USP A thoughtfully designed spa in what has to be the most fashionable hotel western Ireland has ever seen.

AMBIENCE Minimalist but still manages to be warm and welcoming. A haven from the over-the-top décor and buzz of the hotel itself.

EXPERIENCE Treatment rooms are spacious, with soft, heated beds; after an hour or two in the black marble lined, water-based relaxation room, I made the mistake of having a Chakra-Balancing treatment with hot stones (€210). It was too much faffing about. I should have had the indulgent Balinese massage ((€150) with a facial.

FOOD The jewel-coloured Santini restaurant next to the spa uses local products in Mediterranean dishes. I ordered local smoked salmon sandwiches and a freshly squeezed glass of juice in my room.

IN CROWD Scores of locals staggered by the glamour.

WALLET WATCH Two nights at the g hotel costs from €925 per person, including a deluxe room with breakfast, an Espa half-day program an one evening dinner. Individual treatments start from around €105 (£70) for a Skin-Brightener Intensive Facial.

NEED TO KNOW The g hotel, Wellpark, Galway, Ireland (+353 91 865 200; www.monogramhotels.ie)

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