This month’s Spa of the Month:
Under An Irish Moon
Auriga spa at Capella Castlemartyr, Cork, Ireland
By Anna Bjurstam
“Minnaloushe creeps through the grass
From moonlit place to moonlit place,
The sacred moon overhead
Has taken a new phase.”
From the poem, “The Cat and the Moon”
—by W.B. Yeats
A new moon phase has begun with the recent opening of the luxury spa Auriga at Ireland’s newest and most exclusive country retreat, Capella Castlemartyr. Capella Hotels and Resorts delivered the perfect concept for the new spa, drawing on the fascinating constancy and universal influence of the moon. With a double star as its celestial namesake, Capella’s choice of the name Auriga for its spa at Castlemartyr seemed only fitting. Meaning a conspicuous constellation in the northern hemisphere, what could be more appropriate for a spa at the world’s hottest, luxury hotel brand?
The aim at Capella Castlemartyr was to create a stunning resort spa that can surprise and delight its guests well beyond the function of simply being somewhere that guests can experience a treatment. The spa is a place of healing where guests learn to connect and listen to the language of their bodies.
Organic and natural treatments
With its most exclusive and individualized service, Capella combines an extraordinarily beautiful Irish location in Cork situated in County Cork with its woodlands, valleys and magnificent coastline. Auriga is Ireland’s first luxury spa to rely on organic spa products and natural treatments. At a size of 1600 square feet, the spa features 10 treatment rooms including a couples’ suite, a spa suite, four manicure/pedicure stations and a hairdresser. It also incorporates saunas, steam rooms, vitality pools, experience showers and the first and only indoor pool in Ireland to be filled with fully ozone treated water.
Ozone has many benefits. It has excellent antibacterial and viral characteristics and prevents eye and skin irritations, minimizes the chemical requirements of the pool—an ecofriendly component—and improves filtration, resulting in glistening, sparkling water. As if that were not enough, the vitality pools in the male and female sauna and spa suites boast infinity edges, a neck massage, a combined body massage, air tub stations and relaxing air loungers. The spa’s reception hall, wet areas and treatment rooms are colored with a warm palette of earthy tones, perfectly in tune with the natural beauty of the spa’s stunning surroundings. Further features include the Spa Café, a yoga/pilates room, an in-room massage and for complete insomniacs, a 24 hour gym. On arrival at the heart of Auriga spa is the reception area where the guest is guided through his/her spa journey. All treatments are tailor made to the individual’s skin type and body shape.
Caters to ecofriendly spa guests
Auriga uses and retails cosmetics and health products that are free from toxic ingredients. It stocks formulations that are for the most part certified organic. The line specializes simply in herbs, homeopathy and organic skin care. These products and treatments are the ideal complement to Capella Castlemartyr’s location in County Cork’s, which is a reflection of beauty and unspoiled purity. Indeed, this is no coincidence in a world where we, as increasingly ecofriendly spa guests, constantly crave balance.
And when it comes to balance, the moon, the object of fascination of different people of the world over the centuries, provides a most mystical influence over our daily lives. In its most simple form, the moon directs the sea’s tides. If we understand the moon’s different phases we will be more in tune with the universe because of the moon’s effects on our emotional cycles.
Lunar therapies
Hence four of Auriga’s signature treatments are carried out alongside its health program including massage, meditation and yoga. They are delivered during the current phase of the moon to ensure the most profound experience for the guest: the beginning/initiation, a two hour treatment during a new moon, the sowing the seeds treatment, also a two hour service conducted during the waxing moon phase, celebration/the heights treatment, a three hour event carried out during a full moon and the cleansing treatment, a three hour service conducted during the waning moon.
For example, the moon’s waxing phase is considered a time to release energy and to embody one’s visions. The fragrant scent of jasmine is at the treatment’s heart with a signature color of white. Beginning with an anointment of the feet, a luxurious mask is then worked into the feet using pressure points. A scalp massage and a salt scrub follow to help release the creative energies of the mind. Next, the guest is treated to a nurturing jasmine mask and a full body massage before finally being offered strengthening and nurturing tonics and supplements. Complementary exercise in this waxing moon phase is recommended in the form of a tailored yoga routine and meditation—to direct one’s energy and to infuse one’s dreams and goals into one’s whole being.
Appeals to all
No detail was left to chance. Moonstones, subtle fragrances, an Auriga vanity product line and even healing and energy stimulating music were all specifically designed for Capella Castlemartyr’s Auriga spa. And there’s always pilates and massage specially tailored for the resort’s most enthusiastic golfers. Indeed, there’s something for everyone at Auriga spa in Cork, Ireland.
Anna Bjurstam is managing director of Raison d’Etre, a luxury spa consulting firm that helps spas from their initial creation, to concept and design, to management and trouble shooting. With more than 20 years of hands-on experience in the wellness industries, Bjurstam’s grasp of every aspect of spas has earned her a deserved reputation as a master of spa. Visit www.raisondetrespas.com.