When Spabreaks.com’s Zerrin Mehmet visited the Royal Marine Hotel she was inspired by the sea views … although admittedly not enough to take a dip!

First Impressions 

With this being my first time to Dublin I was already really excited but even more so to be visiting the Royal Marine Hotel as I had heard it was right on the beach!  The hotel is located down a small road just past the harbour, before you enter the town of Dun Laoghaire, and is indeed on the beach!  I was blown away by the views, although sadly being November I wasn’t brave enough to get in.

Hotel

The hotel is quite simply lovely.  It has been well maintained and though some parts of it are modern it is also full of history, with pictures scattered around the hotel from its past and of many of its famous guests such as Frank Sinatra, Laurel and Hardy, and Charlie Chaplin. I had a sea view room with a balcony, and I could have happily sat outside with a cup of tea for the rest of the day.

Spa

The SansanaSPA was my next stop and the smell of the oils hit me as soon as I stepped out of the lift.  Greeted by dimmed lights and candles along the hallway to the main doors, I instantly felt myself relaxing and I hadn’t even reached the actual spa yet!  I had two treatments while I was there; the first was a VOYA Express Facial and although I must admit I am not a huge fan of express treatments (they don’t  feel long enough and as an ex-therapist it always takes me a little longer to relax and enjoy the treatment) this was different, everything was perfect. My second treatment was a dry flotation, which is not a hands-on treatment.  Instead you lay on a mattress filled with warm water – the best way to describe it is that it’s like dreaming – total heaven.  By late afternoon I was on Cloud Nine, so all that was left was to head off to the try the  rock sauna, steam room, aroma room, mud room, and experience showers before retiring to the relaxation room.

The Restaurant 

The Dún Bistro is the main restaurant but I chose to eat in the Laurels Bar, purely because of its history and, well, who doesn’t love Laurel and Hardy?!  The bar serves good old-fashioned pub food and I was advised to try the burger with a pint of Guinness (of course).  I have to admit I am still not a fan of Guinness, but the burger was lush!

Location

The Royal Marine Hotel is in Dun Laoghaire, a lovely little town near the harbour with quirky shops, bars, and restaurants. There is also a DART train that goes straight into Dublin city centre, and takes mere minutes!

The Verdict

Over all, the Royal Marine Hotel is pretty much perfect for everyone – yes everyone! It’s great for families as there are loads of things to do on the beach and in the town; it’s great for groups as the spa is more than capable of accommodating them; and it’s perfect for couples looking for a romantic stroll along the harbour.

Top Tips

–       If you are arriving from Dublin airport get the air coach from right outside for nine Euros each.  It will drop you off right outside the hotel!

–       Check-in isn’t until 2pm but do arrive earlier to have a walk around Dun Laoghaire first, then head to the spa for the afternoon, because once you are in you won’t want to leave!

–       Do go for something different when it comes to your spa treatment and try the dry flotation, it really is 30 minutes of pure peace.