Making Plans For Valentine’s? Why Not Book A Romantic Staycation Like This One

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so rather than splashing the cash on materialistic gifts (who needs a singing teddy anyway?), treat your other half to a romantic night away where you can relax and give your relationship some TLC.

The best way to spoil your significant other (and yourself) this Valentine’s Day is with a spa weekend. The Sheraton hotel in Athlone town promises a relaxing spa, fantastic food and great night’s sleep. We took a trip down to see what the hotel has to offer to make your Valentine’s weekend one to remember.

Part of the Hodson Bay family, The Sheraton is located just a five minute walk from Athlone train station, so save yourselves the argument over who’s going to drive and relax on your train journey, which takes just an hour and twenty minutes from Dublin Heuston.

We were lucky enough to stay in the hotel’s penthouse suite, which overlooks Athlone town. Complete with a luxurious kingsize bed, jacuzzi style bath and two flat screen TVs, it’s the perfect place to spend a night away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

If you can manage to drag yourself from the comfort of your room (I could have stayed in that bath all day tbh), the hotel’s in-house Sirana Spa is the best place to spend an afternoon. The massage therapists are friendly and attentive, making sure to identify your problem areas so you can gain the most from your experience. They also gave us advice on what types of exercises we need to be doing to prevent any further issues. For example, I sit at a desk all day so should be swimming more to prevent my back from seizing up.

The spa offers facials, massages, manicures and pedicures, and couples massages if you want to be extra romantic, as well as lots more. After your treatment you can relax in one of the spa’s steam or relaxation rooms, or take a visit to the indoor pool.

Following a relaxing afternoon at the spa, all that’s left to do is eat and drink. You can choose between the newly refurbished Sheraton Bar or, if you want to make the night extra special, can reserve a table at the hotel’s award-winning La Provence Restaurant. From seafood to steak, the restaurant had everything we could have wanted and the staff were attentive and friendly. All the dishes are paired with a wine suggestion, which is an interesting and helpful touch. Just look at that STEAK.

When you’ve finished your meal it’s ideal to move to the Sheraton Bar where you can choose from a list of specialty cocktails while listening to the live music that plays every Saturday night. If you have a late night, breakfast is served till 11am so there’s no need for an early morning rise, or, you could be lazy like us and have it delivered to your room. Poached eggs in bed? Sure what more could you want.

The Sheraton is the perfect place for some quality time with your other half. Room prices start from €154 for the month of February and average at €170 for a Saturday night. For more info visit www.sheratonathlonehotel.com.

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• valentines