Aghadoe Heights Hotel - Kerry
Lakes of Killarney,
Co. Kerry
Aghadoe Heights Hotel Kerry enquiries
www.aghadoeheights.com

• Magic location
• Excellent Aveda Spa.
• The new restaurant is superb.

The Lake Room at Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa is possibly one of the best restaurants in the country. This is a hotel that consistently succeeds in providing levels of excellence that other hotels can only aspire to.
I have enjoyed the food, spa, service and cosy ambiance several times over the years at Aghadoe Heights and recently found that the new restaurant with the super young chef Gavin Gleeson was really setting gastronomic standards in Kerry.

LOCATION OF AGHADOE HEIGHTS HOTEL

Of course they have one of the finest locations possible, nestled among the mountains and Lakes of Killarney, with views that are renowned the world over. Those lakes and majestic mountains, in all their greens and blues are timelessly enthralling, and provide the most tranquil backdrop to any visit. While the town of Killarney is a favourite with visitors, and the scenery is what brings everybody here, there is no doubt that the Aghadoe Heights has the best view in town.

THE SPA AT AGHADOE HEIGHTS

As if the tranquillity of the location was not enough to help you unwind, then all you need do is take yourself off to the Aveda Concept Spa. This is a proper spa in every way, and the treatments are excellent. I loved the hot stone therapy and the precious stone chamber. Attention to detail is very evident here, and the therapists were so serene and professional that it proved impossible not to get into the mood. Then when the treatment is finished, the relaxation area takes full advantage of that wonderful view.

ACCOMMODATION AT AGHADOE HEIGHTS

Although I did not stay in it, I did get a tour of the penthouse suite a while ago, and was seriously impressed. Outdoor hot-tub (that view again), wrap-around cinema sound, full screen video. Large dining table, private bar, guest bedrooms – this is the place to bring twelve of your very best friends for the best weekend ever! Of course, if it were a business deal you are working on, then the penthouse would certainly clinch it. And if you were looking for the perfect brainstorming location, you need look no further. The extras here are too numerous to mention.
However all the rooms are lovely at this hotel. Our room overlooked the majestic mountains, we had plenty of space, lovely robes, television, super bed and a state-of-the-art bathroom with those lovely Aveda toiletries.

DINNER AT THE LAKE ROOM AT AGHADOE HEIGHTS

But back to the food. Dinner is so good that locals are beating a path to the door, so booking is highly recommended. Having spent a leisurely couple of hours in my room availing of the broadband, I eventually made my way to the Lake Room for a superb meal – the Seared Tuna Nicoise was perfection on a plate! Scallops were sublime and the middle course quail egg and pine nut salad was delicious. There are some serious dishes on the menu here, including Confit Belly of Pork, Milk Fed Veal and Peach Sauce – which is something of a signature dish of Gavin’s. Executive Chef Robin Suter is constantly raising standards at Aghadoe, and now with Gavin – who has worked previously with Kevin Thornton and Richard Corrigan - the dishes coming out of the new kitchen are nothing short of stunning.

There is also a very impressive vegetarian menu here, with plenty of choices for the non-carnivores. Then there is a wonderful wine list presided over by Sommelier Cedric Annino. In the centre of this gastronomic paradise, award wining Restaurant Manager Padraig Casey, PC to his friends, effortlessly ensures that everybody enjoys their perfect meal.

Over the years I have written about the Spa and this multi-award winning hotel for several publications. As far as Hotel Reviews Ireland is concerned, it is a winner on all fronts. Maintaining superb standards over the years and moving seamlessly into modern gastronomic heights is indicative of this fabulous property.