The Spa at Ashford Castle has been announced as the only hotel spa in Ireland to receive a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star ranking, one of the travel industry’s most stringent and exacting independently assessed guides in the world. Already recognised as one of Ireland’s most relaxing and therapeutic spas, The Spa at Ashford Castle in the west of Ireland is one of just three properties in the British Isles to achieve a Forbes Five-Star ranking, of which there are only ten across Europe.
Ashford Castle is no stranger to Forbes’ accolades – it was the first luxury property in Ireland to receive a much-coveted Forbes Five-Star ranking. 2023 marked four consecutive years of Forbes’ recognition for the hotel’s exceptional levels of service, hospitality, facilities, product, people and professionalism.
Amanda Fraser, Forbes’ President of Ratings said: “Forbes Travel Guide congratulates the entire team at The Spa at Ashford Castle on earning the first and only 2023 Five-Star spa award in Ireland. The team made great efforts this past year in enhancing their guest experience, amplifying the level of personalised service and wellbeing.”
World stage
Five-Star is the top rating possible and the ultimate gold standard in hospitality. This year’s rankings affirm not only Ashford Castle’s consistently high levels of service, facilities and guest experience but, for the first time, recognise that Ireland can compete on the world stage when it comes to its spa facilities.
Niall Rochford, General Manager at Ashford Castle said: “We know that Forbes inspectors look for exceptional standards of service and facilities but, to achieve a Five-Star ranking they demand much more. Whether it’s a stay at our hotel or a treatment at The Spa, how a visit makes a guest feel and the things that they will remember are of equal importance. At The Spa, this clearly comes down to the training, passion and professionalism of The Spa manager, Michelle Ryan and her team. Together with our owners at Red Carnation, we are immensely proud of their achievement.”
Highlights at The Spa at Ashford Castle, as identified by Forbes, include:
- The spectacular mural anchoring the stunning Relaxation Pool. Crafted by South African artist Jane du Rand, the mural depicts Celtic mythology’s tree of life as well as dozens of animals, flowers, and other traditional Celtic designs.
- The low-lit hammam invites you to relax on a heated stone bed before being gently exfoliated from head to toe. The Spa at Ashford Castle puts a uniquely Irish twist on the classic Middle Eastern treatment by using locally produced, seaweed-based Voya skincare products.
- Crystal therapy is a signature at this luxury Irish spa. Even if you don’t opt for a crystal-themed treatment, you might notice stones dotting the treatment rooms and even placed under the beds to help positive energy flow through the facility.
- For the ultimate in full-body relaxation, opt for the 60-minute Ashford Castle Ritual. This five-in-one treatment begins with a warm Elemis massage and frangipani hair mask, followed by a Superfood Pro-Radiance facial with Hydra Gel eye compresses, a therapeutic scalp massage and, finally, a pressure-point foot massage.
- The Relaxation Pool is not only visually stunning, but truly therapeutic as well thanks to a combination of resistance and seated jets. Wall-to-wall windows flood the space with light without letting in the sometimes-brisk Irish air.
When Forbes Travel Guide’s expert inspectors visit a property, they anonymously test it against up to 900 rigorous standards. While both service and facilities are inspected, Forbes’ Star Rating system places an emphasis on service. Every Star Rating is earned through an objective, independent process and no one can buy or solicit a rating under any circumstance.
Forbes Travel Guide started in 1958 as Mobil Travel Guide, a guidebook for US motorists. Creating the original Five-Star rating system, it is the only independent, global rating agency for luxury hospitality. Providing reviews and ratings for more than 60 years, Forbes Travel Guide is the oldest travel guide in the United States and its inspection process is regarded as the gold standard in hospitality.
Ashford Castle is set in a spectacular 350-acre estate in Cong, Co. Mayo in the West of Ireland and is part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection.
www.ashfordcastle.com
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