Lusty Beg ~ Review ~ A Luxury Island Idyll You're Gonna Wanna See!

There have been quite a few 'pinch yourself' moments of late 'round these parts and an invitation that plopped on the mat last month is no exception. 'Two days on the private island resort of Lusty Beg', it said, 'Bring a loved one', it said, 'HOLY #@*%* MOLY' I said - before promptly packing a bag and a pal and taking RDC up on this incredible offer. 

Access to the Island is Only By Ferry - As per Chris De Burgh's solemn advice,
we didn't pay the Ferryman. Sozzles. 

From the minute we set foot on the island we were treated like royalty. Staff were chatty and helpful but never intrusive. We were given soup and sambos to warm our cockles before the days activities. That's not a welcome you often get in hotels. Once our tums were full and introductions made, we could very happily wander the trails or sit by the log fire in the bar sipping drinks. I recommend both, in that order.

The Welcome Drink Was Very Welcome Indeed - 2 Lusty Ladies for 2....

Even though 60 people had arrived en masse, all requests for clay pigeon shooting, archery and off-roading were dealt with, with ease. Every whim to take a spin on Lough Erne in a high powered boat, seen to without fuss. All the while the 8-strong team of beauty therapists pampered and preened guests with one spa appointment after another. I can imagine no party or group booking would be too large not to be comfortably accommodated here. 

The Island Spa Uses Only Irish Organic Fave Voya

A Few Lengths Or A Few More Lusty Ladies Before Dinner -  First Answer Only

Accommodations are all water-side and come in the form of chalets, lodges, cabins and en-suite rooms. All boast stunning lake views, no matter the weather, and all surrounded by 75 acres of woodland. It's an island idyll, eons apart from any I've ever experienced. 

Imagine Sharing One of These Bad Boys With a Group of Pals for New Years - IMAGINE!

Just. Look. 

Don't Be Fooled, Those Amorous Swans Are Actually the Softest Towels You've Ever Felt.
I KNOW. Magic. 

Lisa (my 'loved one' of choice AKA my bestie) and I were keen to sample a little of everything Lusty Beg had to offer, so after limited libations we took to the off-roading jeeps to try our hands at clay pigeon shooting. It took a minute to get used to but the lads are on hand to instruct you and, by Jove, we had a literal blast once we got the hang of it! 

#lifeprotip Use the Loo BEFORE Off Roading!

Add Tweed & Some Tally Hoes and We Could be Posh Peeps - WE COULD! 

Once the days activities were complete, it was back to the power shower to ready ourselves for the evening ahead. Our itinerary said 'Cocktails and nibbles in The Thatch before a gala dinner'. To The Thatch we went. Turns out it's a dinky little bar, the ideal meeting place for guests before dinner as people can arrive at different times and join the ebb and flow of conversation. Great idea. 

While we mingled and chatted with the fellow guests, we also had the opportunity to get to know the owners, the Cadden family. Arthur & Liz, along with their son run this destination resort and couldn't have been more passionate in their recanting of tales of memorable nights and days spent on the island. When I queried the lack of WiFi (I'm my son's mother, I can't help it) Arthur proffered:  'No, there isn’t WiFi readily available, but that’s not what we’re here for. There is free connectivity in the bar and The Thatch but other than that this is a place for rest and relaxation' – I thought that a bold move in this hyper connected world but he has a point. Isn’t that what #latergram is for anyway? Once you learn to put down the phone, the real relaxation begins. You're in the moment and loving it. Hat tip to Arthur there. 

With all meat and fish sourced from within a 30-mile radius, food is fresh, local and seriously delicious. You can choose the relaxed fireside atmosphere of the bar or the slightly more formal, yet still friendly surroundings of the restaurant. 

Our gala dinner was in the restaurant with Arthur and his family and the food was on point. Every course more delicious than the last, so much so that we had to consciously slow down with each dish, afraid we'd ruin ourselves for the next. Once full to the brim, it was into the bar for a night of craic agus ceol. It's what the best nights are made of and that particular one will stay with me for a very long time.

Pulled Piggy from the Lunch Menu - My FAVE!

The morning after the night before was bright and beautiful. The haze from the previous day had lifted and we got to see Lough Erne in all her glory. People pay huge money to wake to a view like this one and I'd happily pay it to experience it again for a long weekend. 

Our treatments were booked for the morning time so we made our way back to the Island Spa across the courtyard. Even though it's a fully functioning, constantly busy treatment centre, you feel as though you're one of a select few walking through the doors. Outside rooms and relaxation areas mean you're only ever in the company of a few others and that's pretty calming. I had a pedicure with Leah, one of the friendliest and chattiest nail techs I've met and left much lighter on my feet than I went in. 

Our Morning View on the Way For Some Pampering

When I visit a hotel, a salon or clinic with my press cap on, I often wonder if the incredible treatment received is simply because of that cap. It can be difficult to know if you had of rocked up as a paying guest, whether your experience would be on a par. 

When I checked in on Lusty Beg using my personal Facebook, a colleague commented that she'd been married on the island, 4 years previously. It was only in hearing about her experience and, her fond memories of the place and her incomparable treatment, that I realised, everyone feels a little bit of magic on this island resort. That's pretty huge in this day and age. 

While it's predominantly marketed as a wedding venue and quite rightly so, I can also see special birthday gatherings, reunions, hens, stags, team building days or New Years shenanigans finding a very happy home here. The possibilities really are endless.

Winner of Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 2013, I'm only sorry Corrina, our travel expert (& the top 1% read on Tripadvisor dont'cha know?) couldn't travel with us as she was so close to giving birth to Bubs number 5. While experiencing the magic of childbirth, she missed the magic of this unique holiday setting. You know what that means, don't you? Return trip!

You'll find further info and be tempted by the latest offers for Lusty Beg on their site HERE. What are you waiting for? 

*Huge thanks to both RDC and 

Lusty Beg for this unique and 

thoroughly appreciated trip. 

Mud Wrestling: 3 Clay Masks Tried,Tested & Compared ft Voya, Skinician & Glam Glow

Being an avid beauty junkie it's very natural that I can get caught up in obsession with certain products or treatments. More often than not it's make up, lip gloss or nail polish but this past couple of months it's been clay face masks. 

Thankfully for this new obsesh there happens to have been a couple of press launches of late that have allowed me to test out some of the best. Behold, beauty lovers, Voya's Get Glowing, Skinician's Purifying Mask and Glam Glow's Tingling and Exfoliating Mud Mask. 

Voya's Get Glowing Illuminating Clay Mask: €38

I'm a big lover of home grown products and the organic, sea weed based brand, Voya is right up the top of that list. Their newest beauty offering, the Illuminating Clay Mask is over 70% organic and made from hand harvested seaweed. 

The scent of clay is infused with rosemary and patchouli and of course seaweed. This mask never fully hardens, instead it feels as though your skin drinks in it's organic goodness and after ten minutes washes off to leave a seriously luminous visage. (The ideal mud mask to answer the door in and not risk inadvertent heart attacks)

While my pores were sparkling and skin brighter than before, a word of warning for sensitive skinned ladies here: I had a brief slight reaction (read lobster chops) so I'd recommend a patch test first should you be considering this for easily agitated faces. 

Skinician Purifying Mask: €27

Skinician, the new skincare range from the makers of He-Shi is showing serious promise so far. The Purifying mask is just the first product I've trialed and I'm genuinely impressed. 

Designed to balance sebum production, tighten pores and reduce fine lines, this one would be my recommendation for the oilier ladies amongst us. With green clay, shea butter and Japanese seaweed, this is one of the most moisturising clay masks I've used. 

Again the Purifying Mask didn't set on the skin as most clay masks tend to. It's a creamy, smooth texture that leaves a slight tingle on washing off but the difference on my schnozz pores was definitely notable and has meant that I'm not reaching for primer as often when using it. Very handy. 

Glam Glow Tingling & Exfoliating Mud Mask: €40 for (.5floz!)

Much like it's Super descendant Glam Glow Super Mud that I reviewed here  Glam Glow Tingling & Exfoliating was designed to be a 10 minute wonder mask for the Hollywood elite before they faced the cameras. 

Designed and suitable for all skin types, Glam Glow is the grittiest of the three, with actual pieces of green tea leaf visible in the mud. This mask dries solid, leaving you with limited gurning abilities and limitless scaring possibilities for the ten minutes it's in situ. (I had the kitten terrified) (That could have been the jumping out with jazz hands). 

Made with volcanic rock, French sea clay and active green tea leaf, you'll get the biggest bang for your buck with this little black pot. The brightening and tightening results are much more exaggerated and if it weren't for Glam Glow Super Mud, this would be the pinnacle of my current clay mask stash. 

All masks are available now online and the links in the photo captions are the cheapest I could find them at the time of publishing, though do please let me know if you've seen 'em cheaper and I'll amend. 

Are you a clay mask lover? Are there any others I should be casting my beady eye over? 

Voya: Oh So Scented - Organic Reed Diffuser

I had intended to put together an entire reed diffuser post such is my grá for these genius home smeller uppers but Sweet Baby J, when I got one sniff of Voya's Oh So Scented Reed Diffuser I knew it needed a post all of it's own. 

Made using only organic essential and fine fragrance oil, every single time I open the front door I'm transported back to a relaxing spa chill out room awaiting my treatment (albeit with just a robe between I and a restraining order from the lovely therapists). 

Branded as organic lime and French basil, the Oh So Scented diffuser is so much more. I get citrus immediately with mandarins, lemons & limes but that's warmed by basil and patchouli and what sniffs to me like Ylang Ylang (even if it's not on the ingredients list). 

If you were to make one scented housey purchase (€40) I couldn't shoulder you in the direction of Oh So Scented enough. Its bright and fresh in the mornings to wake us up and still feels warming and cosy in the evenings. Never thought I'd hear myself say this about an air freshener but I'm hugely impressed. 

Have you tried this diffuser yet? Are you a lover of the Irish organic brand anyway? Lemme know! 



Psst: How about this for a brilliant Top Tip, eh? 

New from Voya - Ritzy Spritzy Organic Facial Mist

This new anti-aging organic facial toner from Voya is intended to cool, soothe and tone tired and dehydrated skin. Packed with Voya's signature hand harvested seaweeds and unmistakeable scent, Ritzy Spritzy combines vitamins, minerals and trace elements with a whole host of natural scented essential oils and lovelies such as lavender, vanilla, ginger and chamomile to name but a few.

Marketed to be used as a toner after cleanser, a facial refresher for sports, flights or while holidaying it would seem that Ritzy Spritzy is an organic counterpart to Thermal Spring Water Sprays, which I showed you a bajillion uses for here.

Packaged in a softly frosted plastic bottle, this organic facial mist will set you back €26 for 125ml, which is a little on the spendy side but the ingredients more than justify that tag. The scent is specific so I'm not sure I would use it for all of the intended purposes over my thermal spring water spray but as a toner in the mornings to cool, soothe and hydrate my skin before moisturiser it's a little spritz of luxury. I'm really enjoying using it so far.

Do you use toner in your skincare routine? Does an organic spritzer appeal to you? 

Voya Sweet Organic Lavendar & Seaweed Sugar Glow - Treatment Review

Last week I had the very real pleasure of testing out the VOYA Sweet Organic Lavender & Seaweed Sugar Glow treatment in the beautiful Therese R Wellness and Beauty Clinic in the Rochestown Lodge, Dublin. We already know I'm a huge fan of Voya Organic products, made with hand harvested seaweed by an Irish owned and run company for almost 100 years so when the information came in for this treatment I couldn't help but squee a little.

Priced at €55, the Voya Sweet Organic Lavendar & Seaweed Sugar Glow is a Healing and Exfoliating treatment - A wonderful fragrant mix of lavender buds, seaweed and sugar. It's double action of gently removing dead skin cells while seaweed extracts and lavender essential oils heal and nourish the skin. It's ideal for removing the remnants of fake tan and preps your skin perfectly for a new application.

The beautiful Treatment areas and Relaxation Room in Rochestown Lodge

On my arrival at Rochestown, I was met by a warm and welcoming receptionist who showed me to the changing room so as I could robe up and get ready. The corridors and changing room were candlelit and spotlessly clean with soft music piped throughout. Once prepped and suitably nervous that my robe would open and flash my CherrySue at unwitting guests I was brought into the Relaxation Room (pictures above) to wait for Christine, my treatment therapist.

Starting with some breathing excersizes with essential oils to relax me, Christine provided one of the most professional beauty treatment experiences I've had (I have stories that could fell an ox from other ones). She's calming, courteous and very, very good at what she does.

Once my 60 minute treatment was through I couldn't help but float home like a glowing Montgomery Burns, bringing love and peace to all around. My skin was beautifully buffed and silky soft with thanks to the additional use of award winning Softly Does It Voya moisturiser. It made application of my tan for the weekend a dream and I'm sure contributed to it's vibrant glow and 3 day life.

This treatment is available exclusively from 20 locations nationwide as listed on Voya.ie but I can't help but recommend Rochestown and the lovely Christine. I'll certainly be back. 

 

Voya Body Gift Set - Has Self Gift Written All Over It!

With the recent and understandable explosion of Valentines posts and articles in the past fortnight about what to buy for him, for her, for them, for the cat(?!) I've been feeling a little left out. Yep, I'm single.

If it weren't for (still) buying my teen lads cards and writing them with my left hand, I'd be out of the V shaped loop altogether and I'm sure I'm not alone (figuratively speaking).

That's where Voya comes in. This is the perfect self gift as far as I'm concerned. It is luxury skin and beauty care without the luxury price tag. When this parcel crossed my desk I was immediately reminded of a spa weekend I'd treated D'Mammy to in Dunboyne Castle.

Made with hand harvested seaweed, Voya Squeaky Clean only needs the smallest amount to work into a thick lather. The Softly Does It body moisturiser is not so heavily scented and leaves a soft sheen on your skin. Twice now I've indulged before hopping into PJs and a newly made bed. Bliss. 

My one and only issue with the packaging? Freaky hands that look like seaweed! Can't be looking at them but that's probably just me. 

This particular gift set is only €40 and can be purchased online or you can find a whole host of stockists by contacting sales@voya.ie. They're an Irish owned and run company since 1912, so you could be supporting your economy and smelling delicious. It's win/win.  

Think my first self gift purchase with them will be their Original Candle.  

What say you? Have you tried Voya before?