Anne Sémonin at The Angsana Spa

 

Synopsis

The Angsana Spa at The Brehon has introduced the celebrity worshipped range of facials from Anne Sémonin.  This Parisian haute-couture beauty brand is a pioneer in the concept of “made to measure” beauty, Anne Sémonin specialises in customised skincare, carefully combining trace elements and essential oils to cater for the demands of every skin. Using only natural active ingredients at their maximum authorised concentrations, the products are formulated using state-of-the-art skincare science, blending traditional remedies and ingredients with new technology and formulations. Celebrity fans of Anne Sémonin include Cheryl Cole, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, Dita Von Teese, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sharon Stone and Eve Longoria.  

The Philosophy

The centre of the Anne Sémonin philosophy is the understanding that each individual is unique and has different needs that change from day to day. Customers are provided with a made-to-measure experience using the range of beauty products to provide the perfect solution for everyone.

The History

The company was founded nearly 25 years ago by Madame Anne Sémonin. As a pioneer in combining trace elements and essential oils, Madame Sémonin’s belief that the most effective beauty products and treatments are based on a combination of a personal, made to measure prescription and a holistic approach remain the touch stone of the Anne Sémonin brand today. Aline Marcadet became president of the company in 1983. It was Aline’s mission to develop L’Experience Anne Sémonin creating a luxurious collection of spa treatments and products for the face and body which are designed to be combined so each individual can find their own beauty prescription according to the needs of their skin and lifestyle, just as Madame Sémonin intended. Anne Sémonin continues to combine the best of concentrated essential oils and trace elements, together with the use of neurocosmetics and cryotherapy to enhance each individual’s daily beauty regime.

The Products

Because every skin is unique, Anne Sémonin products are designed to be combined in a way that enables each and every woman to find her own personal beauty “prescription”, according to the needs of her skin, her lifestyle, or special circumstances. The full range for face and body encompasses, in addition to intensive complexes of essential oils and trace elements, milks and toners, serums, creams, masks, powders and oils for bath and massage.

The Treatments

Enjoy L’Expérience Anne Sémonin, with our collection of massages and treatments for face and body. A luxurious made-to-measure programme with a wide range of treatments designed for your well being.

Products of outstanding quality, ultra-professional protocols and exceptional diversity have established the reputation of Anne Sémonin treatments over the past 20 years. Designed for both men and women, they maintain and replenish the youthful beauty of face and body while promoting well-being, relaxation, balance and positive results.

To Book

For further information visit www.thebrehon.com  To book your treatment Tel 064 6623980 or email angsanaspa@thebrehon.com

Celebrities

Cheryl Cole

Cheryl is a huge fan of the Eye Express and Express Radiance Ice Cubes and has regular ice cube facials.

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy

The French first lady’s favourite facial is the bespoke L’Expérience Anne Sémonin at Le Bristol Spa. She also uses the Anne Sémonin Precious Serum and Anne Sémonin Dheanne Cream.

Dita Von Teese

The international icon declared to the press that her daily beauty routine is the Anne Sémonin Exfoliating Mask.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Loves the Anne Sémonin Mineral Mask.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Uses the Anne Sémonin Eye Express Radiance Ice Cubes.

Sharon Stone

Is an avid fan of the Express Radiance Ice Cubes.

Eve Longoria Parker

The popular American actress is a fan of the Eye Express Radiance Ice Cubes.

Other celebrity fans:

Natalia Vodianova, Princess Karolina of Monaco, Paloma Picasso, Céline Dion, Brad Pitt, George Clooney

Bruce Willis and Grace Kelly

Mind & Body Retreat 21st-23rd September

Head Chef Chad Byrne’s Grilled Sole with Fennel, Crayfish, Grape and Celery leaf Salsa

Serves 4

Ingredients

4 x sides of sole weighing approx 300g each

Olive oil to brush

Salt and lemon thyme

Salsa

Fennel head x 1.

Seedless red grapes x 1 bunch =150g grapes.

Handful of crayfish

Plum tomato x 2

Sherry vinegar x50g

Chopped chives x 1 bunch

Chopped celery leaves x 1 heart

Good quality olive oil x 100mls

Zest and juice of half a lemon.

1.      Ask your fish monger to skin and prepare the sole for grilling.

2.      Brush  the sole with olive oil and season with salt and lemon thyme

3.      Grill for 7 minutes on the  bone on a medium heat 

Mean while when the fish is cooking start to prepare the salsa

4.      Peel off the fennel layer by layer and dice, cook in boiling salted water for 1min and leave to cool.

5.      Peel and deseed tomato and dice

6.      Using a sharp knife peel the seedless grape and ¼ 

7.      In a bowl mix the fennel, crayfish, grape and tomato with the chopped herbs, zest and juice of lemon with a good glug of olive oil season with freshly ground pepper and salt.

8.      Note if all diced ingredients are of an equal size as this will go a long way in presentation purposes when serving

9.      Put sole on plate and serve with the fennel salsa on top with a wedge of lime and rocket leaves. Add some boiled new potato’s sprinkled with mint and olive oil for an amazing fresh summer fish course.

Our Sommelier, Andras Toth would recommend a nice Oveja Negra Savignon Blanc- Carmenere wine to go with the Grilled Sole. This wine is a bright,  pale, greenish- yellow color. Fresh aromas of grapefruit and passion fruit with mineral notes and a herbal touch from the Carmenere.

Singing Sensation Daniel O’Donnell Attracts Thousands to Killarney

Irish singing sensation, Daniel O’Donnell travelled to Killarney last week for a series of sold-out gigs at the INEC.

Over 10,000 tickets were sold across the five night run (August 14, 15, 17, 18 and 19)and fans in their thousands descended on the town bringing a much welcomed boost to business in what has proved to be a difficult season to date.

“Daniel O’Donnell’s popularity is unfaltering,” says Patrick O’Donoghue Managing Director of the INEC and Gleneagle Hotel, “and once you have attended one of his shows, it is easy to understand why.”

“We have guests booked in from as far away as the US and Australia and they are coming to Killarney especially to see Daniel perform.”

The fact that the five INEC gigs are Daniel’s only concert dates this summer has meant that the demand for tickets has been phenomenal and all five shows are sold out.  

“I’m really looking forward to heading down to Killarney,” says Daniel, “I am absolutely thrilled and amazed at the amount of people who are coming to see the shows.”

“I’m delighted to be performing at the INEC and I’ll be joined by my full band and touring partner Mary Duff. You can expect to hear all the hits and songs that have become big show favourites through the decades including Stand Beside Me, My Donegal Show, I Just Want To Dance With You and I Need You.”

Daniel O’Donnell performed at the INEC, Killarney on August 14, 15, 17, 18 and 19. For more information visit www.inec.ie

New Head Chef at The Brehon, Killarney

The award-winning team at The Brehon, Killarney now counts an Olympic hopeful among its ranks. Chad Byrne the new Head Chef of The Brehon will represent Ireland in the Culinary Olympics in Germany next October.

This is just one of Chad’s many culinary accomplishments to date. He joins the team at The Brehon having previously worked as Head Chef of the Hilton in Dublin. While there he represented both Ireland and the UK in the Hiltons Grandmasters Final where he came fourth in Europe.

“We are delighted to welcome Chad to The Brehon, his wealth of experience and talent is well respected and admired among Irish and UK restaurateurs,” say Regional General Manager at The Brehon, Donagh Davern.  

“Chad is here to build on our reputation for excellent food and we look forward to taking our food to new heights under his guidance.”

Chad’s extensive experience includes working at renowned establishments such as the Michelin Star restaurant, Ristorante Semplice in London, the Five Star Heritage Golf & Spa Resort in Killenard, The Killarney Park Hotel and The Clarence and Merrion Hotels in Dublin.

Chad’s impressive trophy cabinet includes a Michelin Credit for his role as Head Chef in The Heritage Resort, the award for Irish Gastro Chef of the Year 2012 along with a Gold Medal from Chef Ireland 2012.  Chad is a frequent visitor to the TV3 studios where he has appeared a number of times on their morning shows.

Chad has already introduced a delectable range of new dishes to Danú’s A La Carte menu, his starters include salad of heritage tomatoes with St' Tola goats cheese and tapenade crouton and duck liver parfait, truffle tuile apple chutney and beetroot reduction. For mains the tempting choices include Ballyskellig duck breast red onion tartain, white onion puree and summer vegetables, and blanquette of turbot saute potato with mussels and sauteed greens. 

Chad has also introduced a new bar food menu which includes seafood tageltelli with fresh clams and mussels , crisp fried calamari with a touch of smoked paprika, and baked smoked salmon and cream cheese croquet monsieur.

To celebrate Chad’s arrival at The Brehon, they have created a special Unwind and Dine midweek break which includes overnight accommodation with breakfast, a special two course taster menu in Danú and a €10 voucher for the Angsana Spa from just €79pps. To book visit www.thebrehon.com or call 064 6671543.

Embrace Killarney’s Great Outdoors

Embrace the great outdoors while staying in Ireland’s leading four star hotel, The Brehon, Killarney. The adventure loving staff at The Brehon have devised a selection of two and three night breaks incorporating their favourite outdoor pursuits. 

Surf ‘n’ Turf

Ride the waves with a surf lesson at Inch Beach on one day and taste wonderful homemade bread baked on a turf fire at Muckross Traditional Farms on another day. This three night break includes your surf lesson at Inch Beach, a visit to Muckross Traditional Farms, breakfast each morning, a main course with a glass of wine in The Brehon Bar, inhouse movies with popcorn and some well earned relaxation time in the Vitality Suite of the Angsana Spa. The Brehon Surf ‘n’ Turf package costs from €246 per person sharing.

An Inch and A Mile                 

Surf the mighty Atlantic at Inch Beach and explore Killarney National Park by bike with this fun filled three night break.  It includes three nights accommodation with breakfast each morning, your surf lesson at Inch Beach, full day bike hire, a main course with a glass of wine in The Brehon Bar, inhouse movies with popcorn and some well earned relation time in the Vitality Suite of The Angsana Spa. The Brehon An Inch and A Mile package costs from €237 per person sharing.

Biking in the Kingdom

Explore Killarney’s National Park by bike while enjoying a two night break in The Brehon. Their Biking in the Kingdom package includes two nights bed and breakfast, one day bike hire with maps and a packed lunch and some well earned relaxation time in the Vitality Suite of The Angsana Spa. This package costs from €125 per person sharing.

Kayaking in Killarney  

The famous Lakes of Killarney are perhaps best viewed from the water, and what better way than by kayak. The Brehon’s Kayaking in Killarney package includes two nights bed and breakfast, a half day kayak on the Lakes of Killarney accompanied by you expert guide and some well earned relaxation time in the Vitality Suite of The Angsana Spa. This package costs from €176 per person sharing. No previous kayaking experience is required and the kayaking equipment is provided.

Walk With Me

Explore Tomies Wood and Mountain with an expert guide versed in the mythology and history associated with this famous burial place of an ancient Irish Chieftain. This is an easy scenic grade C half day walk. The Walk With Me package includes two nights bed and breakfast, the half day guided walk, return trip to Tomies Wood, a packed lunch, après walk drink in the Scotts Bar and some well earned relation time in the Vitality Suite of the Angsana Spa.  This package costs from €176 per person sharing. Walks are subject to weather conditions and suitable walking gear must be supplied by guest.

Corrán Tuathail, McGillycuddy Reeks 

Join The Brehon’s expert guide for an intimate sharing of the extraordinary natural, cultural and spiritual history of our highest peaks, this is truly an unforgettable experience. This unique package includes two nights bed and breakfast, the guided walk of Carrauntoohill, return trip to the foothills of Carrauntoohill, a packed lunch and some well earned relaxation time in the Vitality Suite of the Angsana Spa. This package costs from €185 per person sharing. Walks are subject to weather conditions and suitable walking gear must be supplied by the guest.

For further information on any of the above packages check out www.thebrehon.com or call 064 6671543.

10 Things to Do in Killarney in The Rain

This summer is officially a wash-out.  I don't know if the rain is ever going to stop.  In fact, I feel like Noah & I'm going to build an ark.  But do you know what, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!  Here is my list of 10 things to do in Killarney even though it’s bucketing down.

1.       Get those kids out from under your feet & get them into the free Kids Club in our sister hotel, The Gleneagle.  There they can do arts & crafts, parachute games, egg & spoon races, or play on the bouncy castle.

2.       Bored teenagers? Try the Teen Zone at The Gleneagle Hotel, again open to our guests. They can hang out with teenagers their own age and lounge around on bean bags playing computer games, play table football, go on cinema trips, indoor soccer & hockey, quiz nights & basically scuff someone else’s furniture that is not yours!

3.       Can’t get out for that walk? Killarney has so much indoor activities it’s amazing.  Try rock climbing at Play at the Height, swim in the 25 metre pool or try a spinning class at the Gleneagle next door or burn off some energy in our Gym.

4.       Get under that duvet, turn on our block buster movies & order up popcorn, Pringles & chocolates from our room service & chillax. It’s a known fact that calories consumed whilst under a duvet do not exist.  Really!

5.       Book a couple's massage & unwind in our spa.  Gorge on tropical fruits, sip ginger tea & enjoy bubble bliss in our Jacuzzi. It may not have the suns of Thailand but it is a taste of Thailand.

6.       Get shopping! Killarney Outlet Centre has loads of shops all under cover & with our discount voucher book you can save loads.  Killarney has a ginourmous Tesco’s, Marks and Sparks, Boots, Dorothy Perkins, New Look & much more & you will only get wet going from your car to the threshold.  It’s do-able.

7.       Hoist yourself up on a bar seat in The Brehon Bar & sample our cocktail menu.  Start with a mojito, swing by a cosmopolitan & end with The Brehon Cocktail. The rain might not have stopped but by the end of that you won’t know it’s raining.

8.       Killarney is steeped in history.  Muckross House welcomed Queen Victoria in 1861 to stay & Ross Castle was built in the 15^th century & you can do a guided tour of both for a small pittance.  And guess what, both these places have roofs!

9.       Pretend to be posh & order our scrumptious afternoon tea.  Curl up by our open fires, get a good book (I have heard 50 Shades of Grey is good!) and feast on mini desserts, yummy sandwiches & tasty bites.  Jolly good ol’ chap!

10.   Lastly, buy a rain jacket & get out there.  We have a National Park on our doorstep & we hide from drops of rain.  No one can melt in the rain.  We are rust proof.  So don that coat & go see Torc Waterfall, The Gap of Dunloe or the Lakes of Killarney!