6 Spas in Wales

Spa travel is the latest must-have experience. Here are a couple of distinctive hotels that offer unique spa experiences in Wales.

Bodysgallen Hall and Spa
An immaculately restored farmhouse within Bodysgallen's beautiful grounds. The centerpiece is a big 50 ft pool lined with blue mosaic tiles. Ranged around the pool there's the full complement of top-end spa facilities: bubbling spa bath, steam room, suna, large gymnasium and a wide choice of modern treatments.

Lake Country House and Spa
Like Bodysgallen, the Lake's Kingfisher Spa has a proper grown-up indoor pool. 50 ft long. Go swimming, chill out in the hot tub on the balcony overlooking the lake or use the sauna and gymnasium. Treatments and therapies include aromatherapy, reflexology, various massages, manicures, pedicures and facials.

Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa
The spa pool's ability to soak away your stress is aided and abetted by a jaw-dropping view of mountain ringed Lake Vyrnwy. Other features include a sauna, Japanese salt steam room, ice fountain, mist and monsoon showers, rasul therapy and exotic treatments from around the world.


Metropole Hotel and Spa
This hotel has the heritage - it played the leading role in Llandrindod Well's booming Victorian spa era. How times change. The Metropole's conservatory might be Victorian in style, but it houses a thoroughly modern spa with a 'fantastic and surprisingly large' 65ft heated pool. thermal suites, Jacuzzi, fully equipped gymnasium and wide range of holistic, beauty and therapy treatments.

Peterstone Court Hotel and Spa
Its old cellars have been imaginatively converted into a spa where beauty therapists offer a wide range of treatments, from luxury facials and relaxing massages to aromatherapy. There's also a stress-busting relaxation room finished in soothing red tones. Other facilities include a sauna, Jacuzzi, air-conditioned gymnasium and outdoor heated swimming pool.

St. Brides Spa Hotel
Its clifftop marine spa is breathtaking for at least two reasons - the seemingly infinite view across Carmathen Bay from its patly named infinity pool, and the range of contemporary spa experiences on tap at this dazzling coastal hotel. Features include aroma steam, rock sauna and treatment rooms, sensation shower, salt infusion room and ice fountain.

These are only a few of the amazing spa experiences to be had in Wales. Start planning your luxury vacation in Wales with Celtic Tours World Vacations

10 Reasons Lake Como is a Fabulous Destination

It goes without question that Lake Como is a fabulous destination. All you have to do is look at the pictures! Here are a couple of really good reasons to check it out for yourself.

1. Lake Como is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy. There, we said it. It's beautiful!

2. Celebrity spotting - throughout time Lake Como has been a popular destination for celebrities. Here are just a few celebrities that have been known to bask the shoes of Lake Como: Madonna, George Clooney, Gianno Versace, Sylvester Stallone, Richard Branson - just to name a few.

3. Rubbin' elbows with the wealthy - Lake Como is a popular retreat for aristocrats and wealthy people.


4. Beautiful Villas and Fabulous Gardens - Lake Como is well-known for attractive villas that have been built there since Roman times. Many villas on the lake shores have admirable gardens that benefit from the mild climate.

5. History - Lake Como dates back to Roman times when Pliny the Younger built the Comedia and the Tragedia resorts.

6. Culture - Lake Como has been described in a plethora of literature from Mark Twain to Dostoevsky. You will also find Lake Como in popular culture from Star Wars to Ocean's Twelve.

7. Fabulous and Relaxing Spas - Lake Como is known for its beautiful, luxurious and fabulous spas.

8. Watersports - Lake Como is a fine venue for watersports such as sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.

9. Ferries - The Lake Como ferry service is a highly developed public transport system linking the dozens of small towns and villages dotted around the perimeter of the Lake.

10. Beautiful Landscapes - did we say this one already? Lake Como is beautiful. Shaped like a 'Y', stretching its arms into the mountainous pre-alpine territory between Como, Bellagio and Lecco. In 1818 Percy Bysshe Shelley wrote to Thomas Love Peacock: "This lake exceeds anything I ever beheld in beauty, with the exception of the arbutus islands of Killarney. It is long and narrow, and has the appearance of a mighty river winding among the mountains and the forests"

Lake Como is a fabulous destination! Travel to Italy with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

Serenity by the Lakeside

A perfect 6-Night get-a-way, featuring 3 nights at the beautiful Lakeside Hotel in Killaloe, Co. Clare. Killaloe is made up of charming narrow streets, flanked by old shops along the steep hill looking down over the 13th century cathedral. The town was home to Brian Boru, the High King who united Ireland against the Vikings.This picture perfect town with its Victorian streets and old canal banks was once capital of all Ireland. The Lakeside Hotel makes a perfect base for exploring all that this area has to offer. This perfect get-a-way also includes 3 Nights B&B accommodations, car rental, breakfast daily, 1 dinner, complimentary tour of the Ring of Kerry and more!
Land from $569 PP Sharing before coupon.
Use Coupon Code LOVESERENITY to save $50 PP* Book Now

*Coupon Code cannot be combined with any other discount for same item. Coupon Code expires 4/30/12

Ireland - Your Luxury Travel Destination

Ireland was recently voted a top luxury travel destination by Luxury Travel Magazine, "For Europe first-timers or travelers seeking an English-speaking destination, Ireland offers rolling green countryside, quaint bed and breakfasts and hospitable locals that extend warmth and friendliness to visitors. From old to new: Ireland takes on a Robin Hood-esque feel amongst crumbling medieval castles for history buffs and site-seers, to world-class golf courses and resorts, offering some of the most renowned links in the world. Virtuoso advisers recommend it as an alternative in 2012 to London, which will no doubt be bulging with Olympic enthusiasts."

Ireland has much to offer the discerning traveler, from 5 Star Hotels and Castle Stays to shopping tours, once in a lifetime golf tours and spa treatments -  all of which can be added to your Chauffeur Driven Tour of Ireland, Dublin City Stay or Self-Drive Tour of Ireland. While most luxury hotels in Ireland have an in-house spa with many relaxing treatments to choose from, some luxury hotels in Ireland also offer top golf courses to suit the discerning golfer. Here are a couple of our favorite luxury hotels in Ireland:

Lough Eske Castle - Donegal

A Truly Unique Castle in Ireland, Offering a World of Modern Comforts. Lough Eske Castle, a Solis Hotel and Spa sits within 43 acres of forest woodland, hugging the shores of Lough Eske, with the Blue Stack Mountains in the background. Lough Eske Castle is the only five star hotel in Donegal. Winner of the World's Best Luxury Country Hotel and topping My Guide Ireland's Top 10 Hotels in Ireland, this lovingly restored castle hotel in Ireland blends its historic past with a dash of contemporary luxury.

K Club - The Kildare Hotel, Spa and Country Club

The K Club, Ireland’s AA Hotel of the Year 2011 is located in the heart of the idyllic Irish countryside in the pretty village of Straffan, Co. Kildare. This long standing member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts offers the very best of pampering, leisure and golf facilities and is only 30 minutes from Dublin. Built in 1832, on the banks of the River Liffey, the original house was modelled on a French Château and still retains many of its original architectural features, art work and antiques. It opened as a luxury hotel in 1991 and was Ireland’s first AA Five Red Star Property and to this day it continues to deliver the very highest levels of service and standards in terms of its food and beverage offerings, golf, leisure, outdoor activities and spa treatments and products.

The Shelbourne Hotel - Dublin

A national treasure built in 1824, The Shelbourne Hotel has been magnificently restored while keeping its historic charm. The Shelbourne is a luxury 5 star hotel in Dublin city centre overlooking St. Stephen's Green, Europe's grandest garden square. Ideally situated close to Dublin's cultural and historic buildings, The Shelbourne offers a great location, from where you can visit the majestic St. Patrick's Cathedral and Trinity College. Explore shops on Grafton Street or visit the Guinness Storehouse. The Shelbourne offers spacious accommodations with luxurious Egyptian cotton bedding, flat- screen TV, laptop-size safe, and marble bathroom. Enjoy a cocktail or Ireland's own Guinness at our renowned Horseshoe Bar. Celebrate life at our Oyster Bar or a prime-cut steak at The Saddle Room Restaurant.


 

Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt

Whisk yourself away to a Palladian estate tucked back in the woodlands of County Wicklow on Ireland’s east coast. Take an enchanting stroll amidst the gentle green hills and sparkling lakes of Powerscourt Gardens, then head into Dublin for some cosmopolitan flair. The sumptuous surroundings of our Wicklow hotel combine the luxury and tranquility of country living with city chic. The Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt, County Wicklow hotel near Dublin brings together natural beauty and dignified accommodation to offer its guests an unforgettable retreat. Some of this luxurious Wicklow hotel’s amenities and services include: 200 spacious guest rooms, including 93 suites, panoramic views and terraces available in many rooms, An outstanding spa with 20 treatment rooms and one private spa suite, 36 holes of championship golf, Three exceptional dining facilities, including Gordon Ramsay at Powerscourt, a signature restaurant from the world-renowned chef, More than 10,000-square-feet of meeting space

Adare Manor - County Limerick

Situated in the lush heartlands of County Limerick, Adare Monar and Golf Resort is one of Ireland's most evocative and spell binding hotels. Steeped in exotic history and surrounded by medieval ruins, its 840 acre demesne is home to beautiful parklands, superb trout fishing on the river Maigue and a renowned 18 hole championshjip golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior. Unique and individual accommodations, the best of contemporary Irish food in an incomparable setting and the highest standards of modern hospitality are hallmarks of the Manor experience.

Dylan Hotel - Dublin

On an exclusive Victorian street, the Dylan Hotel in Dublin 4 is nestled in the heart of Dublin city center’s most sophisticated quarter. This 5 star boutique city center hotel is located 10 minutes walk from Grafton Street, St. Stephen’s Green, the Aviva Stadium and the RDS and in the epicenter of Dublin’s happening cultural scene. The hotel is a destination for the endless array of Dublin City fashion, leisure and business. The Luxury boutique hotel is steps away from the chicest Dublin restaurants, shopping and night life and houses the award winning Dylan Restaurant, Dylan Cocktail Bar and terraces.

Hayfield Manor - Cork

Since it's opening in 1996, Hayfield Manor 5 Star Hotel in Cork City has been recognised for providing high quality product and service. This is reflected in the various awards with which Hayfield Manor has been honoured. The estate, in the heart of Cork city, was originally owned by the Musgrave family, the famous Cork merchants. The current owners, The Scally Family, purchased the estate from the Musgrave family and established Cork's first 5 star hotel. As a family owned and managed hotel, the personal yet professional service that is delivered has become synonomous with Hayfield Manor, and ensures guests enjoy their stay with us in Cork city.

Ashford Castle, County Mayo

The splendour of Ashford is everywhere. It is in our extensive woodland walks and in our vigorous country pursuits. It is in our luxurious rooms, our service, and our smiles. Perhaps most importantly it is in the memories we help to create. This ancient land, itself so rich in memories of the past, makes those of us at the hotel hope that you take home with you something of the feelings we ourselves experience in this wonderful setting.

The Europe Hotel and Resort, Killarney Co. Kerry

The Europe 5 Star Hotel in Killarney, Co. Kerry is one of the most luxurious 5 star Hotel, Conference & Event Centres in Ireland and also incorporates ESPA at The Europe, one of Ireland's largest spa hotels in Ireland. It is in the beautiful grounds of this luxury 5 star hotel in Ireland that the waters of Killarney's largest lake, Lough Lein, reflect the wilderness of Kerry's magnificent McGillycuddy Reeks Mountain range in the scenic South West of Ireland. Enjoy a range of leisure activities on the grounds of one the finest luxury hotels Ireland has to offer.

Dromoland Castle, County Clare

With an extraordinary history stretching back to the 5th Century, Dromoland Castle was originally the ancestral home of one of the few families of Gaelic Royalty; direct descendants of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland. Approached by a meandering drive that passes acres of magnificent lawns, this luxury 5 Star Castle Hotel overlooks its own Championship Golf Course and a glistening lake which commands the panoramic beauty of the surrounds. Seamlessly blending Old-World elegance with contemporary luxuries, Dromoland's tradition of delivering impeccable, unobtrusive service is never compromised. Guests can relax under the careful attention of our staff and enjoy an exquisite selection of gourmet fine dining and delicious wines; unwind slowly in the Castle's 5 Star luxury Health Spa or indoor heated pool; or enjoy a good book beside a crackling evening fire. Situated just 8 miles from Shannon International Airport, and regarded as one of the top luxury hotels Ireland has to offer, Dromoland Castle Hotel Ireland is the ideal base from which to explore the vibrant cities of Limerick and Galway; the magical Shannon region and Ireland's rugged West Coast. Look no further than Dromoland Castle for 5 star castle accommodations Ireland.






These are just a few of the luxurious accommodations to be had in majestic Ireland. Whether you choose a chauffeur driven tour, a shopping trip, a golf vacation, a spa get-a-way, a Dublin city stay or a luxury self-drive tour of Ireland, let Celtic Tours World Vacations help you plan your fabulous luxury Ireland vacation. Give us a call at 1-800-833-4373 to start planning today!


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Discover ‘Lunar Wine’ in the Cinque Terre

Be whisked away by the legendary and rugged stretch of Italian Riviera coastline, the Cinque Terre. Consisting of five remote seaside villages dangling from cliffs mirrored on the crystal waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Cinque Terre moves the heart like few places in the world. Nearly inaccessible by car, the Cinque Terre provides a uniquely intimate experience, a hidden gen for your honeymoon or romantic vacation.

Tucked away from the rest of the world, the Cinque Terre is one of the more memorable viticultural zones in Italy. The Cinque Terre vineyards are planted on perilously steep slopes, close enough to the sea that the spray from the breaking waves is able to form a fine mist over the vines. In the past, the Cinque Terre’s people would anchor fishing boats below the terraced vineyards. Baskets laden with grapes were then lowered from above into these small boats which then sailed round to the otherwise inaccessible village.

Sciacchetra is an ancient and legendary raisin wine made from grapes left to dry in the Italian sun. Gold colored with amber reflex, Sciacchetra has an intense honey scent – the quintessence of the Cinque Terre. Historically praised by the likes of poets Boaccaccio and Petrarch, Sciacchetra was described at ‘lunar wine’ by Pliny the Elder. And surely the wine is out of this world with 18 percent alcohol, while most wine is only 11 percent.

A dessert wine, Sciacchetra is paired well with biscotti. As with all dessert wines, this one should be sweeter than the food accompanying it. The slight bitterness of the biscotti balances the intense sweetness of the wine. Sciacchetra also works well with a slice of panettone.

Find a romantic spot, enjoy a glass of wine and be whisked away by the Cinque Terre. Visit the Cinque Terre on your honeymoon or romantic vacation with Celtic Tours new honeymoon package: Cinque Terre Romance.

Luxury for Less! Ireland Your Way - In Style!

Luxury for Less - Ireland your way - in Style!

Take advantage of our Super Sale Pricing on this

Luxury self-drive get-away to Ireland.

With three options for you to choose from:

Option 1- 1nt Dublin, 2 nts Galway, 2 nts Killarney, 1 nt Limerick
Option 2 - 2 nts Dublin, 2 nts Galway, 2 nts Killarney, 1 nt Limerick
Option 3 - 2 nts Dublin, 3 nts Killarney, 1 nt Limerick

With 4 and 5 star Luxury properties throughout!

Includes Standard Shift Car Rental with CDW & Location Service Fee!
(Car upgrades are available)

Land from $637 pp sharing twin - depending on the option selected
Airfare from your hometown can be added - using our Vacation Builder

Now is the time to enjoy the Luxury of Ireland - for Less! Visit Celtic Tours website for more information about this luxury vacation in Ireland

Please note, hotels are on a request basis and subject to availability at time of deposit. Blackout over bank holidays and rugby weekends apply.