To mark the Thai New Year, also known as Songkran, the Lough Erne Resort hosted a special event where social media influencers and press from across Northern Ireland were invited to celebrate the occasion by experiencing a selection of ‘Thailand meets Ireland' offerings.
Songkran is a celebration that embraces goodwill, love, compassion, and thankfulness, using water as a means of expression. The word Songkran is derived from Sanskrit meaning to move or step forward.
The 'Step into Songkran' event took place at the five-star luxury resort on April 13, the official date of the Thai New Year.
The Thai Spa.
The Lough Erne Resort.
On arrival, the invited guests were greeted by Stephen Holland, Executive Head Chef at the Resort, who kickstarted the Songkran experience with a multi-sensory ‘Thailand meets Ireland’ Afternoon Tea. Sat in comfy leather armchairs in the drawing room, which was specially decorated for the occasion in rich, bold colours, guests enjoyed an enticing selection of freshly prepared delicacies, highlighting the fusion between Thailand and Ireland.
Thailand meets Ireland Afternoon Tea at the Lough Erne Resort.
Beautifully displayed on Belleek Pottery China cake stands, a bountiful selection of assorted savouries were on offer, including pork and chilli steamed dumplings with kimchi, duck rolls with plum sauce and Thai marinated prawns with lemon and lime, to name but a few. Sweet treats were also plentiful with Thai tea coffee sponge, passion fruit butter cream gateau and Thai chocolate banana cake proving to be favourites.
Of course it wouldn't be afternoon tea without the tea, but this special version also came with the option of adding a ‘Mai Thai’ cocktail, a carefully concocted alcoholic treat featuring Bacardi and symphony Armagh apple dark rum perfectly mixed with orange juice, lime juice and sugar syrup, topped off with refreshing lime and mint. The limited-edition afternoon tea is available now until Saturday, April 23.
After a nourishing afternoon tea experience, the next step was rejuvenation, as guests were invited to revive their mind, body, and spirit at the Lough Erne Resort’s traditional Thai Spa. After being adorned in flowers, guests were given the opportunity to unwind in the relaxing Sabi Sabi room, which offered blissful views over the lake.
The celebrations continued as one by one, each guest received a hand blessing ritual from one of the Thai therapists. This blessing is known as “Sawadee Pee Mai” which translates to “Happy New Year”.
A Buddha blessing ritual followed, which promised to bring the guests good luck for the year ahead.
A highlight of the day was the luxurious Thai Herbal Poultice massage. With the aim of relieving tension yet providing pure relaxation, the therapists focused on the back, shoulders, neck and head areas, giving a deep massage which left guests feeling renewed. A cup of jasmine tea and a little bowl of fruit awaited on return to the Sabi Sabi room.
Post-massage Jasmine tea and fruit bowl in the Sabbi Sabbi room at the Thai Spa.
Afterwards, there was an opportunity for guests to truly indulge themselves in the Thai Spa’s Thermal Suite and Infinity Pool or for those who preferred, there was a chance to spend some time embracing nature by exploring the Resort’s 600-acre grounds with a leisurely stroll.
The Infinity Pool at the Lough Erne Resort's Thai Spa.
Before returning home, invigorated and revitalised, guests were treated to a dish of incredible flavours, rooted in local produce from The Blaney Bar’s new menu.
From the creative mind of the Lough Erne Resort’s Culinary Director Noel McMeel, the new menu features an extensive selection of dishes boasting a vast range of flavours. A number of the guests chose the light yet fulfilling maple whiskey cured salmon flatbread whilst others opted for the wholesome daube beef steak, a slow cooked 12-hour Northern Irish stout beef steak accompanied by carrot and presented on top of creamy traditional colcannon.
The daube beef steak from the new menu at The Blaney Bar, Lough Erne Resort.
Dinner was rounded off with the ‘Lough Erne Lady’, a new refreshing cocktail best described as spring in a glass, featuring Boatyard Distillery Vodka and other local ingredients.
After a day dedicated to relaxation and nourishment, with Thai themed treatments and delectable food, guests took their first steps into the Thai New Year feeling rejuvenated, revitalised and ready for anything.
Invited guests including press and social media influencers from across Northern Ireland celebrating Songkran, Thai New Year at the Lough Erne Resort.
Visit the Lough Erne Resort at www.lougherneresort.com to find out how you too can enjoy its 'Thailand meets Ireland' experiences.
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