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I recently went on my first ever mother-daughter trip and according to science, it was good for my health.

It was nothing glamorous or expensive, but it was really eye-opening. We didn’t fly off to New York or explore a sunny Greek island, we got the 9am train down to Mallow for one night but it has made me appreciate my Mam so much more than before.

We wandered around the town, popping into dinky shops and bookstores, we ate hearty cheese toasties and drank gallons of tea. We acted like giddy schoolkids when we saw the size of our beautiful hotel room , we listened to Sunshine 106.8 and argued about what time we should have dinner.

We ate like kings, drank pints and nattered about things we rarely got the chance to talk about. 

We went for a walk around Mallow Castle grounds, met up with some of our Cork family for a well overdue catch up and read our books in a peaceful silence as the train rolled out of the station.

It was a short break, nothing crazy, pricey or lavish, but it has strengthened our relationship. It helped me see my Mam in a completely different light, we laughed so much and spent quality time together that is far too rare these days.

Harvard Medical School recently found that going on a trip with your mum has a positive impact on both your mental and general health.

A mother-daughter trip has the power to lower your stress levels, boost your immune responses and lowers your risk of heart disease, according to the study.

If anyone needs us we’ll be planning our next getaway with mother dearest.

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Now, we've all packed a laughable amount of things for a holiday and been mocked by our travel buddies when we show up at the airport.

Many of us have brought a suitcase for an overnight stay, or added extra baggage onto our flights for no reason. Especially in this country, when we can never predict what weather we're going to have.

Forgetting a key item while packing is a deep psychological fear. What if we forget our core makeup items? Our medical bag? Our passport? Ourselves? It's a worrying time.

Statistics from QS Supplies have shown that 10 percent of people take bed sheets to hotel rooms with them, because they won't want to use the provided sheets. Um, okay?

The survey of 1,008 people revealed that many of the population (we won't name names) have taken their own bedding on holiday with them to avoid catching germs or contracting bacterial infections.

5.9 percent of the survey respondents also admitted to taking personal cutlery to a restaurant, meaning one in every 16 eaters in any restaurant you go to have possibly snuck in their own knife and fork.

We can't imagine using up vital bag space to stuff in our own sheets and bedding. Those people clearly have some strange priorities that don't involve bringing five pairs of shoes and a shop's worth of cosmetics.

12 percent of people apparently don't think hotel sheets are washed enough to warrant sleeping in them, but we wonder why?

Unless they're stained or have a weird odour or appearance, we're more than happy to sleep in a big, fluffy hotel bed with extravagant pillows and throws.

Now, if someone could just pay for us to head on a weekend away, preferably to a spa, that would be lovely!

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Is it just us, or does anyone else feel like winter is here to stay?

Below average temperatures and cloudy skies have us pining for beer gardens, BBQs and long summer evenings, but alas, it looks like it'll be a while yet before the sun makes its annual appearance on Irish shores. 

But why wait? There are plenty of sunny holiday destinations just waiting to be explored this Spring, and with so many Bank Holidays coming up over the next few months, you've no excuse. 

To help you decide, we've put together a list of the best last-minute spots –  perfect for topping up your tan before summer officially begins. 

Sicily, Italy 

Rising temperatures, celebrations, and delicious food make Easter is one of the best times to visit Sicily.

With daytime highs of 18°C, you'll get a well-needed does of Vitamin D without feeling like you've been burnt alive.

What's more, each town celebrates the religious occasion with its own traditions and processions, so you'll get an authentic look into Sicilian culture.

Tenerife, The Canary Islands

With the mercury rising to the early twenties, and miles upon miles of sandy beaches, Tenerife is pretty much a sun worshipper's paradise.

Sure, it's nothing compared to the highs experienced in July or August, but unless you're in potion to cough up for flights to the Caribbean, it's probably the best you're going to get for this time of year.

The island has something for every type of holiday maker so make sure to choose your location wisely.

Those in search of a party atmosphere should head to the resorts of Playa de Las Americas or Los Cristanos, while those looking for something more relaxed should try Los Gigantes or Puerto Santiago.

Faro, Portugal 

Located in the heart of the Algarve, Fargo is often overlooked by tourists who instead opt to spend their holidays in the neighbouring towns.

History and culture are two of the city's biggest draws, and its position makes it a great central base from which to explore the rest of the Algarve.

With temperature once again hitting the early twenties, this picturesque little city is the ideal destination for a relaxing couples break or a well-deserved chill-out trip with the girls.

St. Paul's Bay, Malta 

During the day, Easter sun-seekers can enjoy highs of 20°C at the Golden Sands Beach, before spending the evening relaxing at one of town's glamorous bars and restaurants.

What's more, the Maltese resort also caters for the adventurous traveller, with scuba diving, snorkelling and water sport activities.

Heraklion, Crete

A prt city and the capital of the Greek island Crete, Heraklion (also called Iraklio) offers holiday-makers the perfect balance.

City vibes, seaside views, and a bustling nightlife – what more could you want?

Temperatures typically peak in the late teens or high twenties in March and April.

 

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We have been bitten by the wanderlust bug and have been itching to get away from gloomy Ireland for far too long.

We are forever checking airline prices, swooning over travel blogger’s Instagrams and wishing we could just drop everything, grab our passports and abandon the dull realities of everyday life.

There are too many places we want to go to but one at the very top of our list is Iceland.

The Irish Globetrotter aka Niamh McDonnell sat down with us to share her words of wisdom after a recent trip to Iceland.

Niamh headed to Iceland for three full days and managed to squeeze everything and anything into her quick getaway.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Flights:

“We flew into Reykjavik on Thursday afternoon with Icelandair, who are so lovely to fly with. The two-hour flight was a breeze, especially because of the TVs.”

The flight cost €120. Niamh recommends booking your flights at least three months in advance to get the best deal.

Accommodation:

Airbnb is extremely popular over in Iceland so you’ll have a much easier time finding somewhere to stay if you rent an apartment as opposed to staying in a hotel. Niamh and her pals found an apartment that slept up to six people.

The apartment cost €625 between their gang, which works out just at a little over €100 each.

“Staying near the main strip will make your trip a lot easier, as that’s where all the bars, pubs, restaurants and shops are. Staying close by will save you a lot of hassle, especially on nights out.”

The other great thing about renting an apartment is having a kitchen to rustle up meals throughout the day. “The food in Iceland isn’t the best and is extremely overpriced, so making breakfast and sandwiches to snack on during tours was a huge help financially,” Niamh shared.

Night Life:

Speaking of nights out, like every Irish person on holidays, Niamh ended up going to an Irish pub during her trip to Iceland. She said the best thing about the Irish bars is the mix of people you unexpectedly meet there.

“There were international students and Norwegian sailors drinking in one Irish bar, and the atmosphere was so different.”

“Dubliners is a great spot, as is the Drunken Rabbit, where you can order food from the fish and chips next door whilst you’re enjoying a pint.”

"Appy Hour is a life-saving app that will show you all the local drink offers, which will be a huge help to you as Iceland can be super pricey,” Niamh shared.

Sightseeing:

“We booked our tours with Reykjavik Excursions for €330. This price included the Northern Lights tour, pick up at the airport, Blue Lagoon entrance and drinks, Golden Circle tour, a glacier tour and even pick up on our last day.”

“Head to the Blue Lagoon in the early evening because you will experience it during daylight and as the sun sets.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The main reason she headed to Iceland was to see the Northern Lights, so it’s safe to say Niamh was gutted when the weather meddled with her plans.

“We were scheduled to go see the Northern Lights on Friday evening, but the tour company cancelled the trip because of the weather.”

September and October are supposed to be the best months to go, but the weather wasn’t on Niamh’s side. It was extremely overcast and cloudly on the second night they tried to see the lights.

Despite the Northern Lights disappointment, Niamh adored seeing the glaciers and waterfalls Iceland is so famously known for.

“We went on a four-hour tour to see glaciers and waterfalls, which was an experience I’ll never forget,” Niamh said.

“The only thing is the weather is extreme. There was one point where I had to get down on my hunkers because the wind was so harsh, so dress warmly.”

Forget about your Nike runners and OOTD Instagram snaps, because all you want to wear in Iceland are a pair of boots and about 50 layers.

Flights: €120

Accommodation: €125

Spending money: €350

Sightseeing/tours: €330

Total: €925

Niamh experienced all Iceland has to offer and more for less than €1000 so if you’ll need us we’ll be booking our flights immediately.

 

 

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Science has upped it's game.

Most researchers seem to be pretty busy with conducting medical studies and making valuable scientific discoveries for society's gain, but this latest survey really takes it to the next level.

Bloom & Wild have worked with London Metropolitan University to undergo an experiment to figure out when the 'love hormone', AKA oxytocin, is released.

The anti-anxiety and stress reducing hormone is pretty special, the chemicals are made when you're in love, and having some KICK-ASS sex. We heart it. 

The study measured how the brain reacts to receiving certain gifts, and it's led to some pretty interesting, and useful, results. We're not hugely surprised at what topped the list, they're all unreal.

Research also suggests that people in the first three stages of love reported higher oxytocin levels that last for roughly six months to a year. At a chemical level, can presents recreate this high of lovestruck heartbeats?

Scientists reported that the subjects of the study showed an average increase of 73pg/ml in the hormone oxytocin after getting chocolates, and 62pg/ml after receiving flowers. Feeling loved comes in all shapes and sizes, it would seem.

The official top five items or experiences included on the list which trumped having sex were; chocolate winning the number one spot, then flowers, food, shopping and booking a holiday.

Receiving chocolate apparently creates a high increase in oxytocin the same rise in oxytocin comes from sex, so a quick nip down to Butlers could solve your stress issues. 

Flowers can spark the same feeling as love, relationships and sexy times, and a study by Havas Worldwide revealed that 57 percent of millennials think that food is better than sex. Damn.

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Retail therapy also made the list, according to the experiment. The neurologist David Linden, in his book The Compass Of Pleasure, explains that the experience of shopping triggers dopamine circuitry in the brain's mesolimbic pathway.

In plain-old-English, the mesolimbic pathway is a key part of how we experience entertainment and happiness, so having a sneaky online shop at ASOS is good for you. Thank God we have a valid excuse to do this now…

Booking a holiday is better than having some intimate. alone time with a partner, according to research. 16% of Brits claim to support this, so those Aer Lingus January sales must have had people feelin' pretty damn euphoric.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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To carry out their research, Bloom & Wild and London Metropolitan University split 30 volunteers into three groups.

Each were to receive a gift of flowers, chocolate, or water, and took saliva samples before the gift arrived, and then again 10 minutes after delivery, and finally 40 minutes after receiving the gift. 

It just goes to show, chocolate should always be cherished. We're in a loving relationship with Cadbury's Dairy Milk, and there are zero signs of a break-up coming our way.

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We are all itching to get away after this lockdown. We need a break from our homes, but who knows when we’ll be able to safely travel abroad.

One option many people are considering is heading away on a staycation when restrictions on travel around Ireland are lifted. We are incredibly lucky to live on such a beautiful island with stunning sites just a short drive away.

One location we’re eager to visit is the beautiful Hotel Westport, located on the stunning Westport Estate. It is the perfect place for your post-pandemic staycation this summer. With the easing of the toughest restrictions just around the corner, Hotel Westport has put together the ultimate socially distant staycation packages for those chomping at the bit to get beyond their 20k and reset the rest of their summer in style. Those coping with cabin-fever or simply ready for some new experiences – remember those – need to pack up for picturesque Westport and head for the wild and wonderful west!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Hotel Westport is a peaceful haven set on the idyllic surrounds of Westport House, and the Hotel Westport team has spent the past month preparing the highest safety standards and guidelines in anticipation of welcoming guests back to enjoy a unique staycation experience this summer. But safety aside, the team has focussed on the ultimate in innovation and collaboration to wake up your restricted senses and enjoy a ‘second-half of summer’ to remember. Adventure lovers, zen seekers and fun-loving families will all find something to fulfil their travel needs at this west coast wonder.

The picturesque estate with its 400 acres of fresh air is set in the heart of the town at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way and overlooked by Ireland’s most famous mountain, Croagh Patrick. Visitors can enjoy some quality time with loved ones at the hotel’s Family Bush Camp, a unique outdoor experience which allows guests to reconnect with nature through fun bush crafting and survival activities, while maintaining social distance from other guests. It’s the perfect way to kick-start your freedom with an unrivalled experience that won’t compromise on safety. Packages start at €79 pps for Bed & Breakfast  and bookings can be secured at www.hotelwestport.ie 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Community spirit is at the heart of Westport, as local businesses come together during these unprecedented times. The owner and head chef of Cian’s on Bridge Street, Cian Hayes, will be opening a pop-up restaurant experience in Hotel Westport this summer: Cian’s at Hotel Westport. Bringing a unique take on the menu ordinarily served at his award-winning restaurant to Hotel Westport, the pop-up will take advantage of the large space available in the hotel so guests and locals alike can enjoy a remarkable dining experience in comfortable and socially distant surroundings. 

Another great collaboration is with Clew Bay Bike Hire. Guests at Hotel Westport can truly experience the wild Atlantic west by hiring bikes on site and cycling an exclusive and accessible 10km loop through the estate, the harbour, and the town. If you’re feeling ambitious, why not take on the breath-taking Great Western Greenway, a cycle you could only but dream of these past few months!

Westport House, an 18th century manor house also on Westport Estate, is just a stone’s throw away from the hotel. Visitors can stroll through the beautiful grounds to enjoy the blooming gardens and take in the 3.5k looped Lakeland and woodland walk. The house itself is open to day-visitors to discover the fascinating stories of this privately-owned historic house while they immerse themselves in 300 years of Irish heritage in its stunning formal rooms and original antiques, architecture, and artwork.

Newly appointed Chief Executive at Westport Estate, Barry O’Connor, said; “Unity in Westport is something that’s important to all of us and local businesses are joining forces to help each other during these different times. Things have changed for Irish people so much over recent months, so at Hotel Westport we have created a unique staycation experience while ensuring the safety of our guests, to offer people a chance to make some amazing memories this summer.”

Discover Westport like never before this summer. For more information or to make a booking enquiry please visit www.hotelwestport.ie

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There are so many places in the world that I’d love to visit. Canada, New York, Denmark, South Africa… the list is never-ending.

However, at the end of the day, there really is no place like home. No matter where I go I always look forward to coming home to the Emerald Isle. Ireland has a certain charm that, in my eyes, is simply unbeatable.

We may be a tiny island but there are just so many incredibly beautiful places to visit across the country, including Kerry.

I was lucky enough to visit Tralee to stay at the Ballygarry House Hotel recently and have fallen head over heels in love with the charming country house hotel.

The staff welcome you with the warmth that you feel when reuniting with a childhood friend. They were so kind and accommodating and couldn’t have made me feel more welcome.

From the moment we stepped inside the hotel felt like a home away from home.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The Ballygarry House Hotel caters for everyone. If you’re a bookworm you can cosy up by the fire and get lost in a story.

For those adventurers out there, you can take one of the bikes available at the hotel down to the Ballyseedy Woods.

If you’re in need of a little bit of chill time then look no further than the tranquil Nádúr Spa where you will be treated like royalty by the lovely Gina and her team.

Enjoy a soothing stroll through the hotel’s gardens and take in the stunning view of the Sliabh Mish Mountains on a crisp winter morning.

You certainly won’t be short of things to do during your time at the Ballygarry House Hotel. And you certainly won’t go hungry either.

I was lucky enough to dine at both The Brasserie and the lavish Restaurant 58. Trust me, the food is simply divine. Restaurant 58 is a soothing spot that has a menu to die for and the sweetest staff who will ensure you have everything you need.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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If you’re in the mood to splash out then try the Char Grilled Prime Irish Steak and thank me later. My stomach has never been as happy or full as it was after our visit.

Be sure to roll into Owen Mac's bar after your dinner to wash it all down with a beverage of choice. The recently renovated and revamped bar has everything from wine to whiskey and pink gin to craft beers.

You’ll be wowed by the talents of a live pianist at the weekends which adds even more charm to the hotel.

After a night of sheer luxury, you can doze off in the comfiest bed ever or tune into one of your favourite movies on Netflix on the hotel TV.

I truly didn’t want to leave the Ballygarry House Hotel. I was so close to asking if I could move into The Lodge, which is a little nugget of history right on the hotel’s doorstep.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The mid – 18th Century Lodge was formerly the gate lodge of the O'Connor farmhouse and is now being used as a private event room for celebrations with a personalised Butler Service for Afternoon Tea.

A visit at The Ballygarry House Hotel is an essential trip for all you travel bugs out there. You just need to add to your bucket list. The charm, warmth and kindness of the staff alone will make your visit one you’ll never forget. There’s no doubt it’ll become a home away from home for you, right in the heart of Kerry.

Do yourself a favour and book a stay at The Ballygarry House Hotel. Check out their website for more information.

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The sunny weather has finally made an appearance and we can’t help but daydream about summer adventures. Spending the summer in New York sounds perfect, but unfortunately, our bank accounts are stopping that dream from coming true.

Luckily, there are plenty of places to visit around the Emerald Isle that are perfect if you’re in need of some time away from reality.

There's one place you must visit this summer and it’s the charming town of Clonakilty, Co.Cork. The West Cork town is one of the nicest parts of the county with the stunning Inchydoney Beach, snug pubs, plenty of dinky cafes and dozens of historical sites including Michael Collins House.

Once you arrive in the colourful and vibrant town you’ll never want to leave. The locals and their cheery disposition will make you feel like you’ve lived there your entire life.

There are plenty of hidden gems in Clonakilty that will make your trip all the more memorable.

1: Cafe On The Lane

This quirky spot is hidden down Spillers Lane, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets. The cafe is covered in bunting and fairy lights, with fresh flowers donning every table. The main seating area is full of mismatched, vintage furniture that adds to the character of the place. Treat yourself to a croissant or a brownie and a cup of coffee and listen to Elvis play on the cafe's record player.

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2: Cycle around Clon​​​

Clonakilty is the first rural community to offer a bike rental scheme. There’s no better way to see the glorious town than cycling around Clonakilty, especially when the sun is shining. The Clonakilty Bike Scheme even shares advice on how to cycle safely on West Cork roads. Cycle out to Long Strand, which is only 20 minutes away from the town. Take in the breathtaking scenes and breathe in that fresh sea air.

3: Pints in Scannells

This gastropub is the heart of the town, known as the small pub with the big garden, you just have to visit Scannells for a quick pint and a bite to eat. You’ll struggle to leave the pub with the infectious atmosphere and assortment of live music, from jazz to trad, Scannells has something for everyone.

4: A bookworm’s paradise

The Children’s Project charity shop may just look like every other charity shop, but once you go upstairs you’ll be greeted by mountains and mountains of books. The second floor of the shop is a bookworm's idea of heaven. They have shelves full of best-sellers, horror tales, young adult novels, well-loved classics, popular chick-lit books more. You’ll go in for a quick browse and end up leaving the shop hours later with bags full of books.

Clonakilty is the perfect place to visit if you need to escape to the country, especially when the sun is shining!

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How would you feel about staying in Casa Amor, the infamous Spanish hideaway from reality show Love Island

It's the location where the most sh*t goes down in terms of heads getting turned, abandoning former partners and even cheating, but would you rent it?

It's now available to hire per week, but prices start at a whopping £5,503, rising to £8,630 pretty quickly. You can also buy the 'experience'  couples package for an extra £998 per night.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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You'd really want to be in love with someone to head to that special island, with prices like that. 

The Villa Retreats website shows off the abode online, but we only saw a small slice of the lavish home on TV it seems.

The iconic pad showcases a tree-lined entrance, four double bedrooms, shower rooms with free-standing baths and five bathrooms.

Some lovely greenery, a luxury swimming area, a cosy indoor fire-side lounge, a massive kitchen and some risque artwork are also featured in the stunning villa.

TheSun.co.uk reports that the outdoors section has plush hedgerows and busts of naked women (lol). The numerous unclothed artworks can be removed upon request, which we have to laugh at.

The website proudly refers to the Majorca Villa taking part in ITV’s Love Island, on their website.

The special Love Island Package, which offers guests experiences guaranteed to make you feel ready to head to the firepit and couple up.

Date night activities, a private chef and concierge,as well as a romantic bed filled with rose petals is included in the package.

Breakfast in bed and a variety of yoga, personal training or spa sessions cost extra, but we reckon it's worth it. The offer ends in December 2020, so whip out the cash ASAP.

Feature image: Villa Retreats/ITV

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Kourtney Kardashian was massively unimpressed with recent criticism of her work ethic and parenting priorities.

The reality star posted photos from her recent trip to Idaho with her family, but some of the public questioned the holiday time, citing her laziness as reasoning for the harsh comments.

One follower (@kimdashianwest) commented; "Kourtney this is why people say you don't work girl," to which she sassily replied; 

"We all have our priorities. So I'll be making memories with my kids and amazing people while living my life to the absolute fullest… travel diary coming soon."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Kourtney's fans immediately came to her defence, with one commenting; "You are true mother goals. Memories with kids should always be a priority. Never change!"

Another responded: "I love that you invest in memories with your kids, family and friends and make that a priority. Keep going and doing!"

The Kardashians are frequently targeted for their supposed lack of work ethic over the last few years, which Kourtney especially hates;

"Who says I am not a working mom? Because I most definitely am. Working moms can be dedicated, of course," she wrote to her followers.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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She added; "As women, we should be supporting each other for what allows us to be our best, not being so critical or judgmental of each other. We all do things our own way."

On episodes of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, mum-of-three Kourtney is often teased by sisters Kim and Khloe for not managing as many businesses as them.

Her latest lifestyle venture Poosh seems to be going from strength to strength with high-quality beauty collaborations and a massive social media following.

Feature image: Instagram/@kourtneykardash

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Many of us began the year on a health and fitness kick. I say 'us', I don't actually mean ourselves included. Most people are still couch potatoes and the passing of time won't do much to change that.

80 percent of people will have abandoned their New Year's resolutions by February, which is a pretty high statistic.

The only thing that could tempt us to change our deviant ways and embrace the health kick is…luxurious travel destinations. Luckily for you gals, we've discovered the best value deals for your health-focused trips.

fail neil patrick harris GIF by bubly

Travel Republic have helped us to bring wellness to the forefront of our priorities…by having a selection of INSANELY stunning destinations to lure us towards.

Health and rejuvenation are the goal, and now it's never been easier to take a relaxing post-January break which doesn't negatively impact your lifestyle choices.

Sounds good to us, so what are the winners?

1. Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa: Killarney, Co .Kerry

The Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa is unbelievably magical, and offers unparalleled luxury overlooking the world-famous lakes of Killarney.

The spa at Aghadoe is honestly an oasis of pure serenity; the 10,000 square foot Resort Spa has 11 treatment rooms, relaxation areas, couples suites and a THERMAL SUITE.

The hotel has a fully equipped gym, conservatory-style indoor pool and outdoor terrace and some stunning local hikes and walking trails to enjoy.

If it's good enough for Gary Barlow, it's good enough for us:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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2. RedLevel at Melia Palacio de Isora – Tenerife

This is next-level privacy chic, and it's adults ONLY. The RedLevel at Melia Palacio de Isadora is located beside the Tenerife sea, where the excellent service and facilities will give you a classy, unique stay.

The destination has the elite SPA by Clarins on offer, as well as a private pool surrounded by Bali beds and a Pool Concierge service for the infinity pool. They also boast the LARGEST saltwater hotel pool in Europe, at a 5,000m2.

If you need the perfect place for relaxed rejuvenation with the best food you can buy, total seclusion and dazzling sunshine, this one's a winner. Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and embrace the wellness, if you've got the cash, that is.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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3. 137 Pillars House: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Ah, our personal favourite. This destination is NEXT. LEVEL. GORGEOUSNESS.

If a far-flung and exotic setting is your biggest wish for the great escape, look no further than the beauty of Chiang Mai. The tropical Thai paradise is famed worldwide for it's calm and serene vibe, and private space.

Nestled in lush scenery, the hotel boasts a luxurious spa, yoga classes, tropical gardens, a drool-worthy pool, a gym….and Tai Chi. Wowza.

The hotel has a variety of wellness packages on offer to suit the needs of every traveller; it's the ideal health-driven retreat. There are also millions of elephant sanctuaries nestled in Chiang Mai which make the perfect tourist treat.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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 4. Taj Bentota Resort & Spa – Bentota, Sri Lanka

The Golden Mile of Bentota beach is something of a gem, nestled along the southwest coast of Sri Lanka.

The setting is totally unique, with the hotel overlooking the idyllic Indian Ocean and only 40 miles south of Colombo; Sri Lanka's capital.

The relaxing resort comprises 162 rooms with sea or garden views, vistas of the Indian Ocean of the lush vegetation of the tropical shrubbery around the building. They've got two tennis courts, a health club with a steam bath and sauna and a fully-equipped gym. Oh, and don't forget about the outdoor swimming pool, a poolside snack bar and games.

Asia's most exotic sanctuary is without a doubt a great decision for those wellness and health fanatics out there to enjoy:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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5. Hotel Palazzo Montemartini: Rome, Italy

JUST LOOK AT THE POOL.

The prestigious Palazzo Montemartini is a boujée five-star hotel in central Rome, within walking distance from Termini Station, Baths of Diocletian and Michaelangelo's church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Need we say more?

It's the ONLY hotel in Rome crossed by the Servian Walls, built way back in the sixth century BC. Wellness and holiday fans can find unique high-tech elegance in the location, with 82 rooms and suites and the ultra-exclusive Senses Restaurant & Lounge Bar

The exclusive SPA ExPure has pure unforgettable moments of relaxation. They've got massage and treatment rooms, colour therapy showers, heated swimming pools, saunas and Turkish baths. The dream.

We. Are. Drooling. It's the destination we want, but also the destination we NEED. 

There you have it, ladies and gents. The top five wellness and health destinations the world can offer, with opulent, lavish and sumptuous locations for y'all to visit.

You deserve this level of decadence, plus you'd achieve the most EXTRA of Instagram snaps.

Retreat to these magical destinations and never look back. Actually, screw that. Just don't ever leave? 

 abc season 12 jordan spa the bachelorette GIF

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The Wild Atlantic Way is one of Ireland's greatest treasures, and the latest Tourism Ireland video shows even more stunning views of the landscape.

The area has brought the world closer together, connecting the coastline of Ireland and bringing tourist visitors from all over the world. It also provides the perfect area for a holiday in our own green backyard.

Tourism Ireland's vide, 'Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way – Connecting the world for over 100 years', emphasises the history of the scenery, and how important it is for our connections further west.

Sir John Alcock and Sir Arthur Whitten-Brown flew from Newfoundland in Canada in 1919 in a two-man biplane and crash landed at Derrigimlagh Bog in Connemara.

That same year, Guglielmo Marconi sent the first transatlantic radio-telegraph from Ballybunion to Nova Scotia, cementing our ties with Canada forever.

In 1866, Lord Kelvin Thomson changed communication forever by sending the first transatlantic cable message from Valentia Island to Newfoundland. This reducing the time it took to send a message across the ocean from weeks to minutes.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Dr Brendan O’Regan opened the world’s first 'Duty-Free' shop in Shannon Airport in 1947, which led to hundreds of Free Zones worldwide,

Ireland is celebrating two 100-year anniversaries this year; the first transatlantic radio-telegraph and the first non-stop transatlantic flight.

A full re-enactment of the landing at this week's Alcock and Brown 100 Festival will honour both achievements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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One hundred years later, anyone can pick up the phone and communicate with friends and relatives all over the world or hop on a trans-Atlantic flight in hours.

It all began right here. The video serves to remind the Irish people and visitors from abroad that the Wild Atlantic Way makes an unbelievable Irish holiday.

Whether it's a short break, a cycling challenge or a trek around the entire country; there's no doubt that the landscape is hugely important for our culture.

Feature image: Instagram/@tourismireland

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