Fota Island Resort

Fota Island Resort is set on 780 acres of beautiful, lush land that includes the hotel’s three golf courses. It’s a gated community that announces itself with preened grounds, greenery, flowers, and an attractive waterfall in front of the main building. The atmosphere, as expected of a lodge, is a mix of warmth, country charm, and subdued elegance. The reception area is dominated by stone-tiled floors and exposed brick columns and walls. Floors are covered in patterned rugs, and the large spaces are punctuated with antique chandeliers and elegant furniture in tones of cream and gray. But there have been some reports of worn decor and maintenance issues throughout the hotel. Still, the property is working to rectify this; the lounge/bar area underwent renovations in 2015. The resort attracts mainly couples and families seeking a full-fledged getaway. 

Though the resort feels secluded and rural, it actually sits not far from a major highway and is only a 20- to 25-minute drive from both Cork and Cobh. The Fota Wildlife Park is nearby, and the hotel provides a free shuttle to and from the park and Fota House & Gardens, both about 20 minutes away. The Jameson Distillery is about a 15-minute drive away, while Blarney Castle is about a half-hour away. However, the fairly secluded location means that there’s nothing within walking distance, and it’s a five- to 10-minute drive to the nearest dining options. Fota train station is about a 20-minute drive from here, while the closest airport is in Cork, and takes just under 25 minutes to reach by car.

The resort's 131 rooms range from standard King or Deluxe rooms to luxury suites to four-bedroom houses. Rooms in the hotel have a simple, contemporary style with a purple and gray color palette, white linens, patterned carpets, and a few nature photography pieces hanging above the beds. These are modern rooms, without any pretensions of high design, though there have been reports of cleanliness issues and some wear and tear. By contrast, the suites have a more luxurious ambiance with cherry wood paneled walls, wooden, stone, and carpeted floors, brick fireplaces, and a mix of upholstered and velour couches and chairs. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, air-conditioning, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and often iPod dock alarm clocks; some rooms also have balconies with lovely views of the golf courses. The suites are outfitted with separate living rooms and minibars. Bathrooms are spacious, with stylish gray or limestone tiles, white porcelain sinks, toiletries, and separate walk-in rainfall showers and deep tubs.

There are a variety of self-catering lodgings available on the estate, which vary in size from two to four bedrooms. Fresh, contemporary decor is met with modern conveniences like multiple flat-screen TVs, fully-equipped kitchens, and free Wi-Fi. All bedding and towels are supplied, though extra towels cost a fee. Bathrooms have basic toiletries and either showers and tubs or shower/tub combos. Most units feature cozy details like fireplaces, balconies, DVD players, and coffee and tea facilities; some have washers and dryers. There have been a few complaints concerning maintenance issues in the lodges. 

Fota Island Resort is known for its three golf courses, which hosted the 2014 Irish Open. The golfing facilities also include a pro shop, a clubhouse that serves light meals and drinks, and a free Golf Academy that has practice turf, indoor chipping areas, and lessons. The hotel's wellness facilities include an indoor heated pool with adult-only hours as well as outdoor activities like tennis courts and soccer and rugby fields (used by teams like Manchester United). The fitness center is outfitted with diverse weight and cardio equipment, plus fitness classes (for adults and children) are offered for a fee. The spa provides the usual range of beauty treatments and massages, though it also offers things like Touch Therapy, a treatment specifically for cancer patients. Note that the spa’s hydrotherapy suite costs an extra fee to use.

Fota Restaurant serves three meals a day, with breakfast included in most room rates. Additionally, the Amber Lounge serves cold snacks, afternoon tea, and a selection of 75 whiskeys. On warm days, guests can enjoy a meal on the terrace. Guests should note that there have been reports of poor food quality as well as service.

The hotel tries to accommodate a diverse clientele. Business travelers can make use of the five fully-equipped meeting and event spaces (also used for weddings), plus the hotel’s business center, public computer, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers corporate activities like outdoor laser tag or archery. For children, there’s an indoor playroom, an outdoor playground, and a kids' club for all ages during the holidays and weekends (though it costs a fee). Parking is included in room rates, and a free shuttle service can take guests to Fota Wildlife Park and Fota House & Gardens