Change is blowing in the Irish capital. Located the Dublin city center, The Merrion recently unveiled a new spa and health club. The five-star hotel first opened in 1997, the result of a restoration of four adjoining Georgian townhouses, and draws visitors for its F&B venues: The Garden Room, No. 23 cocktail bar, the Cellar Bar (featuring the original 18th-century vaults), and Restaurant Patrick Guilband, Ireland’s only two-star Michelin restaurant. Now there’s another star attraction.
Located on the hotel’s lower ground floor, the all-new Merrion Spa and Health Club takes the place of the original spa which was much smaller in size. Designer Alice Roden sought to create a calming retreat with a neutral color palette, soft lighting and Irish fabrics. You’ll still find the original 60-foot pool, decorated with a hand-painted mural. Now there are also six treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, gym and salon by hairdresser Ciaran Nevin. The Merrion Spa and Health Club has partnered with the prestigious French brand Biologique Recherche, along with ESPA, to design signature spa treatments.
Following a treatment, guest can try a “Means Greens” juice or herbal tea at the Vitality Club Bar. Or head to the art-filled relaxation room for a drink while cozying up in an Urban Aran blanket. The spa is open from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends and Bank Holiday Mondays.
A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, The Merrion has 123 guestrooms and 19 suites. Top digs: The two-floor Penthouse Suite comes with its own private rooftop terrace. Fun fact: The Merrion has the largest collection of private art in Ireland outside the National Gallery.