Spirit One Spa at the Radisson SAS in Galway in Co. Galway, Ireland
Julie Register visited this hotel spa in Galway, Ireland in October 2003

Spirit One Spa

I love spas that provide relaxation areas that you can spend the better part of a day in by yourself or with friends - the more calming and more interesting, the better. Spirit One Spa at the Radisson SAS Hotel in Galway is such a spa - and a fabulous one at that! Spirit One Spa occupies just under 20,000 square feet over two levels in a building attached to the Radisson SAS hotel. The main level houses the Fitness and Leisure Centre (free to hotel guests) which offers an inviting reception area, large mens' and women's locker rooms, a well-equipped gymnasium and indoor pool area with a 17m x 8m Indoor Swimming Pool, children’s pool and whirlpool, steam room and sauna connected to an outdoor hot tub area. The lower level houses the spa proper which offers an inviting reception with comfortable waiting area, a hallway leading to a small changing room used by both men and women (not at the same time), a large thermal suite on one side of the reception area and large treatment area on the other.

The thermal suite is a place I could spend hours in. The entrance to the Thermal Suite is softly lit from a glowing floor and green lights behind four inviting heated lounge chairs. The large area is ringed by exotic rooms offering dry and steam heat treatments including:
Sabia Med (lie on warm, white sand while deeply relaxing UV and colored lights take you through a dawn to dusk light cycle in 30-40 minutes)
Rock Sauna (stay up to 10 minutes in this traditional dry air sauna of 85-95 degrees C, then cool off and rest)
Hammam (stay up to 10 minutes in this room where a gentle flow of steam mingles with aromatic scents at 45-48 degrees C then cool off and rest)
Aroma Grotto (stay up to 10 minutes in this room where a gentle flow of steam mingles with fragrant aromas at a temperature of 45-48 degrees C then cool off and rest)
Laconium (spend up to 20 minutes in this 60-65 degrees C room with heated floors, walls and benches then cool off and rest)

To cool off, there are three unique showers in the center of the room offering cool fog and tropical rain experiences, an ice drench and more lounge chairs.

You can enjoy the Thermal Suite when you book a treatment in Spirit One Spa or you can purchase a day pass for the Thermal Suite alone. As you can see, it would take almost three hours to fully experience the Thermal Suite. While I didn't have that much time before my spa treatment, I did have enough to enjoy the lounge chairs, Laconium and showers. I loved the Laconium. It was warm and moist but not nearly as hot as a traditional steam or sauna. There were two others in the Laconium with me. We leaned back and chatted for our 20 minutes. Be sure to bring a bathing suit!

The treatment area of the spa houses 11 treatment rooms including a manicure/pedicure area, treatment rooms with private showers, and a hallway leading to another waiting area between two treatment suites. One suite has a lovely whirlpool tub on one side and a dry float room on the other. The other suite offers two treatment rooms joined with a common area with a serail for mud/steam treatments.

Spirit One Spa offers the Elemis range of spa-therapies for men's and woman’s skin care, body care and life enhancing products for the face and body. Elemis is built on the finest quality medicinal plants, organic herbs and revitalizing seaweed extracts blended with the most active natural bases possible.

After an extended relax in the Thermal Suite, it was time for my treatment. I was scheduled for a Musclease Aroma Spa Ocean Float. Martina, my therapist, escorted me to the the dry float room. Martina instructed me to get under the covers of the dry float bed while she waited outside. I climbed on. The table which felt like any other treatment table. Martina returned and did a quick exfoliation. She then coated all of me except my head with a heated seaweed mask containing a warming blend of Pine and Rosemary essential oils. She covered my with layers of sheets and blankets then slowly lowered the table beneath me until I was suspended in and enveloped by what I can only compare to a water bed. It was warm and comfortable - like a cocoon. The warmth helps the products activate and absorb into the skin deeper. While I was in the dry float, Martina massaged my scalp and face. Heavenly! When it was over, I headed to the in-room shower to rinse off. Back on the table, Martina massaged in a moisturizer. This 70-minute treatment was deeply warming and is good to ease arthritis and sore muscles.

Spa Treatments offered at Spirit One Spa include:

• Facial Treatments: Japanese Facial Ritual, Japanese Silk Booster Facial, Aromapure Facial, Japanese Silk Eye Zone Therapy, Make-up
• Body Massage: Full Body Well-Being Massage, Back and Shoulder Well-Being Massage
• Relaxing Body Treatments: Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow, Strawberry Herbal Back Cleanse, Cellutox Aroma Spa Ocean Float, Musclease Aroma Spa Ocean Float, Exotic Frangipani Body Nourish Wrap, Exotic coconut Rub and Milk Ritual Wrap
• Bathing Ceremonies: Exotic Jasmine Flower Bath, Exotic Enriching Milk Bath, Detox Ocean Bath, Stress-A-Way, Warming Ocean Bath
• Sublime Body Treatments: Spirit One Four Hands Massage, Aroma Stone Therapy Massage
• Tanning Treatments: Luxury Body Polish and Moisture Rich Tanning Treatment, UV Turbo Sun Bed
• Exotic Steam Serail: Exotic Serail Ritual
• Just for Men: Just for the Boys Facial, Full Body Relaxation Massage, De-Stressing Elemis Well-Being Back Massage, Men Who Do Mud
• Hands and Feet: Sole Delight Foot Treatment, Jessica Deluxe Manicure, Jessica Deluxe Pedicure, Hand File and Polish, Toe File and Polish
• Tinting
• Waxing
• Face and Body Rituals
• Japanese Facial Ritual: Japanese Silk Booster Facial together with Silk Eye Zone Therapy
• Absolute Spa Ritual: Full Body Well-Being Massage and Japanese Silk Booster Facial
• Ultimate Spa Ritual: Full Body Well-Being Massage, Japanese Silk Booster Facial and Japanese Silk Eye Zone Therapy
• Massage Ritual: Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow followed by Full Body Well-Being Massage
• Tropical Milk Ritual: Exotic Enriching Milk Bath followed by Exotic Coconut Rub and Milk Ritual Wrap
• Pregnancy Ritual: Relaxing, Well-Being Back Massage, Aromapure Facial and Sole Delight Foot Treatment
• Golfers Tonic: Warming Ocean Jacuzzi Bath, Well-Being Back Massage, Sole Delight Foot Treatment and Leg Massage
• The Detoxifier: Detox Ocean Bath and Cellutox Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap

Spa Break Packages (Designed for the needs of both men and women, making any one ideal for you and your partner, friend or relation to share time together. Bath robes, towels and slippers are provided for your comfort throughout your stay. Your break commences from 3pm on the day of arrival until your departure day at 4pm. Above breaks are priced per person per break, based on two people sharing a room. Single supplement rates apply. All breaks are subject to availability.)

• 1 Night Getaway Break: 1 nights accommodation for 2; Super Buffet Breakfast and a I hour full body massage or facial each.
• 1 Night ‘Perfect for two’: Dinner in Marinas; 1 night accommodation for two persons with Super Buffet Breakfast; Shared exotic mud and aromatherapy steam serial with moisturizing body treatment in private double treatment suite; 1 x Relaxing Back Massage; 1 x Warming Ocean Bath.
• 2 Night Total Relaxation Break: 2 nights accommodation for 2 persons with Super Buffet Breakfast, dinner at Marinas for 2 on one of the evenings of your stay and the following treatments each: 1 hour mens or ladies facial, full body massage, stress away slipper bath.
• 1 Night Personalised Spa Break: Includes dinner, bed and breakfast with two sharing a standard bedroom. This overnight package enables you to choose exactly the treatments you desire from the treatment menu to the minimum value of Î130.00.
• 2 Nights Executive Break: 2 nights accommodation in one of the luxurious and nationally renowned ‘level 5’ executive bedrooms, Super Buffet Breakfast on both mornings of your stay, dinner for two on one of the evenings of your stay and the following treatments each: Exotic Enriching Milk Bath, Full Body Well-being Massage and Japanese Silk Booster Facial, Sole delight foot treatment.
  Pamper Programmes (Designed to suit the needs of both men and women and include a combination of selected spa treatments and full use of the spa’s unique and exclusive thermal and wet facilities. A luxury robe and slippers are provided for your comfort during your day. Each our full day includes a light spa lunch in the Atrium restaurant or alternatively, a morning or afternoon break. If the evening suits you best, there is a programme that ends very specially with dinner in the A La Carte Restaurant. And last but not least, if you would prefer alternative treatments to those included in the set Pamper Packages, there is a ‘Tailor Made’ day allowing you to design the treatments of your choice from the tariff.)

Full Day Programmes

• Revive: Unlimited use of the exclusive spa’s unrivalled thermal suite and leisure facilities, Light Spa lunch in the Atrium restaurant, Relaxing back massage, Stress away bath, Complimentary use of spa robe, slippers and toiletries, Complimentary tea, coffee, mineral water and fruit juice throughout your day.
  Perfect for Two: The ideal choice for partners, friends and Mothers and Daughters… Enjoy your very own double treatment suite for the duration of your treatments, allowing two friends or partners total relaxation in total privacy and exclusivity; Unlimited use of the abyss day spa’s unrivalled thermal suite and leisure facilities; Light Spa lunch in the Atrium restaurant; Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow; Exotic mud and aromatherapy steam serail; Moisturising body treatment; Complimentary use of spa robe, slippers and toiletries, Complimentary tea, coffee, mineral water and fruit juice throughout your day.
• Top to Toe: Full use of facilities, Lunch in the Atrium restaurant, Exotic Jasmine Flower Bath, Mini facial, Relaxing back massage, Sole delight foot treatment, File and polish manicure.
  Sublime Celebration: Perfect for brides to be and anyone in need of utter rejuvenation and pampering...Welcome tea or coffee and introduction tour, Unlimited use of the abyss day spa’s unrivalled thermal suite and leisure facilities, Light Spa lunch with an accompanying glass of champagne, Exotic Enriching Milk Bath, Relaxing back massage, Japanese Silk Booster Facial, Japanese Silk Eye Zone Therapy, Deluxe Manicure, Complimentary use of spa robe, slippers and toiletries, Complimentary tea, coffee, mineral water and fruit juice throughout your day.
  

Half Day and Evening Packages

• Morning Relaxation: Arrival 9.30pm, depart 1pm - Enjoy the thermal spa and leisure facilities, Aromapure facial - prescribed to suit the individual needs of your skin Or Full Body Massage.
• Afternoon Tea Pamper: Arrival 2pm – afternoon tea 5.30pm - Enjoy the thermal spa and leisure facilities, Cocoon yourself in relaxation whilst enjoying our unrivalled thermal spa and leisure facilities, Exotic Jasmine Flower Bath, Afternoon tea in the Atrium restaurant– enjoy a delicious afternoon tea with a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with cream and jam and a pot tea of your choice
• Evening Relaxation: Arrival 4.00pm - Enjoy your late afternoon in the warmth and relaxation of our unrivalled thermal spa and leisure facilities, Relaxing Back Massage, Cleopatra bath, Sumptuous three course spa cuisine dinner in A La Carte restaurant - Marina’s.
• Morning Relaxation: Arrival 9:30am, depart 1pm. Includes Aromapure Facial or Full Body Massage.
• Afternoon Tea Pamper: Arrival 2 pm - Includes Exotic Jasmine Flower Bath, afternoon tea in the Atrium Bar & Lounge.
• Evening Relaxation: Includes Relaxing Back Massage, Cleopatra Bath, Sumptuous three-course spa cuisine dinner in A La Carte Restaurant - Marinas.
  

Local residents can enjoy continuous use of Spirit One Spa with the exclusive and limited 'Platinum VIP' Membership which allows full use of the Thermal Suite and Spirit One Fitness & Leisure Centre.

Level 5

I stayed in Room #511, one of the Radisson SAS Hotel Galway's 16 Level 5 Executive Guest Rooms. Level 5 offers guests unique facilities such as more spacious guest rooms, individual terraces, secure and separate access, separate checkout facility, a Club Lounge, Business Service Centre, personalized business services and the Garden Roof Terrace. Level 5 guest rooms house outstanding technical equipment, such as DVD, CD and Plasma Screen TV as well as a minibar, coffee and tea making facilities, iron and ironing board, trouser press, safe and hairdryer. Bathrooms carry every comfort, including bathrobes and slippers, and guests are treated to a complimentary liqueur in the room.

A Club Lounge offers complimentary treats for guests throughout the day with breakfast being served between 7 and 11 am, soft drinks served all day, and aperitifs and canapés served during Club Hour, which is between 5 and 7 pm.

Guests can relax over the complimentary newspapers and magazines, check out the latest news and sports on the plasma screen, or borrow from a selection of CDs, DVDs, books, play stations and games.

There is complete free use of the Business Service Centre for personal use, allowing guests to access 3 workstations, 2 PCs or their own laptop. All workstations are equipped with analogue lines and broadband internet access. Also available is a fax machine, color photocopier, color printer, webcam and scanner, as well as a range of office equipment including laminating and binding machines. A free meeting room to host 4 people is available with every facility, including conference telephone.

Radisson SAS

The Radisson SAS Hotel Galway is just a short walk from the center of Galway. The hotel has 217 guest rooms, many offing a view of Lough Atalia and Galway Bay. The hotel's foyer is light and airy leading to a glass atrium, from which the 130-seat Atrium Bar & Lounge takes its name. Here you will find a piano, soft furnishings, warm open fireplace, cocktails, beers, Irish stouts, as well as a traditional array of Irish whiskeys and spirits. A traditional Irish afternoon tea is served daily. The Atrium Bar & Lounge opens out onto a heated terraced area overlooking Lough Atalia.

The 220-seat, split-level Marinas restaurant design reflects the hotel’s surroundings of blue water and light from nearby Lough Atalia with a blend of blue upholstery and dark walnut wood. The restaurant specializes in seafood such as Galway Bay oysters, wild salmon, mussels, scallops, lobster, red snapper or monkfish, as well as a wide variety of international dishes.

The Radisson SAS Super Breakfast offers cold and warm buffets of meats and cheeses, a spread of fruit juices and fresh fruits, sparkling wines and waters, aromatic coffees and teas, and home-made pastries and Irish breads.