Latest news with #ComfortZone
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Comfort Zone favourite for opening day feature at Galway Races
Galway's seven-day summer festival gets underway with a seven-race programme and Comfort Zone can land the opening day feature, the Connacht Hotel Qualified Riders' Handicap, for Joseph O'Brien and Derek O'Connor. The six-year-old dual-purpose performer contested the two-mile-four Ascot Stakes on his most recent outing and had plenty of work to do from a wide draw. He also didn't enjoy the best of luck at a crucial stage and ran brilliantly to be beaten just three parts of a length behind Ascending. From a decent draw, he should be able to race handily this time and, with stamina as a strong suit, it will be no surprise if he goes on from a long way out and tries to draw the sting out of his rivals. The classy sort can land the spoils at the expense of Toll Stone and Too Bossy For us. The former is closely matched with the selection on old form, and he did exceptionally well to beat Mr Percy in a Flat handicap at this meeting in 2024, doing so from a wide draw. He is almost certainly better than his mark of 86 and can play a leading role. Too Bossy For Us is an obvious candidate following his good run at the Curragh. Still quite lightly raced and representing Willie Mullins, who has won five of the last eight renewals of this race, his claims are clear. The nap goes to Aviatrice, an all-weather winner who can put a first turf win on her card by taking the Clayton Hotel Galway Handicap for David Marnane. Unraced until the October of her two-year-old season, she made little impact first time up but finished runner-up on her next two starts before getting off the mark at the fourth time of asking, just seven weeks after making her debut. Off for almost seven months after that win, she made her return in mid-June at Limerick and ran a big race to finish runner-up to progressive stablemate Amemri. On her most recent start, she contested a competitive race at Leopardstown but enjoyed little luck in running and ran much better than the fourth-place finish might suggest. It is encouraging that the third-placed Shelbiana won next time up and, with the selection's handicap mark left at 80, there is every reason to expect a bold showing. From a decent draw, she can lie handy and the stiff climb to the finish should play to her strengths. Honeysuckle Rose is a live danger, and were Spanish Temptress to get called in from the reserves, the impressive Killarney winner would merit plenty of respect. Rakki is of obvious interest in the Iggy Daly Easyfix Handicap Hurdle as he is making his debut for Willie Mullins having earned an opening mark of 105 for previous connections. The market will reveal expectation but, without the benefit of that, Prove Yourself is the one to side with. Ross O'Sullivan's lightly raced sort won a maiden at Tramore and followed up with a decent effort on his handicap debut, from a 1lb lower mark than he runs off today. A recent promising effort on his Flat debut has teed him up for the this assignment and he makes plenty of each-way appeal. GALWAY 5:10 Davy Crockett 5:40 Prove Yourself 6:10 Constitution River 6:40 Comfort Zone (nb) 7:15 Aviatrice (nap) 7:50 Bear Creek 8:20 Coutach Next best 5:10 A Snow White Park 5:40 Rakki 6:10 Masaban 6:40 Toll Stone 7:15 Spanish Temptress 7:50 Desmond Castle 8:20 Faith Of Empires
Sunday World
2 days ago
- Sport
- Sunday World
Nurburgring and Masoun leading the charge for Joseph O'Brien
DOUBLE TARGET | Galway and Goodwood are on the agenda this week And now seven years after he won the Irish Derby with Latrobe, Joseph has charge of the likely favourite for next Wednesday's Tote Galway Plate in Nurburgring, who skipped home seven lengths clear in the Guinness Galway Hurdle last year. Back in the heady days when Dermot Weld was the undoubted King of Ballybrit, Ansar completed that great double in 2001 and 2004, and that great crowd favourite came back to win the Plate again in 2005. Yet whatever happens in that great carnival on the Western seaboard this week, Joseph's mind won't stray too far from the day job, as he also has serious business to attend to at Glorious Goodwood. Indeed hat-trick seeking Masoun catches the eye among the entries for the first race of the week at the famed West Sussex venue, the Coral Chesterfield Cup Handicap on Tuesday. He was being teed up for a handicap at Royal Ascot but didn't make the cut, instead he won the Ladies Derby at The Curragh under Elizabeth Gale. But Joseph's best chance at Goodwood comes much later in the week, with Goodie Two Shoes in the Lillie Langtry on Saturday. Perhaps his background in the jumping game taught Joseph the benefit of patience, but there is little doubt that this JP McManus owned six-year-old is really in full flower now, her Stanerra Stakes win at Fairyhouse being a career best. She'll need to progress again but there's every chance she will, and the faster the ground the better. Joseph and J P also have a leading fancy for the opening day big feature at Galway tomorrow evening, the Connacht Hotel Qualified Riders, in Comfort Zone, where a real threat is Toll Stone who represents the lethal Galway combination of Emmet Mullins and owner Annette Mee. He won at the festival last year in his first flat handicap. That was on the Friday night and he was hammered in from 3/1 to 11/10 jolly when trying to defy a 7 lbs penalty for a quick follow-up the following day but he never landed a blow. Horses often win twice during the week at Ballybrit but very rarely on successive days. Toll Stone finished a close second to Comfort Zone in a hot handicap at Naas last November and he won't be too far away tomorrow either, particularly with John Gleeson doing the steering. But there is one entry in tomorrow's big race that really stands out. For so many of us backing Dermot Weld bankers on the flat with the late Pat Smullen on board, it used to comfortably cover the week's expenses back in the day. And should young 7 lbs claimer and son of the great man Paddy Smullen bring Falcon Eight home in front for Weld tomorrow, the cheers will lift the roof off the Killanin Stand. Trainer Joseph O'Brien at Ballybrit Racecourse in Galway. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile Any value in Nurburgring's price for the Plate is well gone at this stage, and Thecompanysergeant, Jesse Evans and two Gordon Elliott runners, Zanahiyr and Down Memory Lane, have also attracted plenty of ante-post interest. A local winner of the Plate would be a bit special and the Paul Gilligan trained Buddy One has serious prospects. A winner on the flat at nearby Ballinrobe last Monday, the eight-year-old has a serious CV, including a win at a Cheltenham November meeting and a fourth to Teahupoo in last year's Stayers Hurdle. He was second to Strong Leader in the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree and was third to Croke Park and Better Days Ahead in the Racing Post Long Distance Chase at Leopardstown last Christmas. The Athenry runner is also well proven at Ballybrit, having won over hurdles, and he made a winning start over fences over this course and distance last October. He is generally 25/1 at present but strong local support on the day could see him start a lot shorter on Wednesday but, whatever the odds, only his best will do. Another interesting 25/1 shot is the Willie Mullins-trained Arctic Fly, who has blown hot and cold, both at this track and elsewhere. She has won two of her last four races, including Tipp last time out, but was pulled up in the other two. She is good enough to win if in the mood and things go her way. Whether the contours of Galway suit stablemate Spanish Harlem is open to question. He could be more interesting in the Kerry or Munster Nationals later in the year if getting decent ground. Previous Galway Festival form is a good guide, and a few quid on Gordon Elliott's Royal Eagle in the Latin Quarter Beginners Chase on Tuesday might pay for a few pints in Quay Street afterwards, though stablemate King Of Kingsfield would bring a touch of class if lining up also. Betting is a serious business this week, and, for all the closing time yards of plots and schemes hatched and horses being 'teed up' to win at Galway for exiles returning on holidays, I have found down the years that at Ballybrit – just like everywhere else – eye-catching recent form is the best short cut to the winners' enclosure. Here is a list of horses worth serious consideration – Blues Emperor (J Murtagh); Tribal Nation (J O'Brien); Davy Crockett, La Note Verte and Vicar Street (W Mullins); Slieve Binnian (D Marnane); Sign From Above (P Fahey); Facethepuckout (M O'Callaghan); Highbury See See, Faoladh (A Slattery); Sounds Like A Plan (A Oliver); Heiselectric (N Meade); Bal Kauto (D Queally); Cornmarket (J Cullen); Moonovercloon (M Smith); Kenisa Sport (G Elliott); Spanish Temptress (R O'Brien); Sunny South West (E Power); Chally Chute (Ross O'Sullivan; Mo Ghille Mar (J Harrington); Dunkerque (G Cromwell); Drumgill (J Ryan); Roderick (P Sweeney) and Far From Dandy (S Thorne).
Perth Now
06-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Perth Now
VIPs weigh in on new Italian skincare on offer in Perth
Ashleigh Jade Howell & Ally Draper. Picture: Alan Chau / The West Australian A renowned Italian skincare brand is coming to a luxury Perth venue with products claiming to help protect skin against the effects of urban living by using 'natural and high-tech ingredients'. Founded in Parma, Italy, the brand called Comfort Zone has been added to Crown Spa's luxury menu with products from the skin regimen line on offer for customers indulging in a self-care day. Comfort Zone is known for its commitment to regenerative, effective and sustainable skincare, with the brand's head of botanical research, Simon Jackson flying over for the launch. The exclusive event took place inside Crown's Crystal Club with guests sipping on bespoke cocktails and hearing from Dr Jackson. People visiting Crown Spa will soon be able to experience a range of treatments that include facials that focus on skin longevity, glow, intense hydration and toning. The products used in the facials contain bio-active extracts from botanical species grown and studied in Comfort Zone's scientific garden, an open-air lab, under the supervision of Dr Jackson. Treatments featuring the new products will be available at Crown Spa from July 1.
Irish Daily Mirror
18-05-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Farnham is hit and bliss for anyone looking for total relaxation
Never more in need of some downtime and girlie pampering, we were delighted to be invited to Farnham Estate for the launch of their partnership with award-winning skincare brand, Comfort Zone. Only a 90-minute drive from Dublin until you reach the impressive entrance of the estate, the sweeping driveway then takes you through some of the hotel's 1,300 acres of beautiful rolling countryside. And you can't help but feel an immediate sense of release and calm when you abandon the car and walk through the woodland forest path towards the original Irish country house. A wonderful mix of old and new, the estate was developed into a luxury spa resort in the early 2000s and is currently one of the top luxury spa destinations in Ireland. There are 158 luxury guest rooms and suites together with the newer addition of 22 beautifully-appointed resort houses, which are ideal for larger groups or those looking for more space or privacy. All accommodation options put you firmly in the heart of the countryside with spectacular views and walking trails right outside your door. To settle into our luxurious surroundings we began with afternoon tea in the drawing room — a delectable experience that fits perfectly with the landscape of the old building. Every offering on our three-tier platter was tastefully executed and set the standard for the rest of our stay. If a luxury spa experience is what you're looking for then you're in for a real treat. The spa is another world away. Stepping down into the beautifully designed space this is where you really switch off. The ambience is warm and inviting and the hydrotherapy pool that meets you and stretches outside to an infinity pool immediately entices you in. Although the sun was shining, it was still April temperatures but the warmth of the water together with the feeling of being immersed in the countryside while you swim and relax kept us there for hours. The Mint Thermal Suite beside the infinity pool offers a journey of senses that we were also keen to try. We tried the Finnish sauna and salt inhalation room first before cooling off in the snail showers and resting afterwards in the relaxation rooms. But our favourite was the Aroma Steam Bath. We could have spent hours there but followed the guidelines of 20 minutes — and then came back a few times! For a special treat I tried the Himalayan Salt Massage Ritual — a 60-minute full body massage with warmed Himalayan salt blocks followed by a salt scrub. My therapist Alli created an incredibly relaxing environment and the feeling of the warm salt blocks massaging your skin is bliss. It's designed to alleviate tension, stress and anxiety and has a detoxifying effect on the body. I came away with silky soft skin and the usual niggling aches and pains were left at the door. We could easily have slept through until the next morning after our time in the spa but we're glad we didn't because our evening was spent treating the taste buds. A couple of delicious recommended cocktails kickstarted our evening followed by dinner in Cedars Steak House. Cedars is the newest addition to Farnham's dining portfolio. Succulent Josper-grilled steaks and a private cellar collection of wines are on offer here. Both the food and the décor is sumptuous. If you prefer a more relaxed ambience, Maxwells Restaurant also serves dinner with an extensive menu and wine list. After a sound sleep in a spacious and luxurious patio room we begrudgingly headed to reception for check out. We were offered a shuttle lift to our car, which was parked on the grounds, but we wanted to delay reality a little longer so we opted for the short stroll on the forest path in the sunshine. We're already planning our next reality break to Farnham very soon… Packages at Farnham begin from €159 per room midweek bed and breakfast. See for more. To book treatments or packages in the health spa, call 049 437 7700 or email healthspa@
RTÉ News
28-04-2025
- RTÉ News
History, serenity and innovative food at Farnham Estate, Co Cavan
From serene spa hotels to invigorating day retreats, Ireland's wellness sector is booming. When it comes to unwinding, we've never had so many options. Immersive spa gardens, urban saunas, lakeside hot tubs, thalassotherapy specialists, and a seemingly infinite number of infinity pools, the Irish hospitality sector has well and truly tapped into wellness. One new addition is Farnham Estate's collaboration with Comfort Zone, the B Corp certified Italian skincare brand specialising in sustainable face and body treatments and products. I was invited, along with a group of journalists, to try the brand's new treatments in the hotel spa. I was last in Farnham Estate in mid-2022, when the long shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic still lingered over the stately manor house hotel and reared its head in things like widely spaced dining tables and conversations punctuated with adjusting our face masks. Returning this year felt like walking into a different hotel entirely: as lovely as the first trip was, the sense of bustle and atmosphere in my most recent visit showed just how vibrant a spot it is - and always was, based on its history. Once the the home of John Maxwell, Baron Farnham, the 400 year-old grand manor house is located a short drive from Cavan Town and was once the seat of one of the most prolific land-owning families in the region. Set on 1,300 acres of sprawling land, it has been restored and expanded, with a modern glass structure snaking around the back of the majestic stone facade. After a drive of just under two hours from Dublin, we arrived in time for afternoon tea in the Music Room, recently revamped into a luxurious and opulent space. The green wallpaper and opulent chairs and corner couches create a serene setting, made all the more romantic by the long windows that overlook the green lawn in front of the manor house. The afternoon tea was one of the best I've had. Finger sandwiches with egg and truffle, a peppery charcuterie-filled wrap and delicate smoked salmon on brown bread all went down a treat. The scones were buttery and sweet, while the top tier of desserts was devoured almost instantly. Pistachio and strawberry tarts, a coconut-dusted Swiss roll and choux au craquelin filled with chocolate mouse and a tromp l'oeil cherry were delicious. Since the sun was shining we decided to walk off our tea on one of the many trails encircling the grounds. There are no less than six walking trails on the estate, all of which loop through or around the mature woodland and a number of loughs: Farnham Lough, Derrygrid Lough and Coal Pit Lough. We checked into our room next, located in the modern extension. Eight of the hotel's 12 suites are located in the manor house, the column-fronted entrance of which is preserved in its ornate glory inside the modern reception area and offers a peek at a winding staircase, opulent wallpaper and dimly lit rooms. The other rooms, meanwhile, are bright and airy, with exceptionally comfortable beds. My favourite - and unexpected - feature was the sliding hidden door that created a window from above the bath into the bedroom. Not sure why you'd need it, but it's great for spooking your unsuspecting boyfriend while he puts his feet up post-drive. I was invited to try the Himalayan Salt Massage Ritual as part of the trip. If, like me, you were hoping for something a bit vigorous, this isn't that massage. My therapist Evangelina talked me through each step, stressing that it was less hands-on than other massages but it still proved very relaxing. First, she traced pressure points on my body using solid blocks of pink Himalayan salt that were heated on a little plate. It was similar to a hot stone massage, but with more controlled heat as each block could be turned depending on what muscle Evangelina was targeting. I'd mentioned my shoulders were tight, so she kindly spent some time releasing them. Next, was the salt scrub, which she applied all over me before wrapping me in a soft cloth. The process did feel like being licked by hundreds of cats, but my skin was left buzzing with sensation afterwards. While I marinated like a piece of steak, Evangelina did some scalp massage, before directing me to the shower to rinse the scrub off. Heavily seasoned and polished to perfection, she finished the massage by applying the Comfort Zone body cream, leaving my skin visibly shining. The adult-only spa was designed Heinz Schletterer, whose previous projects include spas at the Waldorf Astoria in New York, the Sandy Lane in Barbados and the Queen Mary cruise liner, and is predictably elegant. Finally, it was time for dinner in the Cedars Steakhouse, located in the modern part of the hotel. Unsurprisingly, the menu has an impressive selection of steaks, but we opted for a T-bone and a côte de boeuf. The T-bone arrived charred to perfection, while my côte de boeuf was rich and fatty. The menu overall is inventive and seasonal, with the scallop and chive ravioli starter especially delicious. The poitín-cured cod with grapefruit was an innovative dish, with a delightful focus on differing textures. We finished our meal with a coconut and yuzu dessert and an exceptional ginger and orange baked Alaska. The verdict If it's a serene staycation you're after, Farnham Estate is worth the drive. From the expansive golf course to the leisurely walks and spa, there's just enough activity on site to keep you occupied and ideally far away from your phone. I was especially impressed with the food on this trip, and will be thinking about that baked Alaska for many days to come. The details We stayed in a Patio King Room as invited guests for one night, prices for which start at €190 with the hotel's spring sale. I tried the 60-minute Himalayan Salt Massage Ritual, which costs €125. Our breakfast and evening meals were also included. Other hotels in the area include: Slieve Russell Hotel Cavan Crystal Hotel Cabra Castle Hotel
