Ireland is a place so picturesque it almost seems like it exists on a page torn from a storybook, with its castles and cathedrals laced in Gothic architecture. It’s a place marked by everything it has seen: historic Trinity College with its illuminated manuscripts and cobblestone streets worn under the feet of writers who shaped literary canon. Today, known for its friendly people and lively music scene, Ireland blends the warmth of old-fashioned hospitality with its distinct cultural flavor. Embodying this very mixture is The Shelbourne, nestled right in the heart of Dublin.
Ireland is a place so picturesque it almost seems like it exists on a page torn from a storybook, with its castles and cathedrals laced in Gothic architecture. It’s a place marked by everything it has seen: historic Trinity College with its illuminated manuscripts and cobblestone streets worn under the feet of writers who shaped literary canon. Today, known for its friendly people and lively music scene, Ireland blends the warmth of old-fashioned hospitality with its distinct cultural flavor. Embodying this very mixture is The Shelbourne, nestled right in the heart of Dublin.
Travel exists in a cyclical ebb and flow of adventure and rest; to understand a new place for its heart-racing sense of adventure, you must also understand who it is when it’s at rest. How does Dublin take pause? How does Dublin keep well?
The Shelbourne crafts its wellness offerings as meticulously as it does every other aspect of its guest experience. The Grand Dame’s wellness center is split into three tidy levels; the spa sits at the top, followed by its relaxation space with the center’s active area beneath. The relaxation area overlooks St. Stephen’s Green, letting the natural charms of the area instill a sense of serenity in travelers.
Just last year, The Shelbourne celebrated its 200th anniversary, and to commemorate, the spa created a Grand Dame ritual complete with their bespoke body oil using the same botanicals from St. Stephen’s Green. Where many spas may feel a pull towards a specialty or mode of operation due to their specific clientele, the culture at The Shelbourne is that of versatile hospitality—the staff are prepared to make every moment feel curated to each client. Between 25 and 30% of the spa’s clients come from the hotel; with a great deal of locals coming seeking The Shelbourne’s wellness offerings, rewarding local clients is sacrosanct for retention. The spa’s diverse menu and wide spread of amenities ensures that guests leave pampered, be they part of a larger party in town for a special occasion or a busy professional only passing through on business.
Running a successful spa requires careful consideration, balancing client needs, earning potential and time. Margaret McCallum, director of spa and salon at The Shelbourne, encourages a 360-degree approach. “We think of the passive treatments, the restorative, the active—even the cuisine is something we’re looking at.”
For an establishment as beloved and established as The Shelbourne, a comprehensive approach like this means every piece of the experience must be carefully curated, down to the products used in one of its luxurious treatments. GROUND Wellbeing, a natural brand based in Cork, takes on a holistic approach to wellness—an approach echoed by The Shelbourne and embodied by the GROUND rituals on The Shelbourne’s menu: breathwork, rhythmic pressures and aromatherapy. When it comes to incorporating a new brand into your spa, McCallum says, “First and foremost, listen to your guests. You keep evolving by listening to guest feedback.” Other brands partnered with The Shelbourne include ELEMIS and Swissline.
When it comes to preparing for the future, the city and culture inspire and provide valuable feedback for what’s on people's minds—a useful litmus test for what’s worth pursuing in the long term. Individual feedback is also crucial to everyday evolution. “I think most people can tell when an appointment went well, or if a client wasn’t completely satisfied, even if they’re not saying anything,” says McCallum. This is where making space for the client’s thoughts through open conversation or written reflection becomes valuable.
Prioritizing the needs of the individual is how an establishment like this one earns its 5-star rating, as well as its stellar reputation in the hospitality industry. Whether you're looking for a special rejuvenation on a summer getaway or the next destination on your well-traveling itinerary, stop by The Shelbourne and let it give you a warm, Irish welcome.
