REVIEWS


THE WOODLAND SUITE EXPERIENCE AT THE MONTENOTTE HOTEL Cork, Ireland


LOCATION: The Montenotte Hotel is nestled in the heart of Cork, perched on a hill overlooking the River Lee, the harbour and the city skyline. Set among lush greenery but just a short walk to the city centre and a 15-minute drive from the airport, it enjoys the best of both Cork’s urban and natural sides.


FIRST IMPRESSIONS: We’re ushered inside by Ken, the beaming doorman who greets us like old friends, and I instantly feel at home. This trademark Irish hospitality continues as I’m whisked across the grounds in The Montenotte’s pride and joy: its new golf buggy, with ‘The Woodland Suite Experience’ emblazoned on the side. A short ride from the main building brings us to The Clubhouse – the chic, cosy space reserved exclusively for guests staying in the Woodland Suites – where I enjoy a seamless check-in with a glass of chilled champagne.


THE FACTS: The Woodland Suite Experience is the newest addition to the hotel’s offering, comprising nine pods akin to ÌÀiihoÕÃiÃ] inÛilo«i` LÞ ÌhiVk voÀiÃÌ >n` Üil`yoÜiÀð


IDEAL FOR: Couples will love the seclusion and tranquillity of the Woodland Suites, and those seeking a restful break could easily spend a few nights here without leaving the hotel. But with the city centre on the doorstep, the hotel is also great for anyone seeking a balance between relaxation and exploration.


EXPLORE: The team is more than happy to organise excursions for guests to enjoy all that Cork has to offer. For a different perspective of the city, Ocean Escapes operates rib boat tours that showcase the beauty of Cork harbour and beyond, making stops in the quaint towns of Cobh and Crosshaven. Guests seeking an authentic taste of Ireland should make time for the Midleton Distillery Experience, where they can sample some of the country’s best whiskeys.


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is spacious and modern, with a standalone bathtub, an outdoor terrace and a show-stopping sink crafted from a block of ivory stone. A two-minute walk through the hotel’s sunken gardens brings me back to the main building, home to the Bellevue Spa, the Panorama restaurant and The Glasshouse cocktail bar. My favourite amenity is the Cameo Cinema, an intimate space kitted out with elegant armchairs where guests can injoÞ `ÀinkÃ] Ãn>Vkà >n` ÌÜiVi-`>ilÞ vÀii wlm ÃVÀiinin}ð


WOW: I loved the peaceful ambience of The Clubhouse. As well as serving complimentary sundowners each evening, this exclusive space is a dreamy spot for a slow-paced breakfast, and each morning we enjoyed views across the river and a slice (or two) of the exceptional cheese bread baked by the hotel’s amazing head chef, Janice.


BOOK IT: A night in a Woodland or River Suite starts at £567. Aer Lingus flies from Heathrow to Cork four times a day from £50 one way.


THEMONTENOTTEHOTEL.COM; AERLINGUS.COM Isobel Turner


118 ASPIRE NOVEMBER 2024


aspiretravelclub.co.uk


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