STUNNING SCENES from the coastline and pretty villages of south west Ireland were the focus of newspaper travel pages and a Hollywood movie this weekend.
New rom-com flick LEAP YEAR hit cinemas on Friday and sees DOUBT actress AMY ADAMS racing around the County Kerry coastline in a bid to propose to her boyfriend on February 29. But Adams instead ends up falling for Brideshead Revisited heartthrob MATTHEW GOODE who plays a Kerry innkeeper.
And on Sunday, the News of the World highlighted the beautiful Ring of Kerry, which is widely regarded as the “Lake District” of Ireland. The main travel feature focused specifically on the luxury self-catering residences of Natural Retreats in the mountain and coast retreat of Parknasilla. The 500-acre resort, which dates back to 1692, is nestled on the edge of a picturesque rugged coastline.
Referring to the chick flick Leap Year, the News of the World’s Amanda Evans said: “Ireland is the perfect destination for a proposal or any other celebration – including Mother’s Day on March 14. Think Ireland and think spa and retreat holidays with spectacular backdrops.
“No one takes the spa experience more seriously than the Irish and you are spoilt for choice. My mum and I arrived at the Parknasilla resort in Sneem on the west coast for a two-night break which surpassed all our expectations.
FOR LUXURY SELF-CATERING BARGAINS AT PARKNASILLA visit www.naturalretreats.com or call 0161 242 2970.
“Our three-bedroom semi-detached villa had access to all the hotel’s facilities. We even had a concierge service to help with queries – such as choosing one of the dozens of activities on offer, including seven mapped walks.
About Natural Retreats Parknasilla resort
- By plane to Kerry: http://www.ryanair.com
- By car: 1hr 45min drive from Kerry airport
- Your welcome hamper includes a cheeky bottle of red and we stock the fridge with all the basics you need to kickstart your luxury short-break
- Play golf on the private 12-hole course
- Outdoor tennis and Petanque, a form of French boules
- Croquet, archery, clay pigeon shooting, horseriding, bike hire and fishing are also available on site.
Evans continued: “In the evening we hit the Doolittle bar for cocktails. Aptly named, as on this break we did do very little except eat, drink and relax! The barman was great company and at the end of the night even drove us back to our villa to save us tottering back in our heels.
“The following morning after a hearty breakfast in our villa we headed to the stunning spa at the hotel which has breathtaking views over woodlands, parkland, Kenmare Bay and the Atlantic Ocean – even from the two Jacuzzis on the terrace.
“The hardest decision I had to make was which treatment to choose! I plumped for the hour-long tri-enzyme resurfacing facial and afterwards I was glowing. Dealing with all the stresses and strains of city living just slipped away – truly a Natural Retreat.
“Parknasilla summed up Ireland for me – beautiful scenery, great hospitality and complete relaxation. After his visit in 1909, the writer George Bernard Shaw described Parknasilla as ‘part of our dream world’ and as we drove away from the magical place I had to agree.”
Go on, Natural Retreats yourself at Natural Retreats!
§ § Holiday Vouchers §§
A Natural Retreats Holiday Voucher is the perfect gift for friends or loved ones. Simply call Natural Retreats today on UK tel: +44(0)161 242 2970 Ireland tel: +353 1 685 3013.
- Spring bargain breaks at Natural Retreats Parknasilla
- Fantastic deals are based on six sharing for a minimum of two nights.
- Guests receive a luxury welcome hamper, towels, linen and toiletries, as well as a dedicated concierge service.
- For car-hire deals to Parknasilla visit www.holidayautos.co.uk
- For more details on Ireland, see www.discoverireland.com or call 0800 0397000
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