Luxury in the heart of Bantry
Our Luxurious Seaweed Bathhouse & SPA is a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in West Cork. With three private double seawater bath suites with state-of-the-art Russian cedar steam barrels and private showers, with gentle music and candles to create a truly relaxing atmosphere. There are also 2 spacious treatment rooms for facials, seaweed wraps and scrubs or therapeutic massage, you can avail of the outdoor Hot Tub and Sauna when you book these treatments. Our Seaweed Baths are unrivalled in this part of West Cork and a luxury treat for yourself and your partner or friend. Overnight packages are also available, check out our special offers page to find out more. All treatments need to be pre-booked at least 24 hours before arrival to avoid disappointment.
VOYA Treatments
All of the products we use are by exclusive Irish Brand VOYA and all their products are available to purchase at the Bath House. Afterwards you can relax in the quaint reception and enjoy a seaweed smoothie or refreshing tea. The cosy Library is also waiting for you afterwards if you want to push the boat out and have an Afternoon Tea or a light lunch or even a glass of prosecco!
About Seaweed Baths
The seaweed that grows on the nearby shore is packed full of the nutrients of the sea. A nutrient rich bath helps the body absorb the benefits of seaweed, rich in naturally occurring iodine, calcium, magnesium, vitamins E and F, that leaves your body feeling cleansed, refreshed and energised.Seaweed bathhouses are a tradition in Ireland, as the wonderfully positive effects on the body have been appreciated for many centuries. They are not a recent phenomenon as many date from Edwardian times, when they were much more widespread than they are now. There were baths in most large seaside towns such as Salthill, Co. Galway, and Howth, Co. Dublin.Essentially, seaweed baths are ordinary baths filled with hot seawater and seaweed, generally wracks such as Fucus serratus. The wrack is generally steam-treated prior to use so that it releases minerals, trace elements, and polysaccharides such as alginates. Many people swear by the efficacy of seaweed baths in the treatment of rheumatism and arthritis.Seaweed is a fully renewable natural resource in Ireland. Since the 18th century over 800 species of seaweed from Irish waters have been identified. Ireland is one of the least densely populated countries in Europe and the West Coast of Ireland is the least densely populated parts of Ireland. There is no major industry on the West Coast, therefore our waters are some of the most unpolluted on earth.
About Voya
VOYA is a journey that began in 1912 when the first seaweed baths opened in Strandhill, Co. Sligo, Ireland. Seaweed bathing is a 300- year-old tradition and Ireland’s only indigenous therapy. The last of these traditional original bathhouses were destroyed in September 1961 by the worst hurricane to ever reach Ireland’s shores, Hurricane Debbie. After this many people moved away from the coastal areas moved towards the larger, densely populated cities and as bath began a norm in people’s homes, the old bath houses remained closed. VOYA reopened its seaweed bath spa in Strandhill in 2000 and is today one of the busiest spas in Ireland.
VOYA are the leading experts in harnessing the endless restorative and healing powers of seaweed. We blend our cherished natural resource with a wealth of the purest organic active ingredients and essential oils to give you the skin of your dreams. VOYA products contain elements of four types of seaweed; Fucus Serratus, Laminaria Digitata, Fucus Vesiculosus and Himanthalia Digitata. The antioxidant & mineral compounds found naturally in these seaweeds have long been known to have pronounced anti-aging, conditioning, repairing and hydrating effects on both the body and mind.
Seaweed naturally cleanses and purifies the skin, helping to improve its suppleness and elasticity, thus improving the signs of aging by toning, smoothing, moisturising and stimulating skin cells. All VOYA products contain extracts of wild seaweed which is sustainably hand-harvested from the cleanest waters off the West Coast of Ireland and are formulated to deeply nourish your skin and aid its natural ability to heal and repair.
The Benefits
Anti-aging Properties Seaweed contains natural anti-aging properties. VOYA products can improve the suppleness and elasticity of skin, stimulate the renewal of damaged skin cells, detoxify, cleanse and tone while being naturally moisturising. The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is reduced, preventing the signs of premature aging, resulting in brighter, younger and fresher looking skin.Anti-oxidant ProtectionSeaweed is nature’s most powerful anti-oxidant from the vegetal world. Its abundance of minerals and vitamins are deeply detoxifying, hydrating and nourishing, helping to fight against harmful environmental aggressors and strengthen the immune system.Improves skin conditionsSeaweed has been known to be used as an effective treatment for conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, and acne. It contains anti-inflammatory & therapeutic properties that are effective in the treatment of sensitive and allergy prone skin.Impacts the appearance of CelluliteSeaweed aids the contouring process by stimulating micro-circulation. Toxins are flushed from the body as the circulation functions in a healthier manner and lymphatic drainage is increased, as a result, the appearance of cellulite is reduced.