Miss Thrifty’s guide to girlie getaways
Photo courtesy of the Moyvally Hotel & Golf Resort, Kildare
It’s far better to go away with the girls on a hotel break and avoid the risk of finding out you've not the slightest thing in common with your other half, like a friend of mine recently discovered.
Sharing a hotel break with the girls means you get to do all the fun things with people who notice. Your girlfriends will notice your new nails, they will notice your new found complexion, and they will actually take notice of your warnings about not taking all the best bits from a shared tub of Ben and Jerry's.
Add to this a ready-made partner in crime for shedding bedtime tears at the sad parts in 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' and all that's left to do is pack up your favourite PJs and make sure you scrawl a quick note telling him where you've gone in such a hurry.
Miss Thrifty found the following offers for a girlie hotel break:
Best mid-week deal
Where? Bellinter House Hotel, Navan, Co Meath.
What's it like ? An 18th Century Palladian-style country house on the banks of the river Boyne.
What's the deal? Offer includes one nights’ accommodation with breakfast, a three-course evening meal and a complimentary spa treatment.
How much? €130 PPS
website http://www.bellinterhouse.com/offer?oid=1715
Best for ...a wild night
Where? Dylan Hotel, Dublin.
What's it like ? Voted Dublin’s best boutique hotel, rooms include plasma TV, oversize luxury bathroom and a mini bar with hot, buttered popcorn and Queen-sized bed with Frette linen.
What? This package includes overnight accommodation in one of the uniquely designed Style rooms, breakfast for two, two complimentary movies and two Dylan signature cocktails on arrival.
How much? €130 PPS
Website http://www.dylan.ie
Best for....female bonding
Where? Moyvalley Hotel & Golf Resort, Kildare.
What's it like ? Balyna House is an Italiante Mansion set in restored grounds with a contemporary hotel alongside.
What's the deal? You and three friends can stay for one night in a luxury stone cottage, enjoy a complimentary cocktail upon arrival, have dinner delivered to your door, indulge in a manicure or pedicure and spend the rest of the night watching a girlie DVD with hot, buttered popcorn on the house.
How much? €139 PPS based on four sharing.
Website http://www.moyvalley.com/
Best for...recharging the batteries
Where? Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar, Co Westmeath.
What's it like ? An idyllic hotel situated on the shores of Lough Ennell.
What's the deal? Offer includes B&B, a four-course dinner in the Charles Brinsley restaurant, two Bloomfield Spa treatments per adult. Complimentary Champagne and nibbles in your room on arrival, full use of the hotel's thermal facilities, pool, relaxation room and leisure club.
How much? €159 PPS mid-week or €179 PPS at weekends
Website http://www.bloomfieldhousehotel.ie
Best for.....getting active
Where? Mount Juliet Hotel, Kilkenny.
What's it like ? A country estate hotel set within 400 acres of rolling fields and romantic woodlands. A haven for traditionalists and the perfect place for you and your friends to get in touch with your inner princess. The beds are turned down each evening and the lamps lit before dinner.
What's the deal? Package includes two nights B&B, a luxury mini facial and a floatation treatment. Complimentary Champagne, strawberries and chocolates on arrival. Cosy dressing gowns and slippers are provided for your comfort after the exertion caused by use of the swimming pool, steam room, sauna and cycling facilities. Estate tours, tennis and croquet are all complimentary to guests.
How much? €199 PPS
Website http://www.mountjuliet.ie/
Sinead Van Kampen is the editor of The Savvy Shopper. For a rundown on fashion and food bargains plus regular insider tips visit TheSavvyShopper.ie website.
- Sinead Van Kampen
