Category: featured-3

Experience the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation at the Anantara Spa at Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel.

With a commitment to providing bespoke treatments and a holistic approach to wellness, discover a sanctuary of tranquillity in the heart of Dublin’s vibrant Docklands. Open seven days a week, with flexible hours to accommodate busy schedules, Anantara Spa offers an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. A series of wellness journeys and unique experiences, including wild swimming and exclusive benefits, offers guests an unparalleled and holistic journey.

Featuring five elegantly appointed treatment rooms, a 23-metre infinity pool, and a thermal suite including jacuzzi, sauna and steam room infused with the soothing aroma of eucalyptus. Sophisticated yet minimalist interior design incorporates rich dark charcoal Kirkstone cladding and soft, deep grey tones, creating a sanctuary that feels worlds away from the commotion of daily life. Occasional bursts on vibrant colour enliven the atmosphere, offering an inviting contrast that inspires relaxation and facilitates a seamless escape from the stress of modern living.

Guests can also find serenity in a tranquil relaxation area to unwind post treatment. The fitness centre, equipped with Technogym machines, offers diverse workout options and personalised coaching sessions. Embracing Anantara’s Thai roots, the Sanskrit philosophy of ‘without end’ underscores the holistic wellness approach and bespoke spa treatments.

Treatments at Anantara Spa are infused with the spirit of ‘Nam Jai’, a core aspect of Thai culture that reflects sincere kindness and the act of helping others without expectation. This ethos permeates every aspect of the spa’s signature journeys, which are like ‘water from the heart’, designed to bestow profound relaxation and rejuvenation. Therapists create bespoke treatments to treat individual needs in harmony with two handpicked products; SEABODY, which unlocks the regenerative power of ocean algae sourced from the Irish Atlantic coastline and Elemental Herbology, an ethically-sourced line inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, centred around the five-element theory.

Paying tribute to the breath-taking landscapes of Ireland and a quintessential element of Irish culture, Anantara Spa guests are invited to embrace wild swimming as a form of exploration and therapy. Plunging into the natural waters, with its unbeatable mix of adrenaline and tranquillity, is a popular pastime in Ireland where numerous bathing spots can be found for swimmers of all abilities. For holidaymakers and business travellers curious to dip their toe into this thrilling world, Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel has curated a customisable Wild Swimming package to promote many benefits of this refreshing and invigorating activity.

The Marker Club:

A realm where exclusive access meets sublime indulgence. As a Marker Club member, each moment is tailored for pleasure – from private fitness sessions to exclusive experiences. Immerse in the Dublin community with quarterly social events and preferential access. A Marker Club membership is an invitation to a world were opulence meets authentic and personalised Irish hospitality.

For more information of The Marker Club, visit: www.anantara.com/en/the-marker-dublin/marker-club.

To book spa treatments or to contact the spa, call 01 687 5194 or email: spa.themarker@anantara-hotels.com.

The school community of Lurgan Model Primary School is celebrating after hearing the news that the Department of Education has approved their Development Proposal to transform to Integrated status. The school is one of 26 who have held positive parental ballots since 2019 and brings the number of Integrated schools in Northern Ireland to 72.

Lurgan Model Primary School is a well-established primary school, having educated children since 1863. The school building itself is listed as a building of great historical significance. When the school opened it was part of the ‘Model’ school system operating in Ireland at that time. As such, the school was established for all children, regardless of religion and was proudly non-denominational. This ethos was reaffirmed and strengthened when the school looked to start the process of Transformation to become an integrated school.

No school can become integrated without the consent of a majority of parents. Due to the evident parental demand in the Lurgan Model Primary School community, a democratic ballot was held in Summer 2022. The outcome of the ballot was that an overwhelming majority of 99% of the parents voted yes to the school submitting a Development Proposal to the Department of Education, including a Transformation Action Plan.

Almost two years after the parental ballot, Lurgan Model Primary School was delighted to get confirmation that the Development Proposal has been approved. The school continues to offer an excellent standard of education, as it has for over 160 years, educating around 180 pupils, who will now receive an Integrated Education.

Neil Campbell, Principal of Lurgan Model Primary School, said: “On Thursday 18th April 2024, we received written confirmation from the Department of Education that the Education Minister has approved our development proposal to transform to an integrated school from 1st September 2024.

“We are delighted at this news and thank the Education Minister for his decision. The Minister has ensured we can now plan for the beginning of the 2024/25 academic year with clarity and optimism, and we are grateful for his carefully considered approval.

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported our Transformation, especially our parents who voted overwhelmingly to formally begin this process in June 2022, the NI Council for Integrated Education (NICIE), the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) and the Education Authority’s Sectoral Support Team.

“Lurgan Model opened 161 years ago as an expressly non-denominated school for all children, regardless of religion. Our Transformation to controlled Integrated status reaffirms and strengthens our inclusive ethos as a school where all communities, cultures and backgrounds are welcomed and celebrated.

“Our little people who continue to cross our threshold every day will remain at the heart of all that we do. No matter the background they come from they will be cherished, valued and respected for who they are in an inclusive environment that nurtures empathy and understanding for everyone, in the hope of a better tomorrow.”

Tina Merron, Chief Executive of the IEF, said: “We congratulate the Board of Governors, staff and parents of Lurgan Model Primary School on their successful Transformation to integrated status. It has taken a lot of time, dedication and commitment from the entire school community to complete this process and become an integrated school. We look forward to welcoming Lurgan Model Primary School to the growing community of integrated schools across Northern Ireland.”

Roisin Marshall, Chief Executive Officer of NICIE, said: “Having worked alongside the Lurgan Model Primary School community, NICIE is thrilled that the Development Proposal to Transform to become an integrated school has been approved. We look forward to continuing to work with the school and supporting them on their Transformation journey.”

Almost every school in the country, apart from hospital and special schools, can apply to transform to Integrated status. The IEF and NICIE provide support and advice for parents, staff and Governors considering taking the first steps towards Integrated Education.

If you would like further information on Integrated Education and the process of Transformation, visit: ief.org.uk.

Over 40 organisations have now signed up to the Belfast Business Promise, embarking on their journey to become accredited and share good practice to help create a better, more inclusive city.

The initiative was launched yesterday, Thursday 11th April at Belfast City Hall, where participating organisations met to review progress made to date, and hear first-hand experience from Belfast Business Promise organisations including the Lighthouse charity; and Belfast Harbour and the Department for the Economy, who both celebrated achieving membership accreditation.

The Belfast Business Promise is designed to cultivate an ethos of responsible and inclusive business practices: fair pay, good jobs, and secure contracts. It also aims to create a community of businesses and organisations who want to hold themselves to high standards by adopting business practices which deliver added high value to society through employment, procurement and working in partnership with communities.

There are three membership tiers: Supporters, Members and Ambassadors.

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Ryan Murphy, explained: “The Belfast Business Promise is a key part of Belfast City Council’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable economic growth which is at the core of the Belfast Agenda, the city’s community plan. Organisationally, we’re well on our journey to achieve Member status and Ambassador status by autumn 2024.

“We know that there’s undeniable potential to deliver lasting positive social impact through a procurement policy which supports social enterprises, co-operatives and suppliers who have sound ethical practices.

“Belfast City Council became the first Real Living Wage council employer in February 2023. Our Social Value Procurement Policy also requires our contractors to pay the Real Living Wage to employees working on council contracts. We work with multiple contractors delivering major investment projects across the city, so this initiative will have a meaningful impact on Belfast’s workforce while so many navigate the cost-of-living crisis.

“We’ve made substantial progress, but so much more remains to be done. The Business Promise provides a strong platform for us to continue to work together, to deliver the city’s ambitions of becoming a truly inclusive and sustainable city.”

Department for the Economy Permanent Secretary, Ian Snowden, said: “The Belfast Business Promise aligns extremely well with the Economy Minister’s Economic Vision, which includes the goal of delivering good jobs for everyone. By focusing on issues like the Real Living Wage, ending the use of zero-hour contracts, flexible working arrangements and reducing exploitative employment arrangements, the Promise can help achieve that goal.

“The Minister’s Economic Vision also includes decarbonising the economy. Encouraging organisations to think about low or zero emissions technology, supporting the circular economy and creating climate action plans are just some of the areas where the Belfast Business Promise delivers forward thinking alignment with the Economic Vision.

“I would encourage businesses and other public sector bodies within the Belfast region to strongly consider this initiative.”

Jenni Barkley, Communications and Community Engagement Manager, Belfast Harbour, added: “We’ve found the Belfast Business Promise accreditation process very beneficial in giving us a roadmap and advice on how we as employers can support a more inclusive and sustainable Belfast.

“We’re committed to playing our part – and now we look forward to seeing many other businesses joining us so that together, we can help make Belfast a better place to live and work for all our citizens.”

Belfast City Council engaged with over 130 individuals and 30 businesses to co-design the Belfast Business Promise, which consists of eight key pledges. The pilot programme launched last April, working with 228 organisations to test and refine the model.

Key city partners Diversity Mark, Equality Commission NI, Labour Relations Agency, Social Enterprise NI and NOW Group provided specialist technical support and refined the accreditation process. Translink NI has recently joined and will help shape the approach to the core pledge to ‘Protect our environment’.

For more information and to register your interest, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/businesspromise

Killeavy Castle Estate has been named Sustainable Medium Business of the Year at the PwC Business Post Sustainable Business Awards 2024, which took place at the Intercontinental Hotel, Dublin on Thursday 21^st March.

The awards celebrate individuals and organisations across the island of Ireland that demonstrate leadership, innovation, investment and ingenuity in the areas of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG).

This award win is testament to Killeavy Castle Estate’s outstanding contributions to sustainability in the hospitality sector.

Nestled midst the slopes of Slieve Gullion, Killeavy Castle Estate has pioneered the integration of hospitality and sustainability across its 365-acre estate since its inception. The estate’s dedication to eco-friendly practices since it opened its doors in 2019 has consistently led the way in green tourism, illustrating its commitment to sustainable operations.

The estate’s sustainable achievements include a comprehensible zero-waste food programme, a strict no single-use plastic policy, and extensive recycling initiatives, as well as investing in sustainable energy solutions throughout the hotel. Furthermore, Killeavy Castle Estate has embarked on an ambitious €1.5 million landscape restoration project in the surrounding Slieve Gullion are, demonstrating a profound commitment to environmental preservation and is on track to achieve its ambitious goal of reaching carbon neutrality by the end of 2024.

Owners, Mick and Robin Boyle, have been instrumental in driving the estate’s sustainability ethos. Their passion for conserving the area’s natural beauty and biodiversity, combined with a sustainable approach to estate management, has ensured that sustainability is woven into the fabric of everything the estate undertakes.

Accepting the award, Matthew Hynds, General Manager of Killeavy Castle Estate, said: “We are immensely proud to receive this recognition for our efforts in sustainability. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team here at the estate, and the visionary leadership of Mick and Robin Boyle.

“At Killeavy Castle Estate, we believe that sustainability is not just an initiative but a way of life. We are committed to continuing our journey towards a greener future, inspiring others in the hospitality industry to follow suit.”

For more information about Killeavy Castle Estate, visit: www.killeavycastle.com

 

Last week, some of the volunteers from Bangor RNLI travelled to Westminster Abbey to attend a service in celebration of their 200^th anniversary.

The RNLI, the charity that Saves Lives at Sea, has been saving lives for just over 200 years. At the celebration, founder, Sir William Hilary, was remembered for having the vision for a lifeboat service around the UK and Ireland, with crews ready to risk their own lives to save others in peril, which the RNLI continue to fulfil.

They also commemorated the RNLI’s remarkable lifesaving history, the achievements, and the commitment of all those who have been involved with the charity over the past two centuries.

The service was conducted by The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle KVCO MBE, Dean of Westminster, and attended by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Kent, President of the RNLI. Also in attendance were Mark Dowie, Chief Executive, RNLI and Paddy McLoughlin, Trustee, RNLI.

During the service, the congregation of over 1,700 people gave thanks for the lifesaving work carried out since the charity was founded and those who have been lost were remembered along with those who were saved. One of the readings was a poem written and read by Eleanor Hooker, Helm, Lough Derg, RNLI entitled ‘Float to Live’. Martin Stephen, a survivor, read an extract from Sir William Hillary’s ‘Appeal to the Nation’.

For more information on the RNLI, visit: rnli.org.