The Spa's spherical lightfilled structure is at once dramatic and innovative.

Paddy Quinn, his wife, Patricia and their team at the hotel were involved in conceptualizing the project in conjunction with German designers, Lighthouse 1.

Mr. Garth Mackenzie General Manger comments: "It's very much a building for the new Millennium; love it or hate it, you will definitely talk about it." The Quinns have invested 7m in the development which boasts the creation of 16 new jobs as an added legacy.

Guests have returned to the hotel time and again over many years to enjoy the warmth of its welcome and the quality of its food and accommodation.

The spectacular spa adds a new facet to the hotel's attraction. The ground level in the four-level space is the water area which encompasses the Alpha room, saunas and showers and the walkway to the outdoor garden, whose area was transformed by an award-winning German designer.

"It also contains a hydrotherapy pool, where gleaming mosaic tiling and the scent of plants and fig trees will fill the senses, " says Catherine Breen, manager of Solas Croi Spa.

The main level of the Spa is accessible from the hotel's reception area, where a series of extended crystals descend from the ceiling, creating sparkle and light.

Water trickles from Oghamlike stones creating a subtle and quiet mood.

The second floor comprises eight treatment rooms, including a 'couples room', which according to Catherine is quite a new trend.

The treatment rooms' earthy tones, lightly finished woods and pale linens create a feeling of light-heartedness, whose Gaelicised form gave rise to the name - Solas Croi.

The second floor level also includes the Via Senses experience. "The Via Senses is similar to a reflexology experience, " explains Ms Breen. A circuit of varying surfaces, set underneath ornate leaf-like wooden pieces and natural trunk-like wood, comprises a series of underfoot shapes and grooves, which reach all sensory points on the foot; the impact is remarkable. The upper most floor is perhaps the most spectacular. The domed ceiling with its streaming light is where relaxation beds are generously spaced for guests to enjoy. This space lends itself to evening activities, due to the incredible exterior lights.

"There is even a light show in the evening, " explains Mr. Mackenzie.

Yoga and meditation is also on offer in this level.

Through each level, wooden textures, light fabrics and linens, inspiring lighting and exterior decking and stairways climbing and descending to each level take in stunning views of the surrounding rolling countryside.

"The theme of connectivity is central to the Spa experience, " as Mr. Mackenzie explains. "The theme is that everything in life is connected: people, business and community. To that end Solas Croi Spa is dedicated to providing our customers an opportunity to renew their spirits and nurture their innate, natural and spiritual beauty."

The Ayurvedic approach to life and healthy living is central to the Solas Croi Spa.

The Ayurvedic school of thought is native to the Indian sub-continent. Its central tenet is concerned with measures to protect life, i. e. , healthy living along with therapeutic measures that relate to physical, mental, social and spiritual harmony.

The Spas signature treatment is the Detox Kur with Energy Stone Massage.

This is a unique, total body experience designed to cleanse, soothe and nourish.

The world-renowned Kerstin Florian product range has been chosen by Solas Croi Spa to reflect the value of nature and connectivity in all the treatments and therapies available.

Hotel owners, Paddy and Patricia Quinn, in keeping with a holistic approach, have been very active in the area of green awareness, particularly with regard to energy. In late 2006, a new system of wood chip burners was installed, which dramatically cut the costs of hotel heating and provided a more sustainable and local source of energy.

"Our aim is to be carbon neutral as the business develops, " Mr Quinn hopes.

"This Energy awareness is helping to reduce our impact on the environment."