The Marble City is renowned as the home of the best hurlers in the country (controversial, especially coming from a Clare woman) and as a fantastic night-spot, a big draw for hen and stag parties in particular. Sometimes, however, the specific destination is more of a draw than the surroundings, and that was exactly the case recently when Her.ie took a trip to the stunning Lyrath Estate. On a bitterly cold Friday evening we cleared our desks and hit the road for this imposing hotel, set on a picturesque 170 acres of parkland. It may be mere minutes from the centre of the city action, but it instantly feels like a relaxed and calming world away once you set foot inside those doors. On arrival, our car met a welcoming brigade; two of the hotel’s three resident Golden Retrievers came to us as we parked and walked us to the door. Active guests are welcome to take these gorgeous creatures for walks during their stay. Checked in to a stunning room on the ground floor, we headed for one of the dining options available on site. These weary travellers (Kilkenny is but an hour and a half from Dublin – we’re being dramatic) opted for La Perla, where the service, food and wine were all considered exemplary. One after-dinner drink in the stunning Conservatory, which overlooks Lady Charlotte Wheeler-Cuffe’s Victorian garden, and we were fit for nothing but to fall into the comfy bed for a sound night’s sleep. After all, we were set for an early rise the next morning, making sure there was time for breakfast before the event we really travelled for, an appointment at the Oasis Spa. The Oasis Spa is the jewel in the Lyrath Crown. With two welcoming relaxation rooms, a sauna, steam room, aromatherapy showers and an incredible outdoor hydrotherapy pool, even if you didn’t opt for any treatment you’d still be guaranteed an amazing spa experience. But how could you justify that, when there are such a variety of delights to choose from. Amongst the plethora of options you’ll find massages, facials, scrubs and much more, but we were hear to try out a brand new addition to the Oasis Spa; Kerstin Florian’s Ginger Renewal. We’ve raved about the Kerstin Florian Range on these pages before, and the Ginger Renewal is a top to toe treatment using some of the finest products. Absolutely perfect for the cold snap, this 85 minute treatment incorporates an invigorating full body exfoliation with ginger-infused hydrating mineral salts, a pampering back, neck and shoulder massage using organic ginger oils and warm healing stones, followed by a nourishing warming wrap with a luxurious foot and pressure point scalp massage. Don’t be turned off if you you’re not a traditional fan of ginger by the way, (I’m not and I was a little worried about smelling like I was in a Christmas oven), the scent is less synthetic than the ginger scented products you may be used too – as you’re using the real thing, and it’s actually really homey and comforting. Ginger has been proved to stimulate blood circulation, as well as being an aid to ward off colds and flu when ingested. The Kerstin Florian Aromatherapy Organic Ginger Body Oil used during the Ginger Renewal treatment is an over 98% organic blend of Ginger from Indonesia, Plai Ginger from Thailand, Coriander from Morocco, Eucalyptus Citriodora and Lavender. Also used during the treatment is the Kerstin Florian Aromatherapy Turkish Body Scrub with Organic Eucalyptus, based on a unique salt crystal derived from a thermal mineral source, which helps to deep cleanse and remineralise the skin. While we’ve already mentioned that the treatment is 85 minutes in duration, we’ve long found that the very best spa treatments are those where you find you have no clue how much time has passed. Our therapist was a magician with those hands, and after she worked out the many kinks in our weary neck and shoulders (too much stress she says – we’re taking next week off), we were wrapped in a warm cocoon to allow our skin to soak up the goodness of the oils. All good things must come to an end, however, and almost an hour and a half of bliss later, we shuffled on to the relaxation room to enjoy some fresh fruit and the view of the beautiful grounds. Before leaving, we took a dip in the amazing outdoor hydrotherapy pool… it would be rude not to. The good news is that the products used in the treatment are available to purchase for home use, so you don’t have to wait until you can plan a return visit to enjoy some pampering. If Santa’s not too sure what to bring you this year, some subtle hints in this direction could have you enjoying the cocoon this winter too. You deserve it.   The Ginger Renewal Treatment costs €120, and Lyrath Estate are currently offering a special rate for the Ginger Renewal treatment, a mini facial and light lunch for €150 – offer applies until 21^st December.   For further information about Oasis Spa and Lyrath Estate Hotel, log on to www.lyrath.com or call +353 056 776 0088.