"I attended the Essence Spa with a group of friends and what a treat it was! When we arrived we were shown to the dressing rooms and given our gown and slippers to wear. We met our therapist, Maria Angela, who I just can't compliment enough and would highly recommend! Once you enter the spa you are met with a calm and relaxing setting. My friends and I took turns having our treatments done which included a hydrotherapy bath, facial, and hot stone/back and shoulder massage for each of us....all at a very reasonable price I might add. The hydrotherapy bath was divine! I really enjoyed the facial and Maria Angela gave excellent skincare advice throughout. While my friends were having their treatments I rested in the relaxation area and was given plenty of magazines as well as water, herbal tea, and fruit. Overall, it was a delightful experience and I would highly recommend it!"

"As hotel spas go, Essence comes up with a good to very good rating. I tried their 30 minute classical back, neck and shoulder massage and came away refreshed and relaxed. The atmosphere is very relaxing. There is a very comfortable waiting area with chaises with adjustable neck cushions. Soft, relaxing music, appropriate mood lighting and serenity were all there, which made the fact that my therapist was 15 minutes late (even though no one else was there) a bit more bearable. Their brochure is replete with caveats and warnings about arriving late and requesting that you arrive 10-15 minutes early for a consultation. Sometimes it makes you wonder who is the client and who is the service provider. The consultation evidently doesn't apply to the type of massage I had since there wasn't one. Oh well, 30 minutes in the waiting area relaxing and getting away can help you overlook some things."

"I have had the pleasure of visiting the Essence Spa in the Clarion Hotel, Cork on three occasions and I must say if your looking for a blissful hour or two in Cork you need look no further!

The treatments Ive had are massage, facials, mini-manicures & the hydrotherapy pool.

The treatment rooms are comfortable (lovely and warm!!)
The gowns and slippers lovely and fluffy!

The staff are all very friendly, competent and courteous & the atmosphere is relaxing and the certainly don't rush you - a really relaxing space to be in!"