We all occasionally need an outlet for relaxation to remind ourselves that rest is just as important as work.
A simple bath day at home sometimes just won’t cut it anymore – that’s why a spa is a great place to completely surround ourselves in a calming environment.
In this article, we listed down some of the best spas in Galway to help get your rejuvenation plans started.
How much do spa services cost?
Spas can have many distinct treatments that each address different parts of the body. These can utilize unique and varying relaxation techniques as well.
Spas can also be partnered with certain brands for the products they use, so costs between these services can vary widely. Below are the estimated prices we gathered for different types of spa sessions and treatments.
Top Spas in Galway
We assessed the spas according to the following criteria:
1. ESPA at the g
| Price Range | ★★★☆☆(3/5) |
| Atmosphere and environment | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Spa services | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Assortment of treatments | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| Technology and products | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Customer feedback | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Professionalism | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Experience | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Located at the 5-star g Hotel, ESPA’s spa treatments and facilities surround customers with a luxurious experience. We were very impressed by the spa’s range of services which includes massages, hand and foot care, maternity options, and body treatments.
Each of these services also holistically considers the relaxation and mindfulness aspect of the experience. They incorporate breathing techniques and restorative products into the process.
Their atmosphere is also quite conducive to calmness, especially with world-renowned designer Philip Treacy lending his aesthetic and eye into the hotel’s design itself.
Facilities in this spa include a thermal suite, crystal suite room, rock sauna, cooling ice fountain and heated loungers. We like that these facilities are crafted with the treatments in mind such as ESPA’s advice to use their thermal suite before any massage session.
ESPA also offers multiple packages to choose from such as hotel stays and expert-developed spa products that clients can purchase. They have luxurious options that are perfect choices for those looking for the full getaway experience.
However, these luxurious treatments and facilities are pricier than other spas, so make sure to check their brochure in advance. They also charge fees for cancellation made within 12 and 24 hours of the booked sessions.
Pros
- Have multiple packages including hotel stays and spa products
- Complementary facilities including thermal suites and a rock sauna
- In depth spa treatments
- Relaxing and calming facility atmosphere
Cons
- Relatively more costly treatments
- 100% cancellation charge for cancellations within 12 hours
Customer Reviews
Lovely Experience
Just had a massage and facial with Orla – she was absolutely amazing, such a professional and great at her job. I fell asleep towards the end – always a good sign if embarrassing! I have had massages at a couple of nice Irish spas in the past and Orla was by far the best. Lovely experience. Feeling so relaxed! Thank you. – Grace McClintock
Great and Friendly Service
Wonderful detox treatment. 2 hours went by fast. Recommend this spa. Great service and friendly. Even if you don’t do a treatment, take an hour to relax in the vitality pool. -Lesley Ann-Werleigh
2. Piorra
| Price Range | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Atmosphere and environment | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Spa services | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Assortment of treatments | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| Technology and products | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Customer feedback | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Professionalism | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Experience | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
Piorra has options perfect for rejuvenation as well as skincare. It’s a great place as well for those looking for beauty services.
They divide their treatments into three main categories: Nurture, Restore, Enrich. With these three groupings, clients can select treatments that suit their skin’s needs.
In the Nurture category, customers can choose between options for different peels and facials.
These include a signature facelift peel, stem cell facial, acne lift peel, and illuminating facial. This is a great selection to target different problem areas and we also like that they have package options for a course of 4 or 6 peels.
Piorra also uses products from great brands such as Elemis, Dermalogica and Image.
On the other hand, their Restore category focuses on more technical processes such as microdermabrasion, micro-needling, and microblading. These processes utilize up-to-date technology and quality products.
We also appreciate that they have a mini facial offer targeted more towards teens and acne prone skin.
If you are someone who is looking for a day of pampering, their Enrich section is filled with beauty services from manicures, makeup, tints, to waxing. It separates them from normal spas that primarily focus on massages, treatments and relaxation.
However, we do find that their selection is limited in terms of body care and instead primarily focuses on facial treatments and skincare.
Pros
- Advanced technology to support treatments
- Offer course packages for return sessions
- Utilize top brand products
- Additional services include
Cons
- Close early on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays
- Less options for body care and treatments
Customer Reviews
Helped with My Skincare
2021 was the best skincare yet for me thanks to Áine and her great team. I now actually have a skincare routine and see it as my little bit of daily self-care. It all started back at the online facial we had with Áine a year ago. Thank you to all at Piorra. -Sarah Thornton
Best Massage I’ve Had
So pleased with this spa! This was the best massage I’ve had in Galway, and I’ve tried a lot of places over the last 8 years. The staff were incredibly professional and friendly. Lovely experience, thank you! Highly recommend. – Isabella Gresswell
3. Galway Thai Massage
| Price Range | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Atmosphere and environment | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Spa services | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| Assortment of treatments | ★★★☆☆(3/5) |
| Technology and products | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Customer feedback | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Professionalism | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Experience | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Clients can certainly be assured of Galway Thai Massage’s background and primary emphasis on delivering authentic techniques and practices.
They are located in Galway’s city center and have certainly earned the numerous praises they’ve received from customers.
What makes them such an excellent choice is their masseurs’ extensive qualifications in the practice. Their background includes attending medical schools and massage training in Thailand, with the three therapist’s years of experience adding up to 28.
Clients can be assured that they are in knowledgeable hands when it comes to this store. Many customers we’ve spoken to commend how skilled the staff are about the body and how it makes a big impact during the session itself.
Now, customers can choose from seven types of treatments, all of which integrate techniques from practices in Thai massage.
This includes a Thai Oil massage which is quite affordable at € 60 and is aimed to alleviate aches in the body. Their Thai foot massage uses reflexology which helps ease the muscles and encourage lymphatic drainage.
There is a great amount of depth for each of their treatments so whichever you choose you will find their techniques to be highly beneficial in relaxing the body.
Keep in mind, however, that if you are looking for a wider range of facilities or treatment options, you may feel slightly limited with the selection Galway Thai Massage presents.
Pros
- Relatively affordable prices
- Knowledgeable masseurs
- Great depth of techniques per treatment
- Customers can purchase vouchers as gifts
Cons
- Closed on Sundays
- More limited treatment options
Customer Reviews
Massage Therapists with Knowledgeable Background
As a massage therapist I always appreciate a massage from a person who knows what they are doing and listens to the body, if you appreciate a good deep tissue massage and a good spinal stretch all over then look no further. – Ian
Cannot Recommend Them Enough
Have been going here for massage since they opened. I cannot recommend them enough. So professional at what they do. I get the full body massage and it’s the best money you will ever spend. These girls work hard and they deserve to do well. – Evie
4. SALT Float and Recovery Suites
| Price Range | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Atmosphere and environment | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Spa services | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Assortment of treatments | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| Technology and products | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Customer feedback | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Professionalism | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Experience | ★★★★★(5/5) |
SALT’s focus is to accommodate customers with clean and calming experiences aimed at inducing recovery. They also set themselves apart with their different types of therapies and the facilities in which they are conducted.
Their float therapy is designed to help people unplug and improve the customers overall health benefits. They focus on sleep, clarity, stress relief, pain management and even pregnancy support.
We also greatly appreciate that their entire floatation therapy experience is well-thought out from start to finish. Customers are first briefed on how they can maximize their experience and during post-session, they are led to a relaxation suite and vanity area.
Their other available therapies are very thorough as well. Their contrast therapy places the client in a cold environment to help strengthen the nervous and immune system, speed up recovery and aid in fat burning.
On the other hand, they also have an infrared and dry Finnish sauna for inducing these benefits in hot conditions.
Whether you are a new or returning customer, what we also like is that SALT Float and Recovery suites offer bundle and membership options. New customers can enjoy three one-hour float sessions to explore the process.
On the other hand, returning customers can purchase memberships where they can enjoy discounts and free therapies of their choice. However, it would be advisable to check the establishment’s limitations for dyed hair and spray tans as these can damage their pods.
Pros
- Have float products available in their shop
- Provide a sauna option
- Float session process is very thorough
- Affordable prices
Cons
- Shorter operating hours during weekends
- Limitations for floating with dyed hair and spray tans
Customer Reviews
Better than Any Spa Day I Have Ever Been On
I had such a wonderful experience at Salt, Float & Recovery back in May 2022 – I was booked in on my birthday for the full experience: contrast therapy (cold plunge pool and Finnish sauna), compression therapy as well as the Floatation therapy and I left feeling like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. It was better than any spa day I have ever been on! The facilities were clean and modern and the customer service was incredible – such attention to detail! The experience is incredible and is something that I would be delighted to try again. – Claire Grady
Incredible Experience
A great place for recovery and relaxation. I went for the Finnish Sauna which was very relaxing and eased some sore muscles. I then did the Floatation which was an incredible experience and highly recommended! The staff at the centre were knowledgeable and explained everything very well. Looking forward to visiting again soon! – Tiernan McAlister
5. Apollo Health and Wellness
| Price Range | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Atmosphere and environment | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Spa services | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Assortment of treatments | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| Technology and products | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Customer feedback | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Professionalism | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Experience | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Initially offering float services, Apollo Health and Wellness has expanded to carrying recovery services that are a perfect fit for anyone looking to de-stress.
Their floatation pods are state-of-the-art and we also like that they allow customers to have control over features such as the light in the tank. A session usually lasts for an hour and it all happens in a private room equipped with a shower.
Another service we like is their cryotherapy which aims to help in detoxification, collagen production, pain relief and rehabilitation of injuries, to name a few.
Apollo Health and Wellness also has a hot tub and ice bath suite for more relaxing options. This facility can also be used for groups with a maximum of three people in the suite.
Numerous customers we’ve spoken to have praised the wellness center’s facilities and the staff’s helpfulness. The ambience of the glowing lights against the dark room really effectively calms individuals down during the therapy session.
The staff are also very helpful and welcoming, helping newcomers feel at ease with the processes of float and over forms of therapy. It is something that we greatly appreciate when the warmth of the staff matches the warmth of the ambience.
However, it is important to take note that their membership services, which is a good option for returning customers, has a three month commitment minimum. If you’re looking into these options, make sure to read their details online or contact the store itself.
Pros
- Helpful and welcoming staff
- Ambiance conducive to relaxation
- Well-equipped facilities
- Offers a wide variety of services from float therapy to cryotherapy
Cons
- Booking for float therapy limited to two floatation pods
- Membership service has a 3 month commitment minimum
Customer Reviews
Clean and Well-Equipped
Amazing experience using the flotation tanks! The 2 staff that were working that day were super nice and friendly and explained everything to us really well. The rooms were so clean and well equipped with everything you need for your visit. 100% would recommend to a friend. – Michelle McLoughlin
Felt Like a Little Private Spa
Had an amazing experience here, in what feels like a little private spa. I wasn’t sure if I’d stay in the pod for the whole hour but by the end of it I didn’t want to get out. Benny was a great host, giving me a tour of the place beforehand. Looking forward to going back and trying out the cryo chamber and saunas. – Ruben Morissey
FAQs about spa services
From relaxing massages to detoxifying treatments, we hope this list helped you in planning your next spa trip. If you would like to read more, we also have an article on the best acupuncturists in Galway.