Daily Mirror - February 2005

Natural Selection

When people mention the word 'Oasis' I automatically think of the chain of high street fashion shops. But I learned the true meaning of the word when I stayed in the woderful BrookLodge Hotel and Wells Spa at Macreddin Village.

The Hotel's €6 million Spa is a haven for those in search of total mind, body and spiritual rejuvenation. The lounge is full of comfy couches and armchairs and we kicked back in front of the fire and enjoyed a few pre dinner drinks.

The Strawberry Tree Restaurant is the jewel in the BrookLodge crown and is a five star experience. This restaurant can only be described as decadent with its velvet linded walls, gleaming chandeliers and mirrored ceiling. The Strawberry Tree is Ireland's first fully organic restaurant and the food is just out of this world.

BrookLodge Hotel & Well Spa nestles in a purpose made village which includes a Micro Brewery, Pub, Smokehouse, Organic Store Rooms and Chapel. The Hotel, which nestles on the floor of a sloping valley, is just a couple of miles from Aughrim and a 90 minute drive from South Dublin.