Spa hotels in Waterford for a serene escape

Take a break from your daily routine by visiting one of these spa hotels in Waterford.

They’ve made the cut as they feature state-of-the-art spa facilities, from infinity pools overlooking the sea to soothing treatments ready to restore body and mind. You’ll also find Michelin-starred restaurants, lavish penthouse suites and photogenic settings for a fun but restorative weekend away.

If you can bear to tear yourself away from the sleek amenities, the historic town of Waterford, with its carefully curated boutiques and exciting international restaurants, is also waiting for you.

A luxurious coastal 5-star spa hotel in Waterford

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Secluded and chic, the Cliff House Hotel makes an unforgettable backdrop to mark a birthday or special occasion. Every detail exudes understated elegance, from the ocean-inspired spa to the sleek and modern rooms. Deluxe Rooms combine sea hues – like bright aquamarine and deep cobalt – with floor-to-ceiling windows to create a bright and airy feel. From a quiet spot on your private balcony, drink in that refreshing sea air and keep your eyes peeled for minke whales surfacing among the gentle waves. If you’re on a hen weekend, Cliff Cottage might be the option for you, with its open-plan kitchen and bedrooms sleeping up to six adults.

The Cliff’s spa – Well by the Sea – celebrates the simple beauty of nature and water. Its mosaic-lined indoor swimming pool has an infinity edge framed by huge glass windows with views of the coast. On sunny days, head out to the terrace for a bathing ritual in two stone baths. Dive into the rustic rock pool when the tide’s full, then head back into the warmth and sit yourself down into the softly bubbling Jacuzzi. Finish off in the sauna and steam room.

Choose spa treatments to help you feel restored and rejuvenated – from wraps that use mineral-rich clay to facials applied with a therapeutic ocean seaweed mask. If your muscles feel tight, treat them to a Hug of the Hands full body massage. Your back will be exfoliated with natural Atlantic sea salt to remove dead cells then, after revealing a layer of glowing skin, the expert spa therapist will apply hot towels to release pressure and create a muscle-melting effect.

The House Restaurant, which has earned itself a Michelin star, spotlights local Irish produce using timeless ingredients and innovative cooking techniques. Settle yourself into one of the plush, tartan armchairs and tuck into dishes including rich venison served alongside pickled kombucha. Follow this up with fresh seafood, like sea bass with a salty butter sauce and fragrant saffron. A crisp glass of Chardonnay is the ideal accompaniment. Cheers!

Cliff House Hotel

Top rated

Ardmore

9.0 Excellent (186 reviews)

A hotel in Waterford with elegant treatment suites

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Fancy leaving reality behind? The serene spa at Faithlegg House Hotel & Golf Resort is the ideal setting. Begin by taking a dip in the intricately tiled Jacuzzi or warm up with some laps in the pool, then head to the sauna and steam room to draw out those toxins. You’ll soon feel ready for a treatment (carried out in a softly lit suite subtly scented by natural fragrances). Therapies here use products by organic beauty and skincare brands Voya and Éminence – infused with natural ingredients that are a real treat for your skin. Invigorate your senses with a cocoa and rose scrub, or let your cares slip away with a hot-stone massage.

For a full-on pamper session, go for the Radiance Face and Body Journey treatment, much-loved for its anti-ageing effects. It consists of a scalp massage, hydrating facial and treatments for your hard-working arms and feet. You can also have a body wrap and natural healing therapy like reiki, as well as beauty treatments including waxes and manicures. There are therapies tailored to men and mums-to-be, too.

With its roaring fire and fine furnishings, The Aylward Lounge is an elegant destination for afternoon tea – why not celebrate a birthday, graduation or anniversary here? Tuck into classic favourites like soft smoked salmon or sweet honey ham finger sandwiches with your choice of bubbles, gin or aromatic tea. In the evening, treat those taste-buds to rich dishes like tender buttermilk chicken with tangy lemon or duck leg with sticky and sweet hoisin sauce.

Rooms are either traditional and atmospheric or modern and airy. Classic Rooms are found in the new wing, peering over the knots of woodland in the hotel grounds. Lavish brocade wallpaper and thick tartan throws create a sense of heritage (and the homemade flapjacks on arrival don’t hurt, either). The original house is home to the hotel’s Master Deluxe Rooms, where you can curl up on your four-poster bed or enjoy a morning cup of coffee by your oversized window with views of the golf course.

Faithlegg Hotel

Top rated

Faithlegg

8.7 Excellent (521 reviews)

A spa hotel in Waterford with an 18-hole golf course

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At the Gold Coast Resort Dungarvan, you’ll be surrounded by the twinkling blue seas of West Waterford. When you’re not taking windswept walks around the rugged coastline, test your skills on the challenging 18-hole championship golf course – one of three to choose from in the area – or hop in a kayak and have a paddle around the bay in the early morning sunshine. Reward yourself with a light and nourishing dinner at the Bay Restaurant – we’re talking meals like tender fillets of hake complete with a crunchy herb crust and tart lemon curd pie for dessert. A glass of prosecco is the sparkling cherry on top of options such as the hotel’s gooey Bakewell tart and handmade Bailey’s ice cream.

At this relaxed hotel, you can tailor your spa holiday any way you like. Pick from self-catering lodges, spacious villas and sleek suites, or stay in the main hotel in a cosy Classic Room. Most have sweeping views of the sea – and there’s nothing better than throwing your curtains open to rolling waves and birdsong (especially with a mood-boosting cup of coffee in hand). Soft throws and floral curtains create a traditional and welcoming atmosphere. In a lodge, you’ll have your own fridge and oven for whipping up delicious meals from ingredients picked up in Dungarvan’s farmers’ market, as well as a seating area and balcony for sipping an evening glass of Sauv Blanc.

Slow things down by checking out the hotel’s leisure facilities. The 20-metre indoor swimming pool area is covered in mosaic-style tiles and Romanesque sculptures for a grand dip. Spend afternoons doing lazy laps or chill out poolside with a page-turning book. The hot bubles of the Jacuzzi will soothe your muscles and relax your mind, or you can simply lie back in the peaceful quiet of the sauna.

Gold Coast Golf Resort

Dungarvan

8.2 Very good (121 reviews)

A spa hotel in Waterford that’s close to the county’s prettiest sights

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A stay at The Park Hotel and Leisure Centre gives you rural peace and quiet, with the added bonus of being close to town if you feel like exploring. In coastal Dungarvan, discover the Norman-era Dungarvan Castle or get a blast of fresh air by cycling or hiking the rugged Waterford Greenway route. For afterwards, make a reservation at the hotel’s Garden Restaurant (aptly decorated in a palette of green tones ranging from pistachio to emerald). You’ll tuck into satisfying dishes like Portobello mushrooms studded with tart goat’s cheese, fresh salmon drizzled with zesty white wine sauce and a classic sticky toffee pudding served with an indulgent butterscotch sauce.

Craving relaxation? Head to the hotel’s spacious leisure area for an afternoon of mindfulness. Treat yourself to a gentle session in the 20-metre indoor pool, stretching out your muscles with a couple of laps, or take it easy in the indulgently warm water of the Jacuzzi. If you’re feeling up to it, hit the gym beforehand – a post-workout session in the sauna and steam room feels especially blissful.

Choose an Executive Room, made up of a single and queen bed, if you’re travelling with a couple of friends. Heaps of pillows and textured throws in muted tones create a comforting nest to sleep in, while bathrooms feature refreshing power showers as well as deep tubs for soaking your cares away. Classic Rooms – all deep scarlet crushed velvet and dark wood furniture – are a relaxing haven. Celebrating before a wedding? A self-catering holiday cottage is a top-notch choice if you’re looking for home comforts. In one of these options, you’ll have a gas fire to cosy up cooler days, along with plush couches and a plasma TV with a DVD player for movie nights. Each space also has a private garden – soak up the sunshine here with a fresh cup of herbal tea.

The Park Hotel, Holiday Homes & Leisure Centre

Dungarvan

8.4 Very good (834 reviews)