Hotel: Sandhouse Hotel

Address: Rossnowlagh, County Donegal, Donegal, Ireland

Website: sandhouse-hotel.ie

TraveLife Ranking: Four Plus Stars

Rooms: 65

Room rates: $160+

Awards: Food and Wine magazine’s best “open fire retreat.” Hotel has won a number of other awards from Irish tourism groups.

Highlights: Here in County Donegal surfing rules the waves and the charming Sandhouse Hotel is headquarters for those who love to ride the choppy surf churned up in Donegal Bay. Ireland can actually thank a couple of forgetful Australians for its surfing legacy. The Aussies, who no doubt aroused suspicions when they arrived at the hotel some years ago with boards attached to their rental car, left them behind when they checked out. Members of the Britton family who run the hotel, thought the boards were boats and for years just sat on them, using their hands as paddles. Then, one day a couple of cool Californians arrived and taught the Britton boys how to stand on the boards. Voila! Ireland's surfing history found its sea legs. The Sandhouse Hotel even has a Web cam that scans the glorious beach outside the property every day and is monitored by surfers all over the world.

History: The Britton family has been welcoming guests at the Sandhouse for over 50 years. The charming manor house is steeped in history - both past and present. It started out as a fishing lodge back in the 1830s and grew into the sandcastle beauty it is today. The Sandhouse is often used these days for ministerial meetings between Ireland's North and Republic governments.

Interior highlights: The welcome you get upon arrival from staff is almost as warm as the peat fireplace burning in the antique-laden lobby. There's a number of cozy drawing rooms scattered about the Sandhouse that are warmed by turf fires. A recently added conservatory, offering a lovely panoramic view of Donegal Bay, tempts visitors to curl up with a good book.

In the next room: Was that Northern Ireland’s political upstart Gerry Adams we spotted walking the wallpapered halls at the Sandhouse? Okay, maybe not but this is a favorite spot for Irish political figures, soccer stars and champion surfers from around the world.

The rooms: The hotel's spacious guest rooms are brightly decorated and stuffed with all the amenities one would expect in a property of this quality. Many rooms look out on the sparkling Atlantic and the caramel-colored beach that stretches for as far as the eye can see.

Amenities: The property's Marine Spa is smaller than most North American venues but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in quality and service. The spa and the natural beauty that surrounds the classic property combine to make a visitor feel totally relaxed. The favorite sporting activity here is still golf and the hotel is in easy reach of some of the country’s best layouts - Royal Portrush, Royal County Down, Donegal, Ballyliffin, Portstewart, Castlerock and Ballcastle - just to name a few.

Restaurants: The Sandhouse's Seashell restaurant serves up the best in Irish and international cuisine and has won many fans and awards over the years. The menu is complemented by a wine list that is so extensive it could fill an ocean. For something a bit different, walk along the Sandhouse's marvelous beach and up a small cliff to the charming Smugglers Creek Inn, owned by Connor Britton. The small inn/bar/restaurant is a pleasant place to spend an evening, enjoying local fare and the locals’ company. The hotel’s cozy bar is decorated with surfer memorabilia – American guests have donated much of what’s hanging from the rafters, including a few old boards.

Shopping: This is a resort area and there’s not much to shop for except local souvenirs.

Close By Rossnowlagh is the ideal base for exploring Ireland’s beautiful and rugged northwest, including Glenveagh National Park, Slieve League, Donegal Castle and the famous Magee of Donegal tweed shop and factory. One of the truly spectacular drives one can take while staying at the Sandhouse is to the Cliffs at Teelin near Kilcar. The drive takes you through quaint fishing villages, like Killybegs, and past barren stretches of land that are awesome to see.

Tips: The Sandhouse is located 212 km from Dublin. It’s part of the Emerald Triangle group of properties that includes Glenlo Abbey in Galway and Rathsallagh House at Rathsallagh on the opposite coast. All three are treats to stay in. Make sure you visit Smuggler’s Creek Inn – it’s time well spent!