THE FACTS ABOUT THE G GALWAY

Ireland Galway

Designed by milliner extraordinaire and Galway native Philip Treacy with Dublin-based architects and designers Dublin Wallace, The G stands for Galway and glamour. The Grand Salon has a mirror inspired by a Treacy hat, a Tom Dixon chrome-ball installation and crystal-filled Perspex tables; the adjacent Pink Salon has a black-and-white spiral rug and chairs covered in an Andy Warhol pink-camouflage print. The two-storey ESPA at The G is a darkly seductive environment in slate, kirkstone and glass with a flock of white origami cranes suspended over a tranquility pool. Facilities include a mixed thermal suite, crystal steam room, rock sauna, lifestyle shower, vitality pool, eight treatment rooms, and a gym. The ESPA approach is holistic and aromatherapy-based, offering a good range of massage techniques to restore balance. The 101 bedrooms are more restrained than the public areas, but Treacy's design stamp is found in details such as the elegant lamps. Huge beds, goose-down pillows, built-in plasma screens and spacious bathrooms add to the sense of luxury. Specially commissioned David Downton portraits of supermodels decorate each room. The restaurant offers a Mediterranean-influenced take on local produce, with an emphasis on pasta, fish and seafood; the indulgent ESPA at the g offers full- and half-day treatments in a tranquil roof garden. The G was featured in The Hot List 2006. Doubles from 450 euros www.theghotel.ie/g