SPA THERAPY:SPA AND WELLNESS retreats in Ireland have been categorised for the first time under a system launched this week by Fáilte Ireland.
SPA AND WELLNESS retreats in Ireland have been categorised for the first time under a system launched this week by Fáilte Ireland.
In all, 72 properties have been categorised in a bid to give customers a better understanding of what they are being offered when they go to a spa.
The categorisation is in response to the explosion in the number of health-and-wellness facilities in recent years. Ireland is the first country in Europe to launch such a complete categorisation.
Under the new system, health-and-wellness retreats can be defined under one of four categories: hotel spas, destination spas, resort spas and specialised retreats.
According to Fáilte Ireland, spa-goers will in future be able to make more informed choices about wellness break and find the products that best suit their needs.
Paul Keeley, director of business development and investment with Fáilte Ireland, said:"The increasing popularity of the health-and-wellness sector is now viewed as an important part of our tourism product. The explosion in the quality and quantity of spa offerings throughout Ireland has fuelled an increase in demand, both domestically and internationally."
The organisation says it has developed the system in consultation with an industry steering group on foot of extensive research in the health-and-wellness sector.
Each spa has been assigned to one of the categories based on its facilities and the types of products it offers.
• Destination spas. These are purpose-built spas offering accommodation. Their sole purpose is to offer a comprehensive, full-service wellness-spa experience for overnight or day guests. Three properties have made this category: Monart, in Co Wexford; the Park Hotel, in Kenmare, Co Kerry; and Temple Country Retreat, in Co Westmeath.
• Resort spas. These offer a wide range of on-site leisure activities, as well as a dedicated full-service spa facility. Ten properties are in this category, including Brooklodge, in Co Wicklow; the K Club, in Straffan, Co Kildare; and Sheraton Fota Island Hotel, in Co Cork.
• Hotel spas. This category is broken down into comprehensive hotel spas, extensive hotel spas, selective hotel spas and leisure-club hotel spas. The majority of spas are in the hotel-spa category.
• Specialised retreats. These are dedicated to creating a wellbeing experience. They include health farms, thalassotherapy resorts and seaweed baths.
• For the full list of spa retreats and categorisations, see www.discoverireland.ie/wellness.
• Meanwhile, a Government-funded training initiative has been launched by the Spa and Wellness Skillnet, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, to develop qualifications for spa managers, owners and staff. It aims to help develop a higher standard of service.