While southwest Ireland is known for many things---local pubs, quaint country villages and breathtaking scenery-- the emergence of healing spas or “health farms “ as they are known amongst the Irish, offer your clients a new reason to visit this part of the country. While blizzards rage in the northeastern U.S. and California is besieged by floods and mudslides, travelers can experience mild winters while taking advantage of the great rates available at the following destinations.

Located in the town of Kenmare in County Kerry, the Park Hotel Kenmare and its deluxe destination spa, SÁMAS, are just a short 30-minute taxi ride from Kerry Airport. Picturesque towns, green pastures and local points of interest pave the way. Thatched roof inns, colorful storybook cottages and street vendors selling local produce are all sights not to be missed along the journey. The famous Ring of Kerry is a 112-mile drive that follows the coastline past some of the most spectacular scenery this country has to offer.

Voted one of Andrew Harper’s Favorite Hideaway Resorts of the past 25 years, the 46-room Park Hotel Kenmare is situated amongst woods and gardens with dramatic views of Kenmare Bay. Originally built in 1897, this property has all the ambiance that is expected from a hotel that has been rated in the top 100 worldwide by many different publications.

Open since February 2004, the deluxe destination SÁMAS Spa promises a fully indulgent treat for the senses that your clients won’t forget. The experience incorporates three elements: a thermal suite with rock sauna and aroma steam or tropical mist; holistic treatments that may include reflexology, hot stone or aromatherapy massage; and pure relaxation.

Guests start their visit in the outdoor infinity pool. Water jet stations melt away every ache and pain as visitors inhale all that nature has to offer with its towering trees, singing birds and views of the distant hills and Kenmare Bay. The relaxation room will be the last stop where your clients will want to lounge in comfort and try to figure out how they can extend their stay.

There are six lifestyle programs that range from a day’s visit to a seven-night total rejuvenation experience. The latter features six hours of treatment time, a choice of three activities such as guided hikes or horseback riding, and dinner on four evenings. The Park Hotel Kenmare is and SÁMAS Spa can be contacted via phone (800-323-5463) or web site (www.parkkenmare.com).

Tracing its proud Irish roots back to the year 1124, the town of Galway served as medieval Europe’s most westerly trading port, drawing merchants from all over the known world including Christopher Columbus. In modern times, Galway is known for its cobblestone streets, shopping, restaurants, 13 golf courses, international oyster festivals, and the Radisson SAS Hotel’s Spirit One Spa.

The Spirit One Spa adjoins the 4-star Radisson and is easily accessible from Galway Airport (10 km) with daily flights from Dublin and London. Each of the adjacent hotel’s 217 rooms are decorated in classic, Scandinavian or maritime themes and are the perfect destination for the business and leisure traveler.

Some of the spa’s unique innovations include a cold fog shower, a room with warm white sand and relaxing UV lights to simulate a beach, an aroma grotto, and a tropical rain shower. Other treatments include a coconut milk and ritual wrap, a Japanese facial, an exotic jasmine flower bath, and a full body well-being massage. Full and half-day programs are available that include an afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones and, of course, your choice of tea. Spirit One Spa can be reached at 011 353 91 538 462, and Radisson SAS Hotel can be contacted via phone (011 353 91 538 300) or web site at www.galway.radissonsas.com. Keep in mind, better rates are available if you book mid-week.

Located in the Delphi Valley on the northern tip of Connemara, the Delphi Mountain Resort and Spa is nestled on a 300 acre forested estate and has won many awards over the years, including “10 of the World’s Best Spas” by The Observer and “The 50 Best Spas Around the World” by the Independent (UK).

The architect designed the spa to blend in with the natural surroundings using storm-felled timbers, environmentally friendly materials and traditional craftsmanship. The room décor is light and airy with soft colored accents and wonderful views of the nearby mountains. The designers also used natural timbers such as oak, ash and elm to create a harmonious feeling of being one with nature.

Clients can choose from a vast variety of programs at the Delphi, including outdoor activities such as hiking, sailing, dolphin-watching, and even surfing. Or, they can indulge their senses with a Swedish massage, marine algae mud wrap or a hydrotherapy treatment with aromatic oils.

The staff’s emphasis at this spa is on getting in touch with its guests’ personal goals while helping them strike a healthy balance between mind and body. Being surrounded by hills, flora and fauna will no doubt draw visitors outside to one of the many nature walks led by the staff at the Delphi. There are many varieties of medicinal plants; peat and heather; and raw jasper stones just laying on the trail, remnants from some volcanic activity in times past.

The food at the Delphi is tantalizing, using ingredients that are fresh and just a hand pick away. Watercress and chanterelle mushrooms grow nearby as do blackberries and other delicacies. Entrees include smoked salmon with maple syrup and oatmeal crust, homemade three-cheese lamb and forest mushroom lasagna and Connemara beef fillet with horseradish whipped potato. This fine dining experience is complimented by the spectacular view of the nearby Maumturk Mountains from the restaurant’s expansive windows.

Whether your clients’ interest is exercise, yoga, or just relaxation, there are over 30 activities that are designed to accommodate all age levels at the Delphi. Once they come, they will no doubt find themselves in agreement with one spa owner who said, “Come to this little corner of Ireland to be reborn.”

Transfers to the Delphi Mountain Resort are available from Galway Airport (1.25 hour drive). Delphi Mountain Resort and Spa can be reached via phone (011 353 95 42987) or web site (www.delphiescape.com). General information about Ireland can be found at www.tourismireland.com.