WHAT'S IT LIKE? This five-star hotel opened in May 2006, the second property for Sheraton in Ireland after the Westin Dublin. The approach to the hotel is impressive, with a drive through the wooded grounds of Cork's second-largest island, Fota, home to Ireland's largest wildlife resort. The hotel, a huge cream block on the top of a hill, looks modern and bland from the outside, and out of place in the traditional country setting. However, inside it is a different story, with stone floors and warm cosy lighting giving the feel of a country-house hotel but with modern flare and design. The leisure facilities, with an 18-hole championship golf course and spa, are exceptional.
WHERE IS IT? Twenty minutes' drive from Cork International airport. It takes about half an hour to drive the nine miles into Cork city centre (around Euros 20 in a taxi).
HOW MANY ROOMS? 131, including eight suites. The resort will also offer 280 luxury residential lodges, and owners will have membership of the golf course and use of the spa and fitness facilities at the hotel.
ROOM FACILITIES Each room has air conditioning, safe, minibar, TV and music tracks, 24-hour room service and the "Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed". Wifi internet access is free throughout the hotel. The bathroom had a bath and separate large walk-in rain shower with a slated floor and square sink (not a good design). Slippers, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities are also available. My room overlooked the car park and parkland and was decorated in simple, stylish colours.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS The Cove restaurant is a gourmet grill-room specialising in fresh local seafood, Irish meat and organic produce (Tuesday to Saturday 1900-2200). The Fota restaurant, a peaceful open-plan room overlooking the terrace, offers all-day dining and a delicious traditional breakfast (Sunday to Friday 0700-1430; Saturday 0700-1030; daily 1800-2230). The Amber Lounge is a relaxed space for afternoons and evenings and offers an impressive, if daunting, 75 special blends of whiskey (open 0900-2200).
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES There are six meeting rooms for up to 300 people and a 24-hour business centre.
LEISURE FACILITIES The hotel has a beautiful wellbeing spa with 18 treatment rooms, and a special couples' treatment room. I had a mud wrap (Euros 65 for 45 minutes) using Italian spa products Comfort Zone, and felt suitably relaxed and fuzzy afterwards. There is also a hydrotherapy suite, which consists of a pool with small alcoves to sit in while jets of water pummel different parts of the body. There is a "walking river", which uses water currents and reflexology to revitalise, and a swimming pool. The heated rocking chairs in the thermal suite are a real treat (sadly they cost around £10,000 to buy), as are the tepidarium (dry heat) and hammam (wet heat). Outdoors, I headed for the championship 18-hole golf course, which has hosted the Irish open and on which Colin Montgomerie has set the record of 63 shots.
VERDICT Inside, this is a stunning hotel, which offers everything a business or leisure traveller needs. It may seem a little far from the city centre for meetings but it is close to the airport and the leisure facilities are top-class. Free wifi access throughout the hotel is a clear bonus.
PRICES Fully flexible internet rates for a midweek stay in early February started at Euros 165, including breakfast.
CONTACT Sheraton Fota Island Golf Resort & Spa, Fota Island, Cork, tel +353 21 467 3000, starwoodhotels.com.
Felicity Cousins
