New Darphin Treatment Menu at Carton House Hotel and Spa, Maynooth

Mammy Fluff was recently in town, so we popped along to the spa in the 4-star Carton House Hotel in Maynooth, Co. Kildare, to check out their new Darphin treatment menu. 

I'm not hugely familiar with this luxe, Parisian brand but have hugely enjoyed the few products that I've tried (which reminds me, I must tell you about their CC cream soon!). 

The hotel itself is a stunner: just 15 miles from Dublin, this 18th Century Georgian mansion (former home to the Dukes of Leinster) is surrounded by a walled, 1,100 acre country estate, featuring ancient woodlands, cut through by the River Rye. 

Rather wonderfully, the estate is all manner of creatures including a herd of red deer, badgers, otters, foxes, owls, bats and many other species -  so my walking boots are coming with me on my next trip! 

The spa is housed in the converted stables, with a long, glass-fronted relaxation room offering lovely views out over the greenery of the grounds. This light-soaked space was a refreshing alternative to the dark, cocoon-like environments of most other spas, and was every bit as tranquil.

Treatment wise, I opted for the mini retreat: a 30 minute facial combined with a 30 minute massage. The massage was good, but I should know by now that I'm just teasing myself with 30 minutes - when I'm stressed and my muscles are tense, they need more work to really feel the benefit. 

The facial though was superb - and I don't say that lightly. There were none of the bells and whistles I usually expect - steaming, extractions, all that jazz - which, again, I put down to the 30 minute timeframe. What there was, though, was a killer facial massage that really helped to lift the muscles, ease away tension and work the divinely-scented Darphin oils into my skin. (Don't miss my post on how to give yourself a face massage at home!) 

Mum had a foot treatment and a mini manicure which left her feeling blissed out, and there was much admiring of her shiny new nails as we soaked in the jacuzzi after. The leisure facilities are lovely - a really decent sized pool, sauna and steam room which definitely enhance the overall experience. 

Fluff and Fripperies was a guest of the hotel but the Mini Retreat is generally priced at €70; visit the website for more or call  (01) 651 7744.

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