On first entering The Twelve, I fell in love - and I was still only in the lift, writes Collette Devlin. The padded leather interior and the bright pink and black floral carpet helped me float up to my floor, where the corridors were adorned with large black and white floral patterns. Stepping inside my suite, I felt like I had been transported from the small village of Bearna to any cosmopolitan European city. My world morphed into plush decor resplendent with silk, wool, velvets, linens and cotton swathe. Specially-designed bespoke furniture and handcrafted pieces by local artists sit side-by-side with all the high-tech essentials for work and play; CD/DVD player, wall-mounted LCD TVs that rotate (both in the living area and in the bedroom) and a futuristic clock radio. The furniture and fittings throughout the suite are perfectly chosen - simple and functional. Understated luxury blends in seamlessly in with the overall classy concept of the suite. A plush bed is decorated with a simple throw and some scatter cushions that match the floral drapes and blend perfectly with the walls and the soft textured headboard. The fabulous living area boasts a luscious velvet couch in chocolate and turquoise, offset by a stunning mauve wall and wooden floor, and exquisite larger-than-life lamps. The atmospheric coloured lighting in the bathroom created the perfect ambience to soak in my seaweed bath, only one of the treats that the hotel offer in their in room spa treatments. Dining is an absolute treat, with a main menu that makes the most of all the fresh local Galway produce; succulent local meats, fresh fish and organic vegetables. Each course I had was accompanied with a wine from The Twelve’s vast collection of wines and champagnes. The Twelve is a welldeserved winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2008. This hotel is for anyone who enjoys culture, fun, comforts and exceptional culinary experiences. The interior of this boutique hotel is inspirational, a taste of decadent decor at its best, combining unadulterated luxury, state-of-the-art technology and supreme comfort. Only ten minutes from Galway city, this is the ideal location for the perfect getaway. Visit www.thetwelvehotel.com or call 091 597000

Published: 04 December 2008