Blog

How to Plan the Perfect Luxury Spa Experience

We all hear talk about self-care, but why is self-care so important? Self-care means being mindful of our own needs, taking the time to do things that help us feel well and live well.

Self-care impacts both our physical and mental health as it can help to eliminate or reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also minimise frustration and anger, increase happiness, improve energy and concentration, better our mood and much more.

In other words, self-care is important because when we take care of ourselves and are not stressed then naturally, we are better able to meet the needs of others. Life is a healing journey and it starts with self-care and self-awareness of one's needs.

HOW TO PAIR WINE WITH FOOD

Pairing food and wine is one of the great culinary pleasures. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, cooking a romantic meal, or simply enjoying a takeaway, matching wine with food can seem an intimidating task.  Luckily, we have sought expert recommendations from our Director of Operations, Matthew McClure who will have you matching wine with a sommelier before you know it!.

VALENTINE'S DAY AT THE MONTENOTTE

It’s almost that time of year again, where romance is at the forefront of our minds. Valentine’s is that time of year when love is all around, and there’s no more quintessential Valentine's Day celebration than a romantic getaway. Our two-night overnight Valentine's day hotel package encompasses all elements of ‘Love’ at The Montenotte.

THE MONTENOTTE HOTEL RECEIVES GREAT PLACES TO WORK CERTIFICATION™

There was great delight this week for The Montenotte Hotel and for our team as we received the prestigious ‘Great Place to Work’ certification.

STYLISH FESTIVE COCKTAILS TO ENJOY THIS FESTIVE SEASON...

The festive season is here, and we are ready to embrace, savour and enjoy the lead up to the most wonderful time of the year! Whether you will get to join us here at the Hotel or will be creating your own Christmas magic at home, we hope we can inspire you.

Our beverage team led by Bar Manager Gaëtan Chemin, have created two special festive cocktails for the season, and we would like to share recipes for these with you.

GIFTING WITH A DIFFERENCE THIS FESTIVE SEASON 

We all love a gift card, they are so versatile and work for both the purchaser and those in receipt of the gift. However, this year, here at The Montenotte Hotel we wanted to do something a little extra and have been working on developing new enticing gift boxes, created in true Montenotte fashion - by staying unique.

Our team have created some truly spectacular bespoke gifts, designed with style and sophistication, for Bellevue Spa and our new Montenotte Gin.

The Montenotte Hotel announces its partnership with the Small Luxury Hotels of the World

We are overjoyed to announce our new partnership with the prestigious, Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH). This is a huge honour for our team here at The Montenotte Hotel and allows us to further enhance our presence on the global stage as one of Ireland’s top luxury destination hotels in a truly urban setting.

2021 - A YEAR IN REVIEW – but a year to be very proud.

As we say goodbye to 2021, a year that has arguably been hugely challenging for our industry, we can’t help but be hopeful that 2022 will be a better one.

Even with all the challenges that faced us this year, what with us being in restrictions for the first five months of the year, here at The Montenotte Hotel, like so many others we pivoted, and this started by us opening our Vintage Van Café outside the front door of the hotel. The opening of the Vintage Van allowed us to bring some of our team members back to work. The locals here around the hotel in the Montenotte area, loved the Vintage Van Café as they went for walks within their 5KM radius. We are so appreciative of the support that the local community provided us with during those early days of 2021.

LET THE GOOD TIMES BE-GIN

With lockdowns a thing of the past (here’s hoping), it is time to let the good times be-gin. Whilst we were closed during the lockdown at the start of the year, our amazing Food & Beverage team worked tirelessly behind the scenes with Blackwater Distillery to create our very own Montenotte Gin inspired by our Victorian gardens.

Having our own gin was an idea our team has spoken about for a long time, but with the reopening of the hotel on the horizon as well as opening of our new stylish rooftop bar, The Glasshouse in August, it was possible to plan again and the Montenotte Gin was born…

WE ARE THRILLED TO INTRODUCE THE LATEST ARTIST IN RESIDENCE 'CHECKING IN' TO THE MONTENOTTE HOTEL

Continuing with our long-standing heritage and commitment to supporting the arts and creating memorable experiences for our guests, we are delighted to announce that the latest Artist in Residence ‘checking in’  at the hotel, is a collection by the renowned contemporary artist Peter Dee who is showcasing his first ever solo exhibition here at The Montenotte Hotel.

The exhibition will take place in the hotel until January 2022 as part of our Artist in Residence programme, in association with The Gallery Kinsale which is now in its fourth year running. The programme aims to support local Irish artists by offering a six month tenure to showcase at the hotel, where guests and visitors can peruse and enjoy at their leisure.

The Numbers That Matter to Us

Well hello 2021, 6 months in……………as we reflect back on a the first 6 months of a year like no other, which will in time be a “moment in history”… we had a look at the NUMBERS THAT MATTERED to us. As the old gameshow was 15 to 1, we have gone with 20,000 to 1 in our look back on the first 6 months of 2021 for all things The Montenotte Hotel as we prepared to reopen the hotel again to the our valued guests on the 2nd June.
So…
We refurbished..
We introduced new services..
We welcomed new team members..
We won awards..
We continued to innovate and engage..
We prepared and planned..

OUR 3 FAVOURITE COCKTAILS FOR A STYLISH SUMMER AT THE MONTENOTTE HOTEL

As the weather heats up, we tend to long for delicious, light and refreshing cocktails to cool us down and enjoy with friends on a summers evening and which will add a touch of glamour to your get-together

Our amazing beverage team led by the Bar Manager Gaëtan, created some amazing signature cocktails  in advance of reopening to add to our new stylish cocktail menu for the guests to enjoy this summer.

Beautiful Energy at Bellevue Spa 

This May, Bellevue Spa re-opened its doors for the third time in this past year, following the most anticipated government announcement. We are truly delighted to be able to welcome back new and existing customers once again.

We would like to congratulate Marta Wyrzykowska on her promotion to  Head Therapist  and In-house trainer. Marta has been working with Bellevue Spa for nearly 3 years and has an exceptional expertise from working in the world class establishments. She has grown from strength to strength in her time in Bellevue Spa and her enthusiasm is infectious. Marta spends her free time learning new ways to improve the mind, body and soul and is also our Reiki Master.

Girls on Tour in Cork City

  Is there anything more exciting than planning a weekend away with the girls and your pals? To be surrounded by your best friends in a luxury hotel, in luxury surroundings in a great city with lots to see and do – what bliss!

We have everything you need for the perfect girly getaway in Cork; from luxury bedrooms, stylish cocktails, delightful dining, relaxing spa treatments and much more…

THE GIRLS CAN NOW GETAWAY TO CORK CITY..

Is there anything more exciting than planning a weekend away with the girls and your pals? To be surrounded by your best friends in a luxury hotel, in interesting surroundings, in a great city with lots to see and do – what bliss!

We have everything you need for the perfect girly getaway in Cork; from luxury bedrooms, stylish cocktails, delightful dining, relaxing treatments and much more…

BOTANICAL THEMED AFTERNOON TEA TO CALL & COLLECT

Have you been yearning for dainty finger sandwiches, fluffy scones and mouth-watering desserts and treats? Fear not, this May Bank Holiday weekend, here at The Montenotte Hotel we have a unique and exciting way for you to treat yourself, your family or friends  from the comfort of your own home as we finally welcome back summer.

“May Day” has been celebrated in Ireland since pagan times as the feast of Bealtaine.  Traditionally, bonfires were lit to mark the coming of summer and to grant luck to people and their livestock. We do not do bonfires anymore, but it is the start of summer  and you can have cake, as you enjoy your weekend at home with some of our tasty delights and even catch up with some of the Cork International Choral Festival virtual hybrid concerts.

ST PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION AT HOME

For the second time we will be celebrating our national holiday in a lockdown. The nation’s favourite bank holiday normally brings out young and old, flags of tricolour in hands, dressed in green, faces painted in green, white and orange, marching in parades big or small, loud music playing, oh the thrill of being Irish but this year we just need to all this at home and in our back gardens.

The national flag of Ireland is intended to symbolise the inclusion of and the aspirations for unity between people of different traditions of this island, in 2021 more then ever the unity to fight the pandemic is stronger than ever. It has been such a long road but let’s be hopeful that soon we will be able to hold friends and family close again and get back to doing what we love.

ANN DALY, THE HEAD GARDENER AT THE MONTENOTTE HOTEL, AWAITS SPRING'S ARRIVAL

Ann Daly, Head Gardener at The Montenotte Hotel, spoke to us about the her work on our Victorian Gardens and Woodlands.

Ann discusses the Beauty of Nature’s change, the Rebirth of the Garden, her top recommendations on what to do in your garden right now to prepare for Spring's long awaited arrival and where we buy our plants and seeds...

TIPS FROM OUR BELLEVUE SPA MANAGER JENNIFER TO CREATE A ROMANTIC VALENTINE'S AT HOME

Take the opportunity this year to connect with nature and try something new and really be present with your loved one this Valentine's Day.

Top 3 recommendations by Jennifer, the award-winning Bellevue Spa Manager, to help deepen our connections to our partners, with a focus on overall health and mental well-being.

VALENTINE'S AFTERNOON TEA TO CALL & COLLECT FROM THE MONTENOTTE HOTEL

Without doubt it is going to be a Valentines weekend like no other, we would love nothing more than to be welcoming amazing couples to the hotel to celebrate their Valentine’s weekend with us.

We all appreciate this is not possible, but we do suspect that during this lockdown you are indeed yearning for dainty finger sandwiches, fluffy scones and mouth-watering desserts and treats? Fear not, this Valentines weekend, we have a unique and exciting way for you to treat your loved one from the comfort of your own home.

MY CAREER: MY DAYS ARE VERY VARIED AS A HOTEL MARKETING MANAGER

My Career Q&A with Zuzana Brosnan, Marketing Manager at The Montenotte Hotel.

Zuzana spoke to the Evening Echo about her education background, career to date, hobbies, her advice to those looking to go down a similar career path and more... 

2020 AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR IN SO MANY WAYS…

It has been difficult for everyone, both personally and professionally, and we have all had to adapt and explore a new way of doing things and a new way of living in the grips of a pandemic.

I am incredibly proud of our wonderful team here at The Montenotte that have stuck with us through thick and thin, through lockdown and reopening. Every time our team has been allowed to do what they do best, which is look after our guests, they have done a wonderful job.

GIFTING AT THE MONTENOTTE HOTEL

Who's dreaming about gift vouchers this festive season... Give your corporate clients or team the gift of an unforgettable experience at The Montenotte Hotel this Christmas!

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of Team Ireland, Team Cork and supporting Irish this Christmas. Support local, stay local and shop local will be one some of the biggest trends this year.

POWER OF BREATH

By Jennifer McCarthy, The Bellevue Spa Manager

Modern research is showing us that making even the slight adjustments to the way we inhale, and exhale can halt allergies, asthma and autoimmune disease and even rejuvenate internal organs and improve overall health.

What is considered as medically normal today is anywhere from twelve to twenty breaths a minute. The key to optimum breathing for our health, endurance and longevity benefits is to practice fewer inhales and exhales in smaller volumes. We need to practice slow breathing and aim for 5.5 breaths per minute.

Yes… the largest Sculpture Exhibition in Ireland is now open at The Montenotte Hotel

By Ray Kelleher – Director of Sales & Marketing

A stunning Sculpture Exhibition has been installed at our hotel this week, here at The Montenotte Hotel Cork Spa Hotel in the sunken Victorian Gardens and will be on-site for the next four weeks, in association with the prestigious amazing The Kildare Gallery.

In keeping with our company’s commitment to support Irish art and culture, 38 sculptures by 18 Irish artists, including Bob Quinn, Stephanie Hess and Donnacha Cahill have now adorned the gardens. The works range in themes, scale and materials including ceramic, bronze, bog oak and copper steel.

ANOTHER WAY TO ENJOY AFTERNOON TEA

~ Launch of our call and collect ‘Pure Cork Afternoon Tea’ ~
~ This special treat is perfect for cocooning loved ones and will support local producers and charity Our Hospital Heroes ~

Does lockdown have you pining for dainty finger sandwiches, fluffy scones and mouth-watering desserts? If you have a special occasion coming up, want to treat cocooning loved ones, or host a small socially distanced garden gathering when restrictions are eased, fear not, as Cork’s we have put Afternoon Tea back on the menu with the launch of a new call and collect service - available from Saturday 16th May! Orders will be taken from Friday 14th May. 

MY MONTENOTTE EXPERIENCE

This Saturday, on February 1st, I ventured down to Cork for a weekend break in the picturesque and beautifully modern, Montenotte Hotel.
As they say, January is the only month with twice as many days as the rest. Maybe it’s the post-Christmas, back to reality, dark at 4pm aspect, but January really does drag. The first day of Spring was the perfect time for a trip away. Matt drove and we arrived to check-in at 2pm, bringing the total journey time to just under 3 hours.

As always, if anyone has any questions regarding the stay, please do let me know. I am always happy to answer!
All my foodie love,
Fifi
@fifisfoodblogdublin

Dermaviduals Oleogel 

Oleogel plus from Dermaviduals is a must have for every household . This pot of goodness has healing powers and can be used as a spot treatment, mask or multi-purpose moisturiser. Oleogel is free from water and can be bottled free from any preservatives and contains high quality skin care oils of plant origin, this versatile balm only requires the tiniest amount and penetrates very quickly. It’s a product that the whole family can benefit from and is a first aid essential for any home and fantastic for busy mothers on the go.

Lee View House

In 2017 the management team of the Montenotte hotel decided to embark on uncovering the history of our unique hotel. Having limited knowledge on its previous residence we commissioned a local historian, Margaret Lantry, recommended by UCC for her knowledge of Cork’s Merchant princes. The research project took over 12 months but the history uncovered and the stories told were remarkable.

The research documents, the background history, to the houses and the hotels on the site preliminary research was conducted involving the examination of the land records including ordinance survey, name books and letters, the tithe allotment books and valuation office records. The 1901 and 1911 censuses and Cork city street directories were also examined as were street directories since 1867. Other sources used where newspapers for mentions of the Lee view hotel and country club hotel in order to find out more about their history.

Irish Sculptures to Adorn the Victorian Sunken Gardens at Luxury Cork Hotel

In keeping with Montenotte’s Hotel commitment to supporting Irish artists, 35 works of art from Irish sculptors will be exhibited in the stunning gardens of the Cork city boutique hotel from 27 June 2019.

A brillant mix of mix of urban and country, there is an endless supply of things to do in Cork this Summer season, whether you prefer the outdoors, or would rather sit down and watch the world go by with your favourite aperitif.

One Year on at Cork’s Coolest, Calmest Spa 

Last May, luxury boutique hotel, The Montenotte opened the stunning Bellevue Spa and Style Suite. Developed by the same spa designer as Adare Manor, the Bellevue Spa brought luxury to Cork in a unique way by creating an oasis of calm in the heart of the city centre.

CORK BEFORE YOU DIE

VOLUME ONE 

As Corkonians, we are very passionate about our city. We know we offer a selection of exciting and unique things to do and attractions for our visitors to enjoy. Yet, life is like a bungee jump-you have yet to know what it feels like or experience the thrill, but you know it is going to be exhilarating. We love to brag about how amazing our city the “real capital” is. Here we have taken the time to give you our list of “Cork Before You Die”

24 Hours @ The Montenotte Hotel

Have you ever wondered what it is like to immerse yourself in unique hotel luxury for 24 hours?  Here at the award-winning Montenotte Hotel, we take our time to listen to you, our guest, to learn more about what you would like for a relaxing getaway in Cork City, recently voted the 3rd friendliest city in the world.  However, we have so much to offer, you may never actually leave the hotel during your time with us.  So park your car in our complimentary car-park, you may not move it again until you depart.

GIFT IDEAS FOR MOTHER'S DAY 

Did you know that the modern holiday of Mother's Day was first celebrated in 1908! Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother at St Andrew's Methodist Church in West Virginia which now holds the International Mother's Day Shrine. Her campaign to make Mother's Day a recognized holiday in the United States began in 1905 as she wanted to tribute her mother by continuing the work she started and to set aside a day to honour all mothers because she believed a mother is "the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world".

A Uniquely Cork Affair at the Montenotte Hotel

St Patrick's Break in Cork City

Come and join us in the award-winning Montenotte Hotel Cork, as the centre of the city is set to become transformed by a riot of colour and sound. There will be something for everyone with food markets, street performers, musicians and marching bands bringing high-octane entertainment and lots of laughs. There is so much to see and do this festival weekend which takes place from 15th-18th March. Catch The Lee Sessions in pubs around town, visit some of our top attractions, see an exhibition or discover the city on foot at your own pace with Cork City Walks . Cork is definitely the place to be for St. Patrick’s weekend with this year’s festival will be bigger and better than ever. To view the official festival programme, click here.

Easter Break in Cork City

12th-27th April  2019

Here in Ireland, Easter is considered an important holiday, as it is a celebration of new life in all its forms,. Many people therefore choose this time to travel for new adventures, or to be closer to family, both of which are a great opportunity to get outdoors and partake in some fun activities.

The Cork International Choral Festival is an annual music festival held in Cork City, Ireland

This year the festival will run from the 1st-5th May 2019

MID-TERM BREAK IN CORK CITY 18TH-22ND FEBRUARY 2019

Mid-term break is just around the corner and that means one thing – seven full days that need to be filled with fun tasks and activities. A little bit of organising and preparation will go a long way to ensure the holidays are enjoyed by all, and that is where we at the award-winning Montenotte Hotel can help. There is plenty to do and see in Cork city so be sure to take advantage of our stunning location during your stay in the beautiful city and county of Cork.

WINTER ROOM SALE

Add a bit of colour to your life this winter and spring, experience all that the award-winning Montenotte Hotel has to offer.

GIFT IDEAS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY 

The most romantic day of the year will soon be upon us, Valentine’s Day. It is the time of year where you may spend forever choosing the perfect gift, something they will appreciate and truly enjoy, even brag about receiving! Regardless of how long you have been together, from young love to a well-burning flame, picking the perfect gift for February 14th can be tricky.

WINTER BREAKS IN CORK

Blow away those cobwebs with an air of freshness and spoil yourself with a well-deserved winter break, where Cork city sparkles in the frosty weather. Sometimes you just want to get a weekend away in a city that you’ve always been meaning to visit or you want to experience certain holidays in a new and interesting way. There is plenty to do and see so be sure to take advantage of our stunning location during your stay in the beautiful city and county of Cork.

Christmas at the Montenotte Hotel …
we have it all wrapped up for you!

Bellevue Spa, Cork's only boutique city spa at the award-winning Montenotte Hotel will be hosting an Exclusive Christmas Gifting Night on Wednesday 28th November 2018 & Thursday 6th December at 7pm.

On arrival, enjoy a drinks reception with festive canapés. This unique festive shopping event offers you the opportunity to experience our exclusive product range including Dermaviduals Skin Care and Bellevue Botanticals, as well our beautiful product range in The Style Suite of Kerastase, OPI Nails and Young Blood Mineral Cosmetics.

On the night, guests will hear from industry experts on the importance of skin care including Peigin Crowley, consultant of Bellevue Spa, Cliff at Lyons & Adare Manor to mention but a few. Ireland's leading expert in Dermaviduals Skin Care, Jennifer McCarthy.

The first 20 people to register for our exclusive event will receive a complimentary 15 minute express treatment*. All guests can avail of 10% off all products on the night of the event. Festive gift hampers and gift vouchers will be available also to purchase on the night.

For enquiries, please call us on 021 453 0050

*Subject to availability, terms and conditions apply..

For more information and to claim your ticket click here  

Dermaviduals DMS Cleanser

A Correct Cleanser is the most important part of any skincare routine and is a vital that this is carried out correctly in order to maintain the long term health of your Skin.

Dermaviduals Skincare at Bellevue Spa Cork

Winter Season is fast approaching therefore face the seasonal changes with the right Facial and Skincare at Bellevue Spa, The Montenotte Hotel.

Skin is like nature it changes seasonal based on humidity level and sunlight.

The beauty of Dermaviduals was that it changes with your skin demands in all seasons and all stresses.

MID TERM IN CORK CITY 

Are you making plans for this mid-term? Cork comes alive with this October with festivals throughout Cork city & county.  To help you plan your break in the award-winning Montenotte Hotel we have put together a list of wonderful experiences for you to enjoy during your time with us.

CORK JAZZ FESTIVAL 2018

The Cork Jazz Festival is an annual music festival held in Cork City, Ireland.  This year the festival will run from the 25th-29th October 2018.

BELLEVUE Botanicals Massage

WHAT IS BELLEVUE  BOTANICALS?
A product line created for us and inspired by our Sunken Victorian Garden. Our botanicals contain rose, lavender , rosemary, peat from Laois, Carrageen Moss and Beeswax from West Cork. These botanical treatments have been carefully curated for the customer and aim to relax and rejuvenate. Bellevue Botanicals is 100% natural and made in Ireland.

JUNE IN CORK CITY

This June sees Cork alive with festivals throughout the city and county.  To help you plan your break in the award-winning Montenotte Hotel we have compiled a list of wonderful experiences for you to enjoy during your time with us.

Corneotherapy-The science of maintaining and restoring healthy skin

Corneotherapy takes the science of cosmeceuticals one step further. It could be argued that corneotherapy is the skin care concept of the future.  It’s where science meets beauty.  Another way of thinking of it is that it provides the link between dermatology and cosmetics.