Spa day at The Ice House Hotel, Ballina

It was one of those days when we needed to be pampered. The weather had been pretty miserable for the middle of August — torrential rain, strong winds and barely a hint of sunshine. We were craving something to lift our spirits, and the choice was an easy one. Not too far from Sligo lies the town of Ballina, Co. Mayo, home to the luxurious 4‑star Ice House Hotel (http://www.icehousehotel.ie/).

So the three of us — myself, my sister, and my sister‑in‑law visiting from London — decided that a full day of pampering in the hotel’s beautiful spa was exactly what we deserved.

The Ice House Hotel sits in a stunning position along the River Moy, one of Ireland’s most famous salmon rivers. We arrived on an overcast Thursday morning, parked the car and strolled along the quays towards the entrance. Inside, we were greeted by a stylish blend of modern design and old‑world character, a warm welcome that set the tone for the relaxing day ahead.

Outside the Ice House Hotel, we made our way down the stairs towards the spa. The boutique spa — aptly named Chill Spa — welcomed us with a contemporary, calming atmosphere that immediately set the tone for the day. Soft candlelight flickered gently, and a beautiful scent drifted through the air, instantly making us relax. Within moments, we were already beginning to chill, ready to sink into a full day of well‑deserved pampering.

At reception, we were greeted by the lovely Mary, who welcomed us with a smile and handed us the Chill Spa consultation form. Once we had it filled in, she gave us the key to our locker and guided us to the dressing room. Inside, everything we needed for a relaxing day was waiting for us — soft slippers, a cosy robe, fresh towels, a shower cap and all the little touches that make you feel instantly cared for.​

After getting changed, we made our way to the relaxation room, a serene space with a stunning corner window overlooking the River Moy. The room, decorated in soft neutral tones, felt like a true haven of tranquillity — the kind of place where your shoulders drop the moment you walk in.
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A selection of infused waters (lime or orange), along with fresh fruit, dried apricots and other light snacks, was waiting for us. We happily helped ourselves while watching the river drift by, boats gently bobbing as they waited for their next catch. It was the perfect start to our pampering day.

All three of us had chosen different treatments for the afternoon:

• Dolores: Hot oil back, neck & shoulder massage + a taster VOYA facial
• Angela: Full‑body massage
• Kerry: VOYA Ocean Fresh Facial

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After enjoying the peaceful views from the relaxation room, our therapists arrived to bring us to our treatment rooms. Each room was softly lit, decorated in calming neutral tones and kept at the perfect temperature — a peaceful haven for the next hour.

The Hot Oil Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage was wonderfully relaxing. My therapist even went the extra mile, working carefully on a stubborn knot in my shoulder until the tension finally eased. All the revitalising creams and oils used throughout our treatments were from VOYA, an award‑winning Irish brand known for its organic seaweed‑based products. VOYA was created by the Walton family from Sligo, and their products added a luxurious, local touch to the whole experience.

After our wonderfully relaxing massages, we returned to the relaxation room, where complimentary herbal tea was waiting for us — the perfect way to ease back into the world. The Chill Spa offers an impressive range of treatments, but the experience doesn’t end there. Outside on the riverside patio, you’ll find a barrel sauna and hot tubs overlooking the River Moy, ideal for anyone brave enough to embrace the ever‑changing Irish weather.
Once we’d finished in the spa, we took some time to explore the Ice House Hotel itself. Wandering through its corridors, we admired the stylish modern interior beautifully blended with preserved historical features — a thoughtful mix that gives the hotel its unique character.

We’re already looking forward to returning, next time to try the food on offer or perhaps even stay overnight with the hubby for an extra dose of pampering.
And it’s worth noting that the Chill Spa’s many awards speak for themselves — a true testament to their exceptional service and the rejuvenating experience they provide. You leave feeling refreshed, restored and genuinely chilled