quiet corner beside the candle-lined stone walls.
Westport, a heritage town on the Wild Atlantic Way with offbeat boutiques to browse, is a 7 minute drive away. It’s less than a 10-minute stroll to the Quay, where you can take boat trips to see the hill-backed scenery of Clew Bay from another angle.
Westport Woods Hotel & Spa
Westport
A family-run spa in Mayo for relaxation without breaking the bank
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Rock up to Broadhaven Bay Hotel for Atlantic Ocean views during your spa weekend. This low-key option is friendly and family-run, with great leisure facilities for some much-deserved ‘you’ time. At the Spa Elysium and Éalu Health & Leisure Suite, get in a few lengths in the 80 ft swimming pool – which is heated so you can stay in for longer – then reward yourself for all your efforts with a warm-up stint in the sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. If you’ve forgotten your goggles, or even costume, the site shop stocks useful kit.
There’s a well-equipped gym on the premises, but we’d recommend heading straight for Spa Elysium for out-of-the-ordinary treatments like seaweed wraps or Samunprai Thai herbal and Tibetan Windsphere massages. You can also go for soothing failsafes such as body polishes, aromatherapy massages, Swedish massages and facials. Prefer to get dressed up rather than unwind? There’s fake tanning using long-lasting Liquid Gold and He-shi products, makeup applied with high-pigment MAC cosmetics and waxing using Depileve for sensitive skin. Eye and nail care will finish off your makeover – and you can even opt for hair extensions over in Milano’s salon.
For eats, the Bayside Restaurant should be your first port of call. Order Irish dishes blending the contemporary with the classic, such as a mixed seafood platter using fresh local ingredients. Move over to the Kilmore Bar for a drink with a view out over the rustic Belmullet landscape – if you’re here at the weekend, there’ll also be entertainment to nod your head along with.
When bed beckons, head up to a neutral-toned room with spacious beds featuring cushioned headboards and flick on the cable TV. Not had enough of the spa’s Jacuzzi? Upgrade to a suite and you’ll have your very own, as well as a separate living room to spread out in.
If you’re feeling refreshed and eager to explore, the Inishkea North Early Monastery is just a 20 minute drive away for culture vultures, while fans of the fairway can get in a round at Belmullet Golf Club, around a quarter of an hour away by car.
Broadhaven Bay Hotel & Leisure Center
Belmullet