Arrival/Check-In: After a scenic drive along country roads — including a pause to let cows cross — we arrived at the beautiful Lough Erne Resort. Driving past one of the golf course’s par-3 holes, we were guided to park a few yards from the front entrance. Patty, who was helpful throughout our stay, took our luggage. The building has the appearance of an old manor but was actually constructed in 2001. We were assigned the Nick Faldo suite, named for the British professional golfer and designer of the resort’s course.
Guest Quarters: The suite offered spectacular views over Castle Hume Lough and the 18th hole, known as “Cygnets Rest.” The entrance led into a hallway that opened to the bedroom suite on the right and the sitting room on the left, with a full bathroom off the corridor. The sitting room was spacious, featuring a desk, multiple seating areas and a door to a second-story stone patio overlooking the course. Antique furnishings are found throughout the hotel. The bedroom contained a king-sized canopy bed flanked by ornate Victorian nightstands, a large matching vanity and a substantial armoire, plus a cozy sitting area by the window. The room easily accommodated the heavy mahogany pieces. Adjacent to the bedroom was a full master bathroom equipped with the amenities expected at a five-star property like Lough Erne.
Services/Amenities: The resort’s world-class golf course is just steps away (see the Golf column in our September 2012 issue), and the property overall exceeds expectations for a five-star destination. Chef Noel McMeel, awarded Best Chef – Fermanagh, leads the culinary program, and the Catalina Restaurant is well worth a visit. The restaurant’s name refers to the Catalina flying boats that once landed on the lough and were serviced here during World War II. Chef McMeel blends classic Irish country ingredients with contemporary techniques.
Other venues include The Blarney Bar, which houses a remarkable collection of 101 single-malt Irish whiskeys — one of the largest in the country. After my round of golf, I enjoyed a superb lunch of Irish smoked salmon. The resort also offers additional dining options such as the Loughside Bar & Grill at the golf course.
Be sure to book spa treatments at The Thai Spa in advance, as appointments fill quickly. The spa follows traditional Thai treatments and employs therapists from Thailand, ensuring an authentic experience.
The Experience: Between the striking setting, attentive service, excellent cuisine, a dedicated spa and extensive outdoor activities including golf, Lough Erne Resort is a standout destination in Northern Ireland and a must-stop for travelers seeking luxury and relaxation.
GT Checklist
- Doorman/Valet
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Separate tub and shower
- Large vanity
- High-quality towels
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- High-quality bed linens
- Large, flat-screen television
- Large desk with convenient outlets
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Stocked minibar
- Ample lighting
- In-room coffeemaker
- Iron and ironing board
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- Large, complimentary laptop safe
- State-of-the-art fitness center
Lough Erne Resort
Belleek Road
Enniskillen, Fermanagh
BT93 7ED Northern Ireland
tel 44 28 6632 3230
lougherneresort.com