Review: We found a gem of relaxation in the heart of Dublin City

The thought of taking it slow and easy in the heart of Dublin City might be odd to some, after all the centre is more usually associated with shopping trips and nights on the town. But there are plenty of hidden centres of calm dotted around our Fair City.

When booking a spa day I often head down the country so when I was offered the chance to try out the Velvære spa at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dublin I couldn’t help but wonder “just how relaxed can you get while the world is running 100 miles a minute outside?”

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Answer – very! This experience changed my mind about visiting spas in urban settings. Velvære (vel-va-ray) is inspired by the Norse word for ‘well-being’ and it is an oasis of calm located just off George’s Street which I think would be a great addition to your next trip with the girls.

Velvære spa. Pic: Radisson Blue Royal Hotel

Velvære Spa in Dublin City

Situated on Golden Lane, the Radisson Blu Hotel is only a short walk from Grafton Street and Henry Street, meaning it’s the perfect location if you fancy a little retail therapy followed by relaxing treatments. The brands the spa uses for treatments are iS Clinical, a results-driven American brand and Codage, a French spa brand that originated from pharmacies.

The spa’s wellness centre spans three floors and there is a gym if you fancy having a workout. In the spa are five treatment rooms, a dedicated medi-room for advanced skin treatments plus an express area for speedy skin treatments if you’re pushed for time and need a little skin refresh.

Full Body Massage

Radisson Blu Treatment Room

During my visit to the spa, I indulged in the Therapeutic Body Massage which releases deep-seated tension and is sure to leave you feeling like a new woman.

The 60-minute massage costs €145 and the massage was heaven as the therapist released every tight muscle in my body, working from my head to my feet at a pressure I felt was comfortable.

Relaxation Room

Afterwards, I went to the relaxation area which is as calm and peaceful as anywhere outside of Dublin. A dip in the vitality pool is a must. I also tried out the spa’s ‘sensory experience’.

Storm and drench showers vary between tropical rain, mist, and complete saturation with a flood of room-temperature water all over under a ceiling of lightning. Which you choose to try is up to you, but it’s fun to try something new so I did all three.

Sensory Experiences

Pic: Supplied

If you’re not so sure about the water therapies, then another option to increase your relaxation levels would be a visit to the Finnish sauna to detoxify and relax.

Dining in style

Pic: Supplied

Make sure you stop by the Dyflin Bar for an aperitif before dining in the evening. After a relaxing yet invigorating afternoon, a two-course dinner of salmon and duck in plum restored my energy levels.

Right now an overnight stay is €195 (subject to availability) for two people and it comes with breakfast. Don’t discount Dublin for a spa break some of the best gems are in our fair city.

See more pictures below:

Pic: Radisson Blu Royal Hotel

Pic: Supplied

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