The Marker is Dublin’s newest luxury hotel and word of mouth publicity means it’s already become one of the city’s hottest destinations. Much of the chatter so far has centered on the rooftop cocktail bar, the best ticket in town on those few weeks of glorious weather, and the cronuts. Being the first to offer New York’s latest favourite sweet treat was a stroke of genius, and now the boxes are flying out the door on a daily basis.

Before the doors even opened, though, Her.ie was treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the hotel, and even then we knew it was the spa facilities that would really become a talking point for this hotel.

The 23 metre infinity pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room form an oasis of calm, a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The whole area is very well thought-out; largely grey tiling and floors serves to close in the large space and give it character that a brighter, blander room couldn’t replicate.

Individual treatment rooms along with one couples room invite guests of the hotel and spa to partake in facial treatments, body wraps, scrubs, maternity treatments, manicures and pedicures and waxing. I was there to try out a massage though, and one that was badly needed. 

My therapist, Nicola, kitted me out with my fluffy robe and slippers, and once I had changed, guided me to one of three relaxation rooms. I had the choice of loungers, bean bags, or cosy cocoon seats. I opted for the cocoon seats and settled down with a copy of BBC ‘s Focus magazine (brain food much appreciated).

After a few minutes Nicola led me to my treatment room. We had a quick chat so I could fill her in on my stress levels (high), skin concerns (few) and existing aches and pains (many – most dating back to a car accident almost one year ago and exacerbated by poor posture when working). I opted for a lot of pressure, when I’m getting a massage I like to feel ‘the good pain’, if that makes sense.

I tried a 60 minute customized massage. The hour could have been five minutes, or five hours. Time quickly lost all relevance, and the treatment went quite literally from top to toe. I lay happily on the heated bed and let my mind empty out some of the serious extra baggage it had been carrying around, while Nicola busied herself worked her magic hands across my somewhat weary bones.

An hour later I was close to floating when my therapy came to an end. My therapist spoke to me afterwards about the areas of tension in my body (spot on), and having noticed a sluggish digestion and slight dehydration – again absolutely correct. 

Though she recommended certain things I could do to alleviate the symptoms of these conditions and look after myself better, at no point was there a hard sell on products. Another gold star.

Post massage I made my way back to the relaxation rooms to finish reading some fascinating research on happiness, while enjoying complementary lemonade and a raspberry sorbet. I left relaxed, refreshed, and absolutely determined to pay a return visit as soon as possible. Full marks to The Marker.

 

Opening hours at the Spa at the Marker Hotel are:

Monday – Friday 10:00 – 20:00

Saturday 09:00 – 18:00

Sunday & Bank Holidays 10:00 – 17:00

For more, visit their website here or call 01 6875100