Lost in Northern Ireland: Living in a bubble at Finn Lough Resort

*Know before you go*

Location: Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is actually part of the United Kingdom. The resort is about 2.5 hours North West of Dublin

Cost: A stay in one of the bubble domes starts at £245 and includes breakfast

Currency: Pound sterling

Travel Tip: If you’ve never driven on the left side of the road, try practicing for about 10 minutes in a parking lot before you make your way to your first destination. I recommend traveling with someone and if you are the passenger, be patient! As one local mentioned to me, it almost feels more terrifying being the passenger. Also, take your time! I served as the navigator and passenger while my partner drove and it was all about communication and patience. The roads in Ireland can sometimes be very narrow which can be a bit scary. With that said, it’s totally doable and worth it if you really want to explore the country.

The phrase ‘living in a bubble’ is how I would sometimes describe my adult life, especially in the winter months. For a few months of the year (ok maybe as much as a quarter of the year), I often take a break from society to hibernate and recharge my batteries. When I discovered the bubble domes at Finn Lough Resort, it was love at first site. Like the popular phrase ‘living in a bubble’, I could literally remain dormant inside while the beautiful fall scenery exposed itself to me (360 degrees), all in the comforts of my completely translucent bubble. Although the air was crisp and the leaves were wet and dewy, I was perfectly cozy in my little dome.

About 2.5 hours northeast of Dublin, in the middle of the county of Fermanagh, you will find Finn Lough Resort. Surrounded by rolling hills, grazing sheep, stone bridges and beautiful lakes, lies the perfect getaway that will bring zen and peace into your life. After a few busy days of traveling that were packed with activities, it was time to hit the pause button.

The Resort Aesthetic – Lobby, Library, Bar & Movie Theatre

The overall aesthetic of the public guest areas is very welcoming and beautifully decorated. While the resort has a very ‘outdoorsy’ vibe in general, there is definitely an upscale feel that is not at all overpowering or snooty. It’s rich yet cozy, modern yet homey, sleek yet smooth - all at the same time.

My favorite public spots were the library in the main building and the private theatre. Both felt very intimate and warm, and someday I will use this library as inspiration for my own home. I mean seriously, these leather chairs are EVERYTHING. In the theatre, a movie is played every night. The bar is conveniently located just outside the theatre therefore you can grab your favorite cocktail before you cozy up on one of the beautiful velvet chairs for a movie.

Restaurant

One of the highlights at the resort was the incredible food at the restaurant. I booked a dinner reservation in advance. The food here is fantastic. From where I sat, I observed the kitchen and it is obvious that they are passionate and dedicated to what they are doing. I opted for a scallop appetizer followed by a venison for my entrée, and the flavors were unreal. By far, this was the best meal during my time in Ireland. A complimentary breakfast is included with your stay, therefore I was able to experience breakfast the following morning. Breakfast was just as delicious.

Bubble Domes

The bubble domes were what first attracted me to this resort. The thought of staying in a completely translucent bubble where I could sleep under the stars was exciting for me and the experience surpassed my expectations. Because it was mid-October, it was damp and cool outside. Being able to cozy up in a warm, heated bubble while being exposed to nature was a pretty unique experience. The bubble has a very retro vibe with an old-school music box and retro furniture, mixed with the comfort of a four-post bed and plush white robes. The fridge was stocked with cold water and fresh macaroons.

A personalized welcome note on a chalkboard slate read: Welcome to Finn Lough, Luis. We hope you have a wonderful stay with us. Enjoy your night under the STARS.

I’m sold. I am so sold. I am in my element. This is what travel and adventure are all about.

At night, when it was time to go to sleep, I looked up at the sky. It was completely black and filled with stars. It felt like I was outside, but in a comfortable, warm bed. Complete bliss and serenity. Good night.

Activities

There are several activities to partake in at the resort and because we only spent a night, we went for a beautiful walk through one of the forest trails along the lake. Other activities include biking, fishing, watersports and the Spa (which I will speak about next, in its own category because believe me, it deserves it).

Elements Trail – Forest Spa Experience

Cost: £60 for residents, £80 for visitors

I’ve been to spas a handful of times in my life, but nothing compares to this unique experience. This isn’t a traditional spa with massages, manicures, facials etc. This is an experience that really plays on all of your senses and pulls at the strings of your entire being.

The experience consists of a 2-hour trail where you visit 5 different spots (all within a short proximity of each other) for about 20 minutes each. The great thing about it is that nobody else is there while you are experiencing it all. I experienced this with my partner and it was just the two of us the entire time.

First, you start with a very brief rundown of the experience by one of the spa managers (who was so nice and calming, I should add). You then go into a private change room where you undress and put on the most beautiful, comfortable robes.

Stop #1: The Float Shed – This warm bath in a small intimate shed is filled with Epsom salts, and due to the high salt content, your body floats. For 20 minutes, you let your body float calmly. You can feel the tensions of your body (that are normally bound to gravity) letting go. It’s a very soothing experience.

Stop #2: Lake Sauna – The lake Sauna is located right next to the lake and if you are brave enough, you can take a plunge into the lake in between sauna sessions. It’s a very refreshing feeling and I can now say that I took a plunge in a lake in Northern Ireland in October. The sauna has a large window overlooking the lake which is quite serene.

Stop #3: Herbal Sauna – The herbal Sauna is similar to the lake sauna, only this time the sauna is infused with herbs collected from the area such as Heather, Rosemary and Birch. It awakens your sense of smell. In between, you can cool off with an outdoor shower in the middle of the woods.

Cooling off with the outdoor shower in between saunas

Stop #4: Hot Tub – Of course hot tubs are always a great idea, especially when it’s cool outside. Add a lake side view, and it’s pure relaxation.

Stop #5: Relaxation Room – After the spa experience, you head to the relaxation room, which is modern and beautifully decorated. You can smell the cedar wood burning and hear the nice crackle of the fire while being surrounded by forest. Here, you can indulge in the most delicious Freebird tea, mixed nuts, dried fruits and spa water. There are also books and magazines to enjoy. It’s the perfect way to finish an amazing spa experience and the perfect way to slowly bring yourself back to reality.

Some light reading in the relaxation room

Mixed nuts and dried fruits to nourish the body

Overall, my experience at Finn Lough Resort was incredible and relaxing. The resort is very well thought out. From the details in the different public areas, to the delicious food, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to really disconnect.