Located across the courtyard in an original stone building and with a contemporary interior of wood and natural stone, the Spa at Dunbrody will make guests feel cocooned and at ease from the moment they arrive. The treatment area is a luxurious haven complete with Asian styled serail steam and mud room, relaxation room with day beds and individually-styled treatment rooms...the treatments of choice are from Aromatherapy Associates in London.

Aromatherapy works on three main levels: through the sense of smell, through absorption and through absorption via skin

Smell

The sense of smell is the most primitive of all our senses and it is linked to some of the oldest and deepest parts of the brain. As we breathe in the aromas of the essential oils, it can trigger emotional and even physical responses and allow vivid memory recall of people or places.

When we breathe in aromatic molecules, they travel to the top of the nose where the molecules come in contact with specialized nerve cells called Olfactory cells. These cells have tiny hairs which recognize a specific aroma through the ‘lock and key’ process. This means each hair will only recognize a specific aroma. This process produces nerve impulses which travel to the limbic system, the part of the brain which is most concerned with survival, instincts and emotions.

It is thought by scientists that the activity of the nerve signal passing through this region causes mood change by altering brain chemistry.

Absorption

Another effective way that aromatherapy works is through the inhalation of the essential oils which then travels internally and absorbed. This is especially effective within the respiratory system as their antibacterial and antiviral properties make them ideal for maintaining a healthy respiratory system. This includes the sinuses, throat and chest and also to help relieve symptoms of infections and allergies. 

There are various ways to inhale the benefits of aromatherapy even when you're on the go. We recommend that you take some time out and indulge in the benefits of aromatherapy with one of our fabulous massages - forget your worries to enjoy a long moment to yourself.

One of the favourites at Dunbrody is the De-Stress Massage…A restless mind or aching muscles are soothed and supported with Aromatherapy Associates’ De-Stress collection. We’ll lavish your tired muscles with energizing and repairing blends of highly active essential oils for instant relief and refreshment.

Treat a busy mind to a moment of reflection with our focusing blend packed with the magical properties of Frankincense.