THE DETAILS - Fota Island Resort, luxury 5* Resort Hotel just 10 minutes from Cork City Centre
THE VIBE - Fota Island Resort epitomises the luxury and service expected from a 5-star hotel.
ACCOMMODATION - The Resort has 131 warm, luxurious and relaxing bedrooms and suites, many of which offer stunning views. There are also beautiful 2, 3 or 4 bed self-catering lodges at Fota Island Resort which are the perfect home away from home during a visit to Cork.
DINING - A tempting selection of restaurants with excellent cuisine to choose from, including The Amber Lounge, Fota Restaurant, the exclusive Cove Restaurant, or the more casual surroundings of The Clubhouse.
THE SPA - This world-class destination spa features a large indoor heated swimming pool, relaxation area and Hydrotherapy Suite with a ‘walking river’ of water currents and reflexology to revitalise, while the Thermal Suite contains a tepidarium and hammam. The spa offers an array of luxurious face, body, and holistic spa treatments in one of the 18 treatment rooms.
THE GYM - Fully equipped gym with dedicated cardiovascular equipment, resistance equipment and free weights.
GOLF - Fota Island Resort has been a three-time host to the Irish Open with all three golf courses (Deerpark, Belvelly, and Barryscourt) maintained to the highest standard all year around.
LOCAL ACTIVITIES - Aside from the wide range of resort activities, the East Cork region and Ireland Ancient East is a hub of attractions, rich history, and some culinary treats too. Options include Fota Wildlife Park, Spike Island, The Jameson Experience at the Old Distillery, The Titanic Experience, Fota House, Arboretum, & Gardens, Farmer’s Market and Ballymaloe House & Gardens.
OUR STAY
"Our family, consisting of Elle (12), Ryan (8), Mum and Dad, had the privilege of staying at the Fota Island Resort in October. The weekend getaway was a much-needed break from our busy lives.
Upon arrival, we were greeted warmly at the impressive reception, swiftly checked in and guided to our family room on the second floor. The room was stunning and exceeded our expectations with a large double bed and two singles for the children. The room had every detail you might need, from robes and slippers for all of us, to the Voya products in the bathroom, there is nothing missing for what was to be a relaxing weekend away.
After a quick refresh, we dined at the Amber Lounge. The menu featured affordable and diverse options, perfect for our children. Elle chose the Chicken Goujons, while Ryan opted for his favourite pasta. My husband and I selected the Chicken Korma Curry, appreciating the use of free-range chicken. The attentive and informative staff at the Amber Lounge left us thoroughly impressed. Following a delightful meal, we retired to our room for a restful night's sleep. The quality of bedding and pillows was exceptional, ensuring a well-rested and refreshed start to our activity-filled Saturday.
Breakfast in the Fota breakfast room was a delight. The room's ambiance, lighting and fragrant hotel scent created a lovely atmosphere. The attentive and skilled staff genuinely cared about our experience. After breakfast, Dad and the children enjoyed the pool, while Mum indulged in a Harmony Facial at the spa. The 2-part treatment included a deep back, neck and shoulder massage, followed by a facial with Comfort Zone products. I felt totally rejuvenated, and my therapist, Celine, delivered an exceptional experience. The state-of-the-art spa facilities were a highlight too.
We chose to explore the hotel's beautiful gardens instead of visiting Fota Wildlife Park. The hotel's proximity to Cork city allowed us to enjoy both the tranquillity of the countryside and the vibrancy of the city.
Dinner on our second night was at the hotel's main Fota Restaurant which also coincided with a Rugby World Cup match. The menu offered numerous choices, making it a difficult decision. The Ballycotton Scallops and Ribeye Steak were highlights for me, while dad enjoyed the homemade Fota Black Pudding and Ballycotton Pier Cod. The children savoured their pizza and Fish and Chips, with a side of "hotel" mashed potatoes. We paired our meal with a delightful red wine. Dessert was a tough choice, but I opted for the Chocolate Sphere, while my husband enjoyed the Cappuccino Panna Cotta. The presentation of my dessert, with warm white chocolate sauce poured over it, was a delightful surprise. We watched the end of the match in the bar, celebrating Ireland's victory. Another comfortable night's sleep followed.
Sunday arrived far too soon! The kids and I explored the Fairy Trail while dad used the gym. He was thoroughly impressed with the gym’s equipment and layout.
Back at the hotel, we enjoyed another scrumptious breakfast before checking out. We booked the spa again before leaving, allowing me to experience the thermal suite while dad and the children enjoyed the pool.
The thermal suite at Fota Island Resort was unlike any I had seen before, offering an exquisite array of options, including a Hydrotherapy Pool and a Spa Garden with outdoor sauna. The massage in the Hydrotherapy Pool was a first and a superb experience.
After a day of pampering, we left with a sense of rejuvenation and vowed to return. Ryan even expressed his desire to celebrate his First Holy Communion at the hotel.
Fota Island Resort impressed us with its luxurious accommodations, top-notch service, and attention to detail, earning a perfect 10/10 rating.
We highly recommend booking early to secure your stay at this beautiful hotel."
AN AUTUMN OF FAMILY FUN AT FOTA ISLAND RESORT
This autumn, Fota Island Resort has everything you need to ensure that you and your little ones have the most fun-filled family break. Guests both big and small can rest assured that they will receive the warmest of welcomes in the most luxurious surroundings. With a wide range of activities for the whole family, there is really nowhere else in the country where you can spend your holiday in such comfort and style.
At Fota Island Resort it’s all about choice. While the children enjoy the fantastic facilities on site from fairy trials, Fota Adventure, leisure centre and walking trails through the 780 acres of lush countryside, the adults can sit back, relax and unwind in Fota Island Spa with its glorious outdoor Spa Garden or experience a game of golf on Fota Island Resort’s magnificent championship golf courses. Play through the gorgeous woodlands and vistas across three traditional yet challenging courses or sharpen your game with some practice at the Fota Island Golf Academy – perfect for golfers both big and small. There are plenty of local activities and excursions to choose from nearby including Fota Wildlife Park, Fota House and Gardens, Spike Island, the Titanic Experience in Cobh, Ballymaloe House & Gardens or a visit to the markets at Midleton - at Fota Island Resort you’ll have everything you need for the perfect family break away.
An overnight stay in a Family Room at Fota Island Resort starts from €444 per night including breakfast and dinner. The self-catering Lodges start from €215 per night (for a minimum 3-night stay). To book visit www.fotaisland.ie.
We were gifted the stay for our family of four but there were no expectations of coverage or promotion.
