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By Waheeda Harris
My eyes have been filled with more shades of green in the past 24 hours than I could have ever imagined. Driving the memorable Ring of Kerry in a small van, the Irish landscape is a testament to Mother Nature’s skills—from the wild rocky coast of the Atlantic with the sage-coloured bushes to verdant green fields surrounding quaint villages and historic stone forts found across the Iveragh Peninsula.
All images courtesy The Europe Hotel & Spa
Next up was less conventional mode of transport on Ireland’s oldest guided tour: a jaunting cart, the traditional horse and cart tour to discover the raw beauty of Killarney National Park and the Gap of Dunloe. We’re steadily increasing elevation (and a short uphill hike) before descending in the cart, passing farms, stone cottages and small groves of trees before arriving at the edge of Lough Lein.
A boxed lunch and a mug of tea warm my insides at a lakeside cafe before another expedition: a speedboat tour through Lough Lein’s three interconnected lakes learning local history, and spotting birds before we’re deposited at the dock of Ross Castle, built in the 15th century. These attractions make Killarney an alluring inclusion for visitors to Ireland, and The Europe Hotel and Resort is the perfect home away from home for exploration and relaxation in County Kerry.
This five-star accommodation is a serene oasis, surrounded by farms and situated on the edge of the Lough Lein, showcasing breathtaking views of Killarney National Park and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland’s tallest mountain range.
Opened in 1961, this Irish resort has 180 rooms and suites, a mix of contemporary and traditional styles, with the hotel’s lobby, restaurants, lounges, and library illuminated by floor-to-ceiling windows casting natural light over the numerous seating areas.
Guests can enjoy a coffee or cocktail or challenge family or friends to a friendly board game while also taking in the hotel’s vast contemporary art collection or receiving a dose of the staff’s consummate Irish hospitality.
The most recent renovation of the premier lakeview rooms has added art deco style in a soothing palette of soft green (like sage leather headboards above king beds), cream and green textiles and light wood tones for furniture including a built-in love seat below a hammered silver wall. Bonus—an unparalleled view of the resort and lake can be enjoyed from the room’s spacious balcony.
After hopping in and out of a van, bouncing along the gravel road in a horse-driven cart, walking up into the Gap of Dunloe, and then skimming along the lake while the rain soaked me through, I need me-time, hopefully found within the hotel’s extensive spa amenities.
Wrapping myself in a plush hotel robe, I descend in the hotel’s glass elevator, letting the lake views calm my mind before I enter ESPA at The Europe, a 50,000-square-foot wellness sanctuary. A slate water wall and soothing scents of peppermint, eucalyptus and rosemary tantalize my senses.
The upper floor has 16 treatment rooms featuring ESPA holistic products and a sauna and individual lounge chairs with wood privacy screens, blankets, magazines and herbal teas for relaxing post-treatment. The public spaces of the spa have dark walls in leather and tile, contrasting with the endless window walls for unrestricted access to gaze at the beauty of the surrounding Irish countryside.
Passing through the change room, I enter ESPA’s Active Level, a large pool area on the lower floor, surrounded by curved loungers. There’s a communal shower area for a quick rinse before I step into the indoor pool, illuminated by a modern chandelier and natural light. Swimming laps release the tension in my neck, arms and legs as I focus on the repetition of movement.
Adjacent to the main pool is the vitality pool, which has a pass-through to the outside. I let the hot bubbles soothe my back and legs inside, before walking in the water to the exterior, finding a spot to soak as I overlook the gardens. It’s crowded with guests, everyone chattering and happily enjoying the pulsing hot water pulsing and an occasional burst of cool rain from the heavens above.
I return to swim more laps, the pool water feeling like a mini cold plunge. I head into the adults-only thermal suite, a paradise for hydrotherapy lovers: with heated lounge chairs, this quiet inner sanctum features a heated saltwater pool, sauna, steam, showers and ice fountain (a table of shaved ice) for an icy self-massage.
After several cycles of hot, cold and rest, I feel restored, my energy levels recalibrated and my mind clear. Access to the Active Level is complimentary for all guests, a welcome reward for exploring Killarney before enjoying dinner at Riva, the hotel’s dining room featuring Mediterranean cuisine.
The Europe Hotel and Resort is part of the Legend Collection of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.
Waheeda Harris is a freelance journalist who is lucky to explore around the globe, throughout Canada and especially her home province of British Columbia. She writes about culture, design, art, and cuisine and never forgets to pack her swimsuit.
