2018 was a hell of a year, right? GCN celebrated 30 years in publishing amongst other things and our calendar was chock full of exciting events and projects to mark and celebrate this milestone. I was so happy and proud to collaborate on all of those things but must admit, there were points throughout the year when my work-life balance left a lot to be desired and stress was a constant companion. One sunny weekend in July, the wonderful folks at Creacon invited me and my better half to experience their ’Overnight Escape’. Needless to say, jumped at the chance of a momentary reprieve.
Originally a rustic inn in the sunny southeast, Creacon Wellness Retreat was established by Derek O’Neill and his late wife Linda as a serene haven that nurtures your complete wellbeing; spirit, mind and body. Nestled in the picturesque hills of New Ross, Creacon is, in the nicest and most comforting sense, a home away from home that allows a proper rest, respite and rejuvenation.
We check into our beautiful room overlooking the luscious front garden and receive a delightful ‘welcome juice’. One lovely difference from a regular hotel stay is that there are no televisions in any of the bedrooms. This helps us stick to the ‘quiet policy’ where guests are encouraged to be in their rooms by 10.30pm with lights out at midnight. In a world where we increasingly have no down time, this is a most welcome directive.
Dinner is a communal aff air and again unlike a regular hotel break, you are encouraged to sit with other guests and socialise. Better-half and are initially ‘stranger-danger’ about this rule and reluctantly sit with two other women but are soon delighted and happy about this encouragement towards openness as we make fast friends with Sam and Alef. In fact, we spend the rest of our time in Creacon hanging with our new pals when not in classes or treatments!