OUR NEWS
WEDDING SHOWCASE 2008
Sunday 23 November 2008
12 Noon- 8 Pm
Admission is Free
Planning to get married then visit the Wedding Showcase at the Ballyliffin Lodge& Spa on Sunday 23 November 2008
Staff will be on-hand throughout the day to show you around the hotel and guide you through our wedding packages.
Large selection of specialist wedding exhibitors including Designer Bridal Wear Florists, Jewellers, Photographers, Car hire, Chocolate fountains, Wedding Cakes and Beauty Specialists , Complimentary wine tasting and Bridal Make up demonstrations by Rock Crystal Spa
MAMIE PATS AUTUMN SALE
Our popular 321 Mneu has been extended from Tuesday & Thursday to run daily inlcuding the weekends.
This offer is not to be missed with a 3 Course Meal for 2 persons including bottle of wine only €49.99 per couple!!!!
WINE TASTING EVENING WITH DINNER Wednesday 5th November 2008 At 7.00pm
The first evening of the supper club focuses on “knowing what's what”
with Wine Expert Ms Monica Murphy of (Fevbre Wines)
delivering a beginners guide to wine tasting , wine production, evaluating wine and matching your wine with food.
This will be an informal evening of learning all about the Wine in your glass and food that goes with it
You may even pick up some Christmas Party Ideas. The evening finishes off with dinner in the Hollytree Restaurant
Reserve your place now by calling 00353 74 93 78200.Ticket price –ONLY €45.00pp including wine and dinner
Ticket & 1 Overnights Luxury Accommodation ONLY €99pp Places are limited so you need to book quickly
2008 CHRISTMAS CALENDER
The 2008 Christmas brochure is now available to download online. Once again demand remains high for this festive calendar of events, so telephone reservations today to book your place for the ultimate Christmas Party or New Years Eve Champagne Gala Ball. Download a copy of our Christmas events calendar today on www.ballyliffinlodge.com or telephone 00353 74 937 8200 for your copy.
Christmas parties are an absolute must for companies, whatever their size. A night out to remember at Christmas is an excellent way of saying a big thank you to your staff for all their hard work as well as a great opportunity to enjoy yourself.
This year why not celebrate Christmas and The New Year in style in the luxurious surroundings of the 4 Star Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa & discover the true spirit of Christmas.
There are a host of options to suit all your needs from Festive Christmas lunches, to our fun packed Gourmet Christmas Party Night on Saturday 13 December or our now famous New Years Eve Champagne Gala Ball with 5 Course Banquet including Wine and Live Entertainment for only €90.
CHRISTMAS PARTY ACCOMMODATION OFFER – FROM ONLY €75PPS
Avoid the Taxi mayhem and retire to one of our 40 individually designed bedrooms so that you will wake up the next day recharged and ready for anything. Special accommodation rates are offered to all festive party goers, subject to availability.
Demand will be high for this festive calendar of events, so telephone reservations today on 00353 74 9378146 to book your place.
Download a copy of the Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa’s Christmas Events calendar today on www.ballyliffinlodge.com or telephone 00353 74 9378200 for your copy of our 2008 Christmas Calendar.
WINTER WONDERLAND - 4 STAR LUXURY FROM ONLY €120 PER ROOM
This year why not go discover the true spirit of Christmas and stay in the luxurious surroundings of the 4 Star Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa - only €120 for 2 adults and 2 children under 10. There is a supervised play area available from 6-9pm every week night for the children and a complimentary glass of mulled wine for the adults. (Offer is subject to availability and runs from 23 November – 24 December 2008. Babysitting service available on request.
GREAT VALUE AUTUMN & WINTER SPA BREAKS - IDEAL FOR A HEAVENLY HEN PARTY
A Health Spa weekend break is a great incentive to kick start a healthier lifestyle, begin a new programme of sensible eating and fulfilling exercise, and to choose skin care products tailored to match your particular skin type. With our GREAT VALUE weekend spa break or spa day packages, the moment you step into our inner sanctuary and put on our padded slippers your body health is our prime concern.
Choose from a range of spa treatments designed to regenerate and restore your natural energy and balance, such as facial therapies, massages, Balneo Therapy, and manicures and pedicures. Whether you're looking for total relaxation over time, or an hour to rejuvenate the senses, the Rock Crystal Spa has all you need.
Detoxify your mind, body and soul, beginning with a traditional sauna. Proceed with a cleansing stay in the herbal steam room, the air scented with essential oils, before finding peace in this luxurious spa and taking the treatment specifically designed for you and your skin type.
Alternatively, purchase a fabulous present for friends, colleagues or family with our personalised gift vouchers, or gifts. Beautiful gift baskets can also be arranged full of luxurious spa products made up to any value.
Enjoy a weekend spa break or even just a spa day at the Rock Crystal putting time on hold, allowing you to drift into a serene state of mind in an environment dedicated to detoxification and relaxation. We will ensure you make the most of your time here whether you're enjoying health spa weekend breaks or have popped in for a shorter stay. Check out our fantastcially priced Spa Breaks yourself or call Alicia on 00353 74 9378144 to create a spa package to suit your needs and budget.
PROM PACKAGE - NOW ONLY € 50
Look your best for your formal or any special occasion with our Exclusive Extra Value Prom Package
Package includes:
o Tanning Treatment
o Nail File & Polish (Fingers & Toes)
o Make up Application using the finest organic mineral make-up.
o False Eyelashes.
o Complimentary Day Pass at Lodge Leisure Club
EXCLUSIVE CHRISTMAS VOUCHER OFFER - WIN TICKETS TO SEE MANCHESTER UNITED HOME GAME
Buy any of our special christmas vouchers, over the value of €100 between now and 24 December 2008 and you will be entered into a FREE DRAW to win tickets along the half way line to see Manchester United play at Old Trafford on 19 May 2008. Prize includes flights and tickets to match.
WHATS HOT! - AUTUMN 08
LIVE MUSIC - MAMIE PATS - DESSIE O' KANE
September 26
October 24th
October 25th
November 21st
December 13th
December 19th
ESPECIALLY FOR EVERYONE - THE HOLLY TREE RESTAURANT LAUNCHES NEW AFFORDABLE MENU
The Holly Tree Restaurant at The Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa has just unveiled its new menu. The innovative menu has been created by award winning Chefs, Peter Cheeseman and Kwangi Chan. Both chefs have created a contemporary menu that draws upon the finest seasonal and local ingredients which includes all the modern classics, designed to showcase the very best of traditional cooking.
The new menu has been developed to ensure that customer’s tastes have been met, as well as bringing back some timeless classics such as the appetizing Pan Seared 12 Oz Rib Eye Steak and the delectable Lodge Bangers and Mash served with Onion Gravy .
Peter commented, ‘The Holly Tree Restaurant offers a modern and comfortable approach to its food and guest service, making a top quality dining experience which is both affordable and accessible for everyone. He insists, ‘We wanted to make sure that our new menu does not try to impress or pressure the customer into choosing something he doesn’t want or understand.
Ultimately we want to please people that come into the restaurant-therefore it's a combination of enjoying yourself, tasting new dishes and feeding yourself properly with good wholesome food that doesn’t cost the earth.’
We also recognise that our younger customers need to have a great food offer too and to make sure that they don’t get bored with their menu we have added a few more tasty dishes including our extremely popular Indian Curry served with Rice, Onion Bagee and Pitta Bread.
Starters on the A la Carte menu include Grilled Goat’s Cheese, served with Red Pepper Salad & Red Onion Marmalade; Home made Smoked Fish Chowder served with wheaten bread; Grilled Ciabatta with Garlic Butter and White Cheddar Cheese and Smoked Salmon with Smoked Salmon Mousse served with Lemon Salad and Brown Bread to name only a few.
Fish fans will be in seventh heaven when choosing from Poached Fillet Of Salmon with Baby Vegetables served with Hollandaise Sauce, Oven Baked Cod served with Garlic Butter Or Lemon Butter & Herb, to Roast Whole Sea Bass with Sweet Soy Sauce served with Chopped Mild Red Chillies & Coriander.
Meat lovers will be equally as spoilt for choice with Braised Lamb Shank with Slow Oven Roasted Vegetable & served with its own sauce; The famous Lodge Lasagne served with Salad and side order of choice; Beef Brisket Casserole with Leeks, Carrot, Celery, Onion and Potatoes, served with Irish Wheaten Brown Bread; Grilled 12 oz sirloin of prime Irish beef served with grilled pate on toast and Roast Half of Duck to choose from!
Since it opened just over three years ago, The Holly Tree Restaurant at the Ballyliffin Lodge Hotel & Spa has become an established destination for discerning diners as well as delighting our residents. The presentation & quality of food and use of local produce has seen recognition by inclusion in the Georgina Campbell Guide and the Les Routiers Guide with a recent raving review from the famous restaurant critic Paulo Tullio.
Food is served from 12 noon – 10.00pm daily.
For further information, please see the Holly Tree Restaurant page on www.ballyliffinlodge.com or contact 00353 74 937 8200.
BALLYLIFFIN LODGE & SPA EXECUTIVE CHEF SELECTED FOR 2008 CULINARY OLYMPICS IN GERMANY
Kwanghi Chan, Executive Chef at the 4 Star Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa will join chefs from more than 40 different countries to take part in the 2008 Culinary Olympics in Germany next month.
Organised by the German Chefs Association, the IKA Culinary Olympics is the largest culinary exhibition in the world with one of the biggest international cooking contests. This competition includes a hot kitchen section (or live cooking) where participants have to prepare an elaborate meal with several courses and a cold platter show, an art form that is virtually exclusive to competitions. The participants in the culinary contest vie against one another in various disciplines and categories, as a team or individuals, in national or regional teams, as junior chefs or chefs of any age. The national team contest is without doubt the highlight.
This year Kwanghi and 24 others who make up the Irish team will head off to the IKA Culinary Olympics in search of a gold medal. Although only 31, Kwanghi is no newcomer to the international cooking arena having already achieved a Silver Olympic Medal as a junior, and placed 2nd in the world in the culinary world cup in Luxembourg in 2000, and the over all junior grand prix winner in hotelympia culinary competition London.
After achieving a BSC degree in International Culinary Arts from TVU London, Kwanghi has not only worked in a number of quality food establishments but has also trained for the past 10 years with the Irish culinary team in order to achieve a level to compete on an international stage as a senior team member.
Kwanghi says, ‘I’m 31 years of age now so I really have another 2 chances to achieve an Olympic gold medal before retiring from competing on an international level. Our team of five chefs, (including myself who will be making the main course), will be cooking a 3 course meal menu for 110 people from scratch in a glass kitchen, with the best chefs in the world walking in and out of the kitchen judging every single technique and work practices. Having to concentrate on what you are doings whilst also recognising that you are representing your country is what I call working under pressure.'
He added, ‘We are really prepared and looking forward to success this time in Germany. There has been great support from the team management and sponsors in making this possible, from equipment to product source to make sure that every thing is well organized. I am also extremely grateful to the Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa hotel for their support and I look forward to bringing my experience to my home “Donegal both at the Lodge and the Sandy bay resort in the future.'
Today the chef' parade in Erfurt symbolises more than just a cookery contest. It is a stage for international culinary art, a platform where know-how is exchanged, information about training and further training passed on and where chefs from all over the world have the opportunity to meet personally
Background Information.
From October 19 to 22 the participants in the international cooking contest will come together in Erfurt. The 2004 Olympics will look small by comparison. In 2004 there were 32 national teams, 12 military teams, 8 national communal cooking teams, 8 national patisserie teams and 16 youth teams. The Olympic cooking event attracted 1200 participants from 40 countries, 23,000 visitors and more than 300 representatives of the media.
It is being held for the 22nd time in Germany and for the third time in Erfurt. The 2008 Culinary Olympics will again be setting new records. The German Chefs Association is playing host to chefs from all over the world and provides a splendid setting for the profession.
The Culinary Olympics in Germany is the largest international contest in the profession. Other major contests are the Salon Culinaire Mondial in Basle, the Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg, the Culinary Challenge in Singapore and the American Culinary Classics in Chicago
The IKA goes back as far as 1900 when the premiere was held in Frankfurt am Main. In those days it was a joint event held under the patronage of HRH Princess Friedrich Carl of Hesse, Princess of Prussia by the "International Chefs Association", the "Frankfurt Innkeepers Association" and the "Association to Promote Tourism".
AUTUMN BLOSSOM ROCK CRYSTAL SPA TREATMENT SALE - AVAILABLE UNTIL 31 OCTOBER 2008
BODY TREATMENTS
Rejuvenating Mud Wrap - Now €80
Coffee & Sea Kelp Body Treatment- Now €80
Herbal Hydration Body Treatment- Now €80
Hot Oil Elixir Body Treatment- Now €80
Aloe Linen Body Treatment- Now €80
FACIAL TREATMENTS
Regenerative Facial - Now €65
Hydramax Facial - Now €65
De-sensitising Facial - Now €65
Refining Facial - Now €65
Purifying Facial - Now €65
Clarity Facial - Now €65
SALE AT THE ROCK CRYSTAL SPA (Offers Valid until 30th November 2008)
Exclusive Debs / Party offer !!
Full Body Tan
File and Polish, fingers and toes
Make-up application ( with fake lashes )
When scheduling your appointment you will receive a one day pass to our luxurious leisure facilities
Special Offer €50.00
Luxurious USPA organic facial & Dry Floatation treatment
Special Offer €70.00 Saving €50.00
A Balneo bath treatment with a choice of a Mini Facial , Pressure point head Massage or Half hour back massage
Special Offer €50.00 Saving €35.00
Hot Stone Massage
Special Offer €65.00 Saving €15.00
Eye Brow Wax
Special Offer €7.00
Enjoy full use of our leisure Facilities with our offers (excluding the waxing offers)
ULSTER TATLER REVIEW- NOVEMBER 2007
My husband Alex and I recently decided to escape the stress of modern living and set off on a rare sunny Saturday afternoon via a leisurely and effortless two hour journey from Belfast to Ballyliffin, Co Donegal, with one mission in mind, to spend the entire weekend de-stressing and un-winding in the 4 Star Ballyliffen Lodge and Spa, highly recommended by a colleague.
As we meandered up the driveway to the hotel, we were immediately drawn to its external beauty. It has a classic and grand façade, which in turn, draws you into a very welcoming foyer, exuding character and charm, with opulent furnishings and an evident welcoming atmosphere, along with that expected Irish charm greeting from the hotel receptionist, who advised us of our room number, directions and extensive hotel facilities, and on entering our room, which is one of the two executive suites in the hotel, I was rendered speechless, to my husbands genuine amusement !
The executive suite is re-splendid in elegant furnishings and tasteful co-ordination, and oozes opulence, from the warmth of the gold and red décor in the lounge with it’s easy chairs situated beside the various windows showcasing a breathtaking view of the picturesque Inishowen coastline, Malin Head, the golden sands of Pollan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, which are also viewed from the room’s‘piece de resistance’ the exquisite Jacuzzi bathroom with is centred in the lounge on a raised platform, under a beautiful Greek themed mural depicting the pleasures of bathing !
Slightly partitioned from the lounge is the bedroom, with its inviting master bed, which envelopes you in comfort, from it’s classic gold and red dressage including an overhead draped canopy and a mass of scatter cushions to ensure total comfort, to standard feature such as a very large wall mounted plasma tv, dvd player, telephone, tea/coffee facilities, hairdryer, complimentary bottled water, toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, in room safe, internet access, trouser press and mini bar, to the en-suite bathroom, which boasts an impressive double shower.
A reservation in the Holy Tree Restaurant on the Friday evening encouraged an intimate and relaxed dining experience initiated with a very friendly and professional greeting by the ‘Maitre De’, who allowed us ample time to peruse the extensive and varied menu, which resulted in a gastronomical delight provided by award winning head chef Peter Cheesman and his accomplished team who take pride in serving modern classic cuisine using the best Irish produce in season. The restaurant now boasting the culinary honour of being included in the 2007 Michelin guide, which prestigious rating system is internationally recognised as the height of culinary excellence. Breakfast was also served in the restaurant which caters for all breakfast tastes, and we indulged in various delights on both mornings, and enjoyed what I can only describe as a wonderful but ‘gut busting’ experience in Mamie Pats Bar on the Saturday evening, enjoying a busier atmosphere with locals and residents alike all enjoying the craic, and extensive menu on offer.
The basement houses a truly elegant, calming but invigorating complex which comprises a fabulous 17 metre pool with separate children’s area, sauna, steam room, twelve seater Jacuzzi, aerobics studio, gymnasium, and Rock Crystal Spa with 9 treatment rooms.
Prior to our trip to Ballyliffin and after exhaustive deliberation, Alex and I chose various personally tailored treatments to indulge in, and pre-booked the spa for Saturday afternoon, as the spa is very popular by residents and locals alike.
We arrived at the Spa reception mid morning on Saturday and on leaving the lift, we immediately inhaled the aroma of the various fragrances involved in the array of treatments on offer, and again were greeted by a very friendly receptionist who provided us with our bathrobes and slippers, advised of the changing area and directed us to the spa, and on entering the spa we were immediately transformed into a world of calm and serenity. The Spa benefits from a truly beautiful setting illustrated initially by the candle-lit relaxation area and corridors, and the very comfortable chairs, encouraging you to relax totally. Alex and I were then greeted by our therapists and escorted to our individual treatments rooms, with state of the art equipment and finished with muted lighting and sensual aroma’s.
Alex opted for 2 treatments specifically tailored for men, Hair of the dog, which began with a seaweed balenotherapy bath, which works on the lymphatic system, detoxifying the body while 150 water jets massage and revive aching limbs, and on leaving the bath, he found himself completely invigorated from head to toe. A steaming hot shower followed in the treatment room to cleanse his body, then after relaxing on the treatment bed, he received a full body massage, which rendered him completely, and I mean completely relaxed, probably to the extent of near comatose ! An Ocean Facial was the final treatment, which included a relaxing face, neck and shoulder massage, and is designed to combat the effects of shaving and dehydration, which definitely resulted in his skin looking brighter and nourished, and as they say at Ballyliffin, it left him ready for another night on the town !
Not forgetting me of course, I decided to completely indulge myself, and opted for 3 very different and individually tailored treatments. A USPA Bamboo and Ginseng Polish, which involved a very thorough massage of the entire body, amidst beautiful aroma’s, immediately reviving a tired and stressed body, followed by the Lymphatic Drainage Massage, which works on your lymphatic system, draining toxins and waste that cause fatique and fluid retention, leaving you feeling re-balanced and re-energised, a must to combat the hectic schedule of we modern women. Then, to complete this fantastic overall experience, a USPA purifying facial. The purification begins with almond oil, vetiver, peppermint and lime, which refreshes and detoxifies oily or congested skin, which genuinely resulted in my face feeling, smooth to the touch, totally cleansed, fresh, and firmer.
This amazing spa is a must for de-stressing and the ultimate in pampering, the perfect escape for today’s hectic lifestyle. It offers everything from beauty and relaxation to full massage, reflexology and sophisticated treatment regimes. It involves all of the senses, which involve all the senses with extraordinary effects, through touch, smell, sight, hearing and taste, the effect of the treatment reach the most profound states of mind, and finally reach the fantastic level of relaxation.
The Health Spa at Ballyliffin Crystal Rock Spa has chosen Uspa and Thalgo as their signature beauty lines. All treatments have been designed to harmonise the inner and outer self, bringing body and soul together, carried out by a fantastic team of professional and extremely friendly therapists, and particular thanks to Linda, my own therapist, who provided me with an un-forgetable day of indulgent de-stressing, pampering and ultimate relaxation, which will be repeated on my next visit.
So to benefit from a truly comprehensive experience in first class hospitality, dining and the very best that a Spa has to offer, you need go no further than the Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa, Ballyliffin, Inishowen, Co. Donegal. Tel. 00353 749378200, www.ballyliffinlodge.com.
16 August 2007
BALLYLIFFIN LODGE & SPA ACHEIVES FOUR STAR AWARD
Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa staff are celebrating today after the hotel received official confirmation of its '4 star' grading from Failte Ireland. Notification of the new rating comes just two years after the hotels official opening and is the result of a 4 year, €10 million investment programme, which will continue to support the improvement of the facilities and services offered in the hotel
The 40 bedroom luxury hotel and spa opened in June 2005 and quickly established itself as one of the leading hotels in Donegal, renowned for its character, charm and exceptional service. Designed and built to luxury four star hotel standards, Ballyliffin Lodge Hotel & Spa with its fabulous Spa and Leisure facilities and award winning restaurant brings an unrivalled blend of attributes which continues to attract visitors to Donegal from around the world
The Four Star rating is acknowledgement by Failte Ireland of the superior levels of service provided at the Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa as well as the superior grade of furnishings, general decor and concierge service.
General Manager, Tony Mc Dermott comments on the award: ‘I am thrilled that we have finally received notice of our award. It has been a long journey for both myself and my staff and I am really proud of the way in which every single member of the team has risen to this challenge, and embraced the changes we made to satisfy the inspectors’ requirements and meet the rigorous criteria.’
He added ‘The star ratings basically reflect the overall quality of the experience that each guest receives. It has always been our objective to guarantee a minimum 4 star approach to everything we do at the hotel, and this will continue.’
The Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa, which is located on the Inishowen coastline has spectacular panoramic views of the golden sands of Pollan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. taking in the world famous Ballyliffin Golf Club; It is a popular choice for Spa breaks, weddings, corporate functions and golf breaks with large numbers of guests visiting from Europe and America to experience Irish hospitality at its best.
6 March 2007
BALLYLIFFIN LODGE & SPA INCLUDED IN THE MICHELIN GUIDE 2007
Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa has just won a position in the coveted Michelin Guide. The hotel which opened less than two years ago, was notified of it’s inclusion in the guide last week after Michelin inspectors conducted anonymous visits to the hotel.
Cecil Doherty, managing Director of the hotel says, ‘We are absolutely thrilled to be in included in the 2007 Michelin guide. It is a meticulous and highly confidential evaluation process, which involved, testing meals and overnight stays in the hotel by Michelin inspectors, in order to assess the level and the regularity of the establishment. The anonymity of its inspectors ensures they are treated the same as any guest would be treated.’
The Hotel is a bright, elegant establishment, which serves modern classic cuisine using the best Irish produce in season. Designed and built to luxury four star hotel standards, with its fabulous Spa and Leisure facilities, it brings an unrivalled blend of attributes at competitive prices. The presentation & quality of food and use of local produce has seen recognition by inclusion in the Georgina Campbell Guide and the Les Routiers Guide.
‘We strongly believe that the Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa offers a truly unique experience in the area and deserves to be brought to people’s attention because of the quality of its service, facilities and cuisine.’ added Mr Doherty.
First published in 1900, the Michelin Guide was conceived by brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin, and its prestigious rating system is internationally recognized as the height of culinary success.
