1 00:00:00,440 --> 00:00:02,519 (Francis Brennan) This week, we're on a mission to help two sisters 2 00:00:02,559 --> 00:00:04,519 in Glengarriff, County Cork, with... 3 00:00:04,599 --> 00:00:07,080 how do you put it nicely? Notions. 4 00:00:07,160 --> 00:00:09,360 We joke and say, like, we're like the Brennan brothers. 5 00:00:09,440 --> 00:00:11,720 Aiveen's the Francis and I'm the John. 6 00:00:11,800 --> 00:00:14,440 (John Brennan) Of course, if that were true, we wouldn't be here. 7 00:00:14,519 --> 00:00:17,279 That is outrageously overstated. 8 00:00:17,360 --> 00:00:20,120 (masonry falling) They certainly don't lack passion, 9 00:00:20,160 --> 00:00:22,559 but they do lack almost everything else. 10 00:00:22,639 --> 00:00:27,599 Neither of you have any experience in either hospitality and/or spa. 11 00:00:27,639 --> 00:00:30,919 (clatter) In short, they're pure amateurs. 12 00:00:31,000 --> 00:00:32,239 You're in business. 13 00:00:32,319 --> 00:00:34,400 (laughs) Really? That's the only thing you're doing wrong. 14 00:00:34,480 --> 00:00:37,160 Their dream is to turn this unused leisure complex 15 00:00:37,199 --> 00:00:40,160 into a fully functioning wellness centre and spa. 16 00:00:40,239 --> 00:00:43,480 I would feel deeply, it is a commercial disaster. 17 00:00:43,559 --> 00:00:48,040 It's called Jewel Lodge, but where they see a gem of an idea, 18 00:00:48,120 --> 00:00:50,040 we see a financial sinkhole. 19 00:00:50,120 --> 00:00:53,319 The Brennans have come along and upscuttled everything. 20 00:00:53,360 --> 00:00:55,080 ♪ (theme music) 21 00:00:57,040 --> 00:00:58,160 (ding) 22 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:03,199 Younger sister, Keelin, is a qualified meditation coach, 23 00:01:03,279 --> 00:01:06,199 but she's much more used to adding up than chilling out. 24 00:01:06,279 --> 00:01:08,080 Take a deep breath in through your nose. 25 00:01:08,160 --> 00:01:12,080 I know I've worked in finance for the last, well, most of my career, 26 00:01:12,160 --> 00:01:14,480 but opening something like a wellness centre 27 00:01:14,519 --> 00:01:19,000 has been a dream of mine, probably for 20 or 30 years. 28 00:01:19,120 --> 00:01:21,360 Aiveen owns and runs a preschool 29 00:01:21,400 --> 00:01:24,239 which has been her lifeline for the last 14 years. 30 00:01:26,680 --> 00:01:29,800 In 2010, my husband was diagnosed with leukaemia 31 00:01:29,839 --> 00:01:32,680 and was dead within 10 weeks. 32 00:01:32,760 --> 00:01:35,599 And I was left with three children. 33 00:01:36,680 --> 00:01:39,040 It was very, very tough. 34 00:01:39,120 --> 00:01:42,959 And I think what kept me going was having a project. 35 00:01:43,040 --> 00:01:45,480 I had just started my Montessori school. 36 00:01:45,559 --> 00:01:47,760 That business kept me sane because 37 00:01:47,800 --> 00:01:50,680 it stopped me thinking of how tragic this was, 38 00:01:50,720 --> 00:01:53,000 and where I was left. 39 00:01:53,080 --> 00:01:56,559 So I suppose I'm looking at the Jewel Lodge as being 40 00:01:56,639 --> 00:02:00,839 my next project, my next adventure. (ding) 41 00:02:00,879 --> 00:02:03,800 And when you're ready, you can open your eyes. 42 00:02:05,360 --> 00:02:08,519 John and I are also in for a bit of an eye opener. 43 00:02:08,599 --> 00:02:10,160 Look at that view. Yes. 44 00:02:10,239 --> 00:02:11,959 It's fantastic. Spectacular. 45 00:02:13,599 --> 00:02:15,559 But it's actually quite a good location 46 00:02:15,599 --> 00:02:17,400 'cause it's not too far from Cork. 47 00:02:18,400 --> 00:02:20,040 Yeah, no, it has a good catchment area. Yeah. 48 00:02:20,120 --> 00:02:22,839 If you came for a weekend and did the retreat, or... 49 00:02:22,879 --> 00:02:26,319 you know, a day or night or two, sure, it's absolutely gorgeous. 50 00:02:30,440 --> 00:02:32,680 It's a nice building. 51 00:02:32,760 --> 00:02:35,319 Yeah, nice houses in here, too. Yeah. 52 00:02:35,400 --> 00:02:37,400 Anyway, it'll be interesting. 53 00:02:37,440 --> 00:02:38,800 John. 54 00:02:38,879 --> 00:02:40,160 Lovely to meet you, John. I'm Aiveen. 55 00:02:40,239 --> 00:02:41,519 Aiveen, nice to meet you, now, indeed. How are ya? 56 00:02:41,559 --> 00:02:43,279 Francis. Nice to be here. I'm Keelin. 57 00:02:43,360 --> 00:02:45,040 Lovely to be here in a sunny morning. I know! 58 00:02:45,120 --> 00:02:47,160 It's gorgeous, yeah, we planned it that way for you. Great! 59 00:02:47,239 --> 00:02:49,519 You're marvellous. Tell me now, can we have a look around? 60 00:02:49,559 --> 00:02:51,879 If I have a look at the spa facilities, if that's okay? Yeah! 61 00:02:51,919 --> 00:02:53,440 And I can look at accommodation with yourself, Aiveen. Perfect. 62 00:02:55,599 --> 00:02:57,639 The sisters are about to sink all their savings 63 00:02:57,680 --> 00:02:59,680 into a 16-year-old leisure centre 64 00:02:59,760 --> 00:03:02,199 in the holiday village where Aiveen has a home. 65 00:03:02,760 --> 00:03:06,279 What you're looking at here is a genuine white elephant. 66 00:03:06,360 --> 00:03:08,680 Originally owned by a local consortium, 67 00:03:08,720 --> 00:03:10,319 it has never been opened. 68 00:03:13,319 --> 00:03:17,720 It has a 10-metre pool, a large solarium or sun room, 69 00:03:17,800 --> 00:03:21,720 along with a reception area, and his and hers changing rooms. 70 00:03:21,800 --> 00:03:24,519 Upstairs, there's a large room overlooking the pool 71 00:03:24,559 --> 00:03:26,919 that was originally meant to be a gym, 72 00:03:26,959 --> 00:03:31,360 and offices that have only ever been used to store junk. 73 00:03:31,440 --> 00:03:34,720 However, outside, there's a garden with a river running through it, 74 00:03:34,760 --> 00:03:38,279 the ideal centrepiece for a wellness centre, you'd think. 75 00:03:38,360 --> 00:03:42,639 But no, the sisters plan to build their dream around this. 76 00:03:42,720 --> 00:03:45,319 The dream really is people can come, 77 00:03:45,360 --> 00:03:47,800 enjoy the amenities of the area, 78 00:03:47,879 --> 00:03:50,400 have a beautiful, relaxing pool and spa. 79 00:03:50,480 --> 00:03:52,639 You can sit in the sauna, you can sit in the pool, 80 00:03:52,680 --> 00:03:55,160 you can just completely relax. 81 00:03:55,239 --> 00:03:57,879 So this is the pool area. 82 00:03:58,080 --> 00:03:59,559 Has this ever been filled with water? No, 83 00:03:59,599 --> 00:04:04,639 it's literally built in as it is for the last 16 years. 84 00:04:04,720 --> 00:04:07,239 I've built five pools in my life, okay? Right, yeah. 85 00:04:07,279 --> 00:04:10,400 The first pool I built was like a kidney-shaped pool, 86 00:04:10,480 --> 00:04:11,959 and it looked fabulous on plan. 87 00:04:12,040 --> 00:04:14,080 Two weeks after we opened, it was a disaster. 88 00:04:14,120 --> 00:04:15,879 Right. Because people want to swim. Okay. 89 00:04:15,919 --> 00:04:18,080 This is difficult from that point of view. 90 00:04:18,160 --> 00:04:20,160 It's neither a dipping pool 'cause it's too big, 91 00:04:20,199 --> 00:04:22,160 it's not good enough to swim in... Yeah. 92 00:04:22,239 --> 00:04:26,199 And it's too expensive to run and too big for what that type 93 00:04:26,279 --> 00:04:27,480 of client is looking for. 94 00:04:28,319 --> 00:04:31,040 I think the sisters are in way over their heads here. 95 00:04:31,120 --> 00:04:35,120 Lest we forget, every boom ends with a bust. 96 00:04:35,199 --> 00:04:37,800 You know, this is a classic example of a build 97 00:04:37,839 --> 00:04:40,040 in the Celtic Tiger years, about 15 years ago, 98 00:04:40,080 --> 00:04:42,760 where the only thing mattered was the tax incentive. 99 00:04:42,800 --> 00:04:45,279 Nothing else. The practicality of this building 100 00:04:45,319 --> 00:04:46,319 is for the birds. 101 00:04:46,360 --> 00:04:47,440 There's so much wrong, 102 00:04:47,519 --> 00:04:50,440 and opening it as a swimming pool would cost so much money. 103 00:04:50,519 --> 00:04:53,919 It's not viable whatsoever. 104 00:04:54,639 --> 00:04:57,959 Upstairs, Keelin and Aiveen plan to convert the free space 105 00:04:58,000 --> 00:05:00,279 into three two-bedroomed apartments. 106 00:05:00,319 --> 00:05:02,040 This, I have to see. 107 00:05:02,120 --> 00:05:04,879 So originally, this was going to be the gym 108 00:05:04,919 --> 00:05:06,279 of the whole complex. Oh, right. 109 00:05:06,360 --> 00:05:08,000 But we got planning permission to convert it 110 00:05:08,040 --> 00:05:09,440 into a two-bedroom apartment. Right. 111 00:05:09,519 --> 00:05:12,040 So we're gonna move this wall. This wall here? 112 00:05:12,120 --> 00:05:13,879 Yeah. Back to... In here? 113 00:05:13,959 --> 00:05:15,440 Yeah, to the second window. Yeah. 114 00:05:15,519 --> 00:05:18,879 And make the space then, like, two nice big bedrooms instead. 115 00:05:18,959 --> 00:05:20,800 So this will be just a kitchen area, 116 00:05:20,839 --> 00:05:24,400 with a balcony and then a smaller living area. 117 00:05:24,480 --> 00:05:26,559 And what's going on here now with this window? 118 00:05:26,599 --> 00:05:27,639 Oh, this looks down on the pool. 119 00:05:27,680 --> 00:05:29,720 Yeah, so that was the original plan with the gym, 120 00:05:29,760 --> 00:05:31,040 I suppose because you'd have people on their bikes 121 00:05:31,080 --> 00:05:32,519 overlooking the pool. Oh, yes. 122 00:05:32,599 --> 00:05:34,519 So this is just going to be all blocked up. Blocked up, yeah. 123 00:05:36,000 --> 00:05:38,959 This room is what we call the solarium. 124 00:05:39,040 --> 00:05:41,800 Okay. It will be, em, for meeting rooms, 125 00:05:41,839 --> 00:05:43,599 if we have a kind of a big group of people... Yes. 126 00:05:43,639 --> 00:05:45,279 If Keelin is doing her meditation, 127 00:05:45,360 --> 00:05:47,959 it'll be in this room. A multifunctional facility. Yeah. 128 00:05:48,000 --> 00:05:50,080 Yeah. Now, I'm more excited about here 129 00:05:50,120 --> 00:05:51,879 than I am about the hole on the ground next door. (Aiveen laughs) 130 00:05:51,919 --> 00:05:53,639 Okay? This has nice potential 131 00:05:53,680 --> 00:05:55,760 and, yeah, I can see things happening here Alright. 132 00:05:55,839 --> 00:05:57,440 It's a nice feel to this room here. 133 00:05:57,519 --> 00:06:00,760 Yeah. There's lovely height, really nice natural light. Yeah. 134 00:06:00,839 --> 00:06:02,360 What do ye own outside? 135 00:06:02,440 --> 00:06:06,040 Over to one half of the river, and this area here. 136 00:06:06,120 --> 00:06:08,080 Outside there you have as well? Yeah. 137 00:06:08,160 --> 00:06:10,800 And this is just the day door then for people to come in 138 00:06:10,879 --> 00:06:12,040 without going through the main house? 139 00:06:12,120 --> 00:06:13,120 Yeah. 140 00:06:15,239 --> 00:06:18,040 Right. On to apartment number two. 141 00:06:18,120 --> 00:06:19,959 So this is an open-planned kitchen-cum- living room 142 00:06:20,000 --> 00:06:21,519 that we're going to... Very large. Yeah. 143 00:06:21,599 --> 00:06:23,720 So we're going to make it... just leave this as the kitchen area, 144 00:06:23,760 --> 00:06:26,480 and this is going to be a nicer, bigger bedroom. Bedroom. 145 00:06:30,559 --> 00:06:33,160 There's a lot of ideas and a lot of potential here, 146 00:06:33,239 --> 00:06:34,879 but it's all very unfocused, 147 00:06:34,919 --> 00:06:38,599 or rather, focused on the wrong thing. 148 00:06:38,680 --> 00:06:40,559 You know, the big issue here is the pool, 149 00:06:40,599 --> 00:06:43,080 and they're totally fixated on the pool. 150 00:06:43,160 --> 00:06:44,680 And I think they're blinded by that, 151 00:06:44,720 --> 00:06:46,559 and they don't see what else they have. 152 00:06:46,639 --> 00:06:48,239 So I think we need to flip it on its head, 153 00:06:48,279 --> 00:06:50,680 give them a product that stands on its own two feet, 154 00:06:50,720 --> 00:06:53,279 that's unique, that gives them everything they want, 155 00:06:53,360 --> 00:06:56,839 but without the cost headaches that that pit has in there. Yeah. 156 00:06:56,919 --> 00:07:00,120 They have a lot going for them, but a lot to do as well. 157 00:07:00,199 --> 00:07:01,279 Come on, we'll talk to them. 158 00:07:06,919 --> 00:07:11,040 Now, it's a very brave concept what you're planning on doing. 159 00:07:11,120 --> 00:07:12,239 Okay. And I'll compliment you for that, 160 00:07:12,279 --> 00:07:13,919 but I think we'll have to tweak it 161 00:07:14,000 --> 00:07:16,440 here and there to make it a success. 162 00:07:16,519 --> 00:07:21,319 Neither of you have any experience in either hospitality and/or spa. 163 00:07:21,400 --> 00:07:23,279 I am correct, am I? You are, yeah. 164 00:07:23,360 --> 00:07:25,160 And they are two separate areas 165 00:07:25,199 --> 00:07:28,839 requiring quite a lot of thought and attention. 166 00:07:28,919 --> 00:07:30,000 Yeah. 167 00:07:31,199 --> 00:07:34,360 It may be a commercial disaster, and I would feel deeply, 168 00:07:34,400 --> 00:07:35,919 it is a commercial disaster. 169 00:07:39,000 --> 00:07:40,440 Because what you have here 170 00:07:40,480 --> 00:07:43,360 is a recipe to lose money hand over fist, 171 00:07:43,440 --> 00:07:45,599 because the cost of running the property 172 00:07:45,639 --> 00:07:48,680 versus the likelihood of the money you're going to get in, 173 00:07:48,720 --> 00:07:50,239 it just doesn't add up. 174 00:07:54,279 --> 00:07:55,919 You have nothing unique. 175 00:07:56,000 --> 00:07:57,919 Yeah. There's nothing special about it. 176 00:07:59,800 --> 00:08:04,040 Doing this is a horrendously difficult product to sell because 177 00:08:04,120 --> 00:08:06,480 it's neither fish nor fowl. 178 00:08:06,559 --> 00:08:09,839 That pool is not going to generate one Euro for you in rooms 179 00:08:09,879 --> 00:08:12,080 because every second hotel in the country 180 00:08:12,120 --> 00:08:13,599 has a pool ten times better than that. Yeah. 181 00:08:13,680 --> 00:08:17,000 So why would you be coming here to rent a room based on that pool? 182 00:08:17,040 --> 00:08:20,400 Yeah. Technically, you'll have disappointed guests starting out, 183 00:08:20,480 --> 00:08:21,839 which is the worst thing you can ever have, 184 00:08:21,879 --> 00:08:23,279 'cause then they'll find the bulb gone 185 00:08:23,360 --> 00:08:25,360 and the door didn't open and the window was cracked. 186 00:08:25,440 --> 00:08:27,160 It's a huge cost to run that poo 187 00:08:27,199 --> 00:08:28,959 to keep it to the temperature as you would need to keep it to 188 00:08:29,000 --> 00:08:30,680 for people to use it. Yeah. 189 00:08:30,760 --> 00:08:32,000 And you never know when they're going to use it, 190 00:08:32,040 --> 00:08:33,160 so you have to keep it going the whole time. It has to be going 191 00:08:33,199 --> 00:08:34,599 all the time. 192 00:08:34,639 --> 00:08:36,959 That pool still has to be turned on every day 193 00:08:37,000 --> 00:08:38,319 to get it through the pumps. 194 00:08:38,400 --> 00:08:39,760 That is a heap of work. 195 00:08:39,800 --> 00:08:41,360 Yeah. 196 00:08:41,440 --> 00:08:45,120 So I would suggest that you fill in that hole in the ground behind you 197 00:08:45,199 --> 00:08:46,360 which you call a swimming pool, 198 00:08:46,400 --> 00:08:48,559 'cause it is nothing but a money pit. 199 00:08:48,639 --> 00:08:50,040 Okay, it's not a swimming pool. 200 00:08:54,879 --> 00:08:57,919 So I would fill it in and I would turn that into your meeting room, 201 00:08:58,000 --> 00:08:59,959 which is a beautiful space with lovely windows, 202 00:09:00,000 --> 00:09:01,559 and you can have your retreats 203 00:09:01,639 --> 00:09:03,160 and everything in that space in there. 204 00:09:03,239 --> 00:09:04,680 Alright? 205 00:09:05,480 --> 00:09:07,319 So we have another little plan in our minds 206 00:09:07,360 --> 00:09:09,440 that will give you an awful lot less work 207 00:09:09,480 --> 00:09:11,599 and an awful lot more money as a result. 208 00:09:11,680 --> 00:09:14,400 So, this room here becomes your wellness area. 209 00:09:14,480 --> 00:09:17,440 You have a fantastic natural facility 210 00:09:17,480 --> 00:09:20,000 out your window here in the river. (water trickling) 211 00:09:20,040 --> 00:09:21,839 Have a relaxation room here, 212 00:09:21,879 --> 00:09:25,279 and make this area out here a total wellness retreat. 213 00:09:25,360 --> 00:09:26,919 Have your hot tub out here, 214 00:09:26,959 --> 00:09:30,720 and I would put a horse box sauna here beside us, 215 00:09:30,760 --> 00:09:34,120 and you can sell this locally on a day pass. 216 00:09:34,199 --> 00:09:36,239 You're not always looking for people to stay. 217 00:09:36,279 --> 00:09:39,199 Because your hinterland here is full of a lot of people 218 00:09:39,239 --> 00:09:41,239 who come here for holidays during the summer, 219 00:09:41,319 --> 00:09:44,959 and they would be delighted to pay a fee and come here for the day. 220 00:09:45,040 --> 00:09:48,120 Much cheaper for you to run, much easier for you to run, 221 00:09:48,160 --> 00:09:51,199 but a much, much better experience for the guests who's coming, 222 00:09:51,239 --> 00:09:53,680 'cause you can even hear, now, the river flowing outside, 223 00:09:53,760 --> 00:09:55,120 it's just glorious. 224 00:09:55,160 --> 00:09:58,000 (water flowing) 225 00:09:58,080 --> 00:10:00,919 This exposes you very little financially, 226 00:10:00,959 --> 00:10:04,120 and gives you a huge opportunity to reap a bigger reward 227 00:10:04,160 --> 00:10:07,720 than what you'd be going into with that pit behind you there. 228 00:10:07,800 --> 00:10:09,519 So your thoughts tell us. 229 00:10:09,599 --> 00:10:11,239 I love it. I'll close the mouth now. 230 00:10:11,319 --> 00:10:13,919 Yeah! (laughter) We have two loves, have we? 231 00:10:13,959 --> 00:10:16,239 I love it. I'm really excited about it. I'm very excited. 232 00:10:16,319 --> 00:10:18,680 Really, lads, I wasn't expecting that at all. 233 00:10:18,760 --> 00:10:21,440 And you're not disappointed that the pool has gone to that extent? 234 00:10:21,519 --> 00:10:24,000 No, I thought... somebody, you were gonna say 235 00:10:24,040 --> 00:10:27,319 "Alright, give up on the pool, but give up on the spa as well." 236 00:10:27,400 --> 00:10:31,519 I love the idea of using this room as the spa. 237 00:10:31,559 --> 00:10:33,959 I just... I think I kinda defaulted to that area 238 00:10:34,000 --> 00:10:35,639 'cause the pool is there. 'Cause the pool was there. Yes. 239 00:10:35,680 --> 00:10:37,559 I love the idea of what you're saying. 240 00:10:37,639 --> 00:10:39,199 So it's actually two businesses. 241 00:10:39,279 --> 00:10:40,800 Yeah. You have your accommodation... Yeah. 242 00:10:40,839 --> 00:10:43,639 And you have a totally stand-alone different business platform 243 00:10:43,680 --> 00:10:45,080 for your wellness area. 244 00:10:45,160 --> 00:10:48,440 But it's hugely, hugely attractive to a much bigger audience, 245 00:10:48,480 --> 00:10:50,360 which is your residents living locally. 246 00:10:50,440 --> 00:10:52,959 Yeah. Do we need to do anything in the meantime? 247 00:10:53,040 --> 00:10:54,879 I'd say you do. Yes. Yeah? 248 00:10:54,959 --> 00:10:57,480 We've got to look at a box sauna, we've got to look at a hot tub... 249 00:10:57,559 --> 00:11:00,120 Yeah. We've got to price them up and then do a little 250 00:11:00,160 --> 00:11:01,599 architectural plan for out there. 251 00:11:01,680 --> 00:11:04,040 And you know, if you both have a shovel, 252 00:11:04,080 --> 00:11:06,559 you'll be well able to fill that pool in a week. (Aiveen laughs) 253 00:11:06,639 --> 00:11:09,519 I'd say it'll be done by Sunday. 254 00:11:09,599 --> 00:11:11,160 We'll finish on that. Thanks. 255 00:11:12,160 --> 00:11:14,199 I'm delighted the sisters are taking our advice 256 00:11:14,239 --> 00:11:16,279 because that pool would just sink them. 257 00:11:17,519 --> 00:11:20,400 Losing it will create space for a room for retreats, 258 00:11:20,440 --> 00:11:24,040 leaving the sun room as a relaxation and wellness area. 259 00:11:24,080 --> 00:11:26,839 (water flowing) But the real game changer 260 00:11:26,879 --> 00:11:30,120 will be to exploit that riverside setting. 261 00:11:30,279 --> 00:11:33,400 And, as well as attracting guests to their three apartments, 262 00:11:33,440 --> 00:11:35,959 we're suggesting they tap into the local tourist trade 263 00:11:36,000 --> 00:11:37,120 for day visits. 264 00:11:37,199 --> 00:11:38,720 So how do you think that went? 265 00:11:38,800 --> 00:11:41,120 I think they were pleasantly surprised. 266 00:11:41,199 --> 00:11:42,680 Yeah. And I think the more they think about it, 267 00:11:42,720 --> 00:11:44,800 the more excited they're going to get over it. Yeah. 268 00:11:44,879 --> 00:11:46,480 'Cause look what they're going to have when they're finished. 269 00:11:46,559 --> 00:11:48,199 Absolutely. It's natural there. 270 00:11:49,519 --> 00:11:51,760 So much things to think about now. 271 00:11:51,839 --> 00:11:56,360 We're probably rethinking an awful lot of what... of our plan. 272 00:11:56,440 --> 00:11:58,919 I knew they were gonna pick up on our lack of experience, 273 00:11:59,000 --> 00:12:00,519 and they certainly did. 274 00:12:00,599 --> 00:12:02,879 They've given us huge food for thought. 275 00:12:02,959 --> 00:12:05,839 They've given us an awful lot of homework to do. 276 00:12:05,919 --> 00:12:09,199 But I suppose they did say we weren't the experts, 277 00:12:09,239 --> 00:12:10,319 and they were dead right. 278 00:12:10,360 --> 00:12:14,319 I think we could do it with a cold plunge! (laughs) 279 00:12:16,839 --> 00:12:18,760 Sometimes it can be all too easy 280 00:12:18,800 --> 00:12:20,959 to miss what's right under your nose. 281 00:12:21,000 --> 00:12:23,040 In this case, an outdoor spa, 282 00:12:23,080 --> 00:12:25,919 just waiting for an engineer to work out the logistics. 283 00:12:26,879 --> 00:12:29,680 This is where the outdoor spa area is going to be. 284 00:12:30,360 --> 00:12:34,480 So John is gonna take levels as to where we need to put stuff. 285 00:12:35,000 --> 00:12:38,239 All of which has brought out the financial planner in Keelin. 286 00:12:38,319 --> 00:12:40,080 We know this is gonna be expensive, 287 00:12:40,120 --> 00:12:42,599 and it's not a cost we'd built in, really. 288 00:12:42,680 --> 00:12:45,239 I'd be very frank anyway, I suppose. Go on. 289 00:12:45,319 --> 00:12:47,440 We'll bring our decking along this way, 290 00:12:47,480 --> 00:12:52,919 and your sauna then is to be located here, close to the river. 291 00:12:53,000 --> 00:12:56,599 John Brennan suggested having that as a backdrop. 292 00:12:56,639 --> 00:12:58,239 The river is there. It is lovely. 293 00:12:58,319 --> 00:12:59,919 We want a plunge pool. Yeah. 294 00:12:59,959 --> 00:13:02,720 And where the stream is coming down there naturally, 295 00:13:02,760 --> 00:13:04,919 we want people to come out of the hot tub, 296 00:13:04,959 --> 00:13:08,279 and into that plunge pool, into the river. 297 00:13:08,360 --> 00:13:11,480 Very adventurous... (Aiveen laughs) To be honest. 298 00:13:11,559 --> 00:13:14,519 No, it sounds lovely and it reads very well. 299 00:13:14,599 --> 00:13:17,199 I'd have a bit of a concern, to be honest with you, 300 00:13:17,239 --> 00:13:21,279 about interfering with the river in any way. You know? 301 00:13:21,319 --> 00:13:24,720 My gut feeling is that we might be better to try 302 00:13:24,760 --> 00:13:27,440 and do something on a platform here, 303 00:13:27,519 --> 00:13:31,199 so you'd still be kind of immersed in the river setting, and I think 304 00:13:31,279 --> 00:13:32,959 it would be a nice experience, you know? Right. 305 00:13:33,040 --> 00:13:35,480 It's great, so but we could do it without blocking it. 306 00:13:35,559 --> 00:13:36,959 Yeah, we could, I think, yeah. 307 00:13:37,000 --> 00:13:39,639 Yeah. I actually think that would keep John Brennan happy. 308 00:13:39,720 --> 00:13:42,000 And that's very important. That's very important. 309 00:13:42,040 --> 00:13:43,760 (he laughs) Absolutely. 310 00:13:43,839 --> 00:13:45,040 Yeah. Okay. 311 00:13:46,319 --> 00:13:48,120 And I'll tell you what will keep me happy, 312 00:13:48,160 --> 00:13:51,160 seeing the pool, the money pit, disappear. 313 00:13:51,239 --> 00:13:52,959 It's a tough call, but the right one. 314 00:13:54,559 --> 00:13:56,599 (drilling) 315 00:14:00,680 --> 00:14:02,919 It's strange to see the whole thing falling into bits. 316 00:14:03,000 --> 00:14:06,000 You know, to see the bits of slate falling into the pool. 317 00:14:06,080 --> 00:14:10,319 It's really putting an end to the whole pool concept. 318 00:14:10,400 --> 00:14:11,760 Plus changing all our plans! 319 00:14:11,839 --> 00:14:13,480 We have great plans for in there, 320 00:14:13,559 --> 00:14:15,919 and the Brennans have come along 321 00:14:15,959 --> 00:14:18,599 and upscuttled everything on us, really. Everything has changed. 322 00:14:18,680 --> 00:14:22,519 We were really doing accommodation with a pool and a bit of a spa. 323 00:14:22,599 --> 00:14:25,279 Now we're doing a lovely outdoor spa. A spa, 324 00:14:25,360 --> 00:14:27,519 with a bit of accommodation. 325 00:14:27,599 --> 00:14:29,919 No, I suppose it's sad to see something being ripped out 326 00:14:29,959 --> 00:14:31,879 that was put in and probably cost an awful lot of money. 327 00:14:31,959 --> 00:14:35,839 And now you've a kango hammer, you know, breaking it to bits. 328 00:14:35,919 --> 00:14:37,040 It is a pity. 329 00:14:37,120 --> 00:14:40,480 Today is a good day, but I think it will take a little time 330 00:14:40,519 --> 00:14:43,319 for Aiveen and Keelin to see it that way. 331 00:14:43,360 --> 00:14:44,639 (echoing thud) 332 00:14:44,720 --> 00:14:45,919 Morning! 333 00:14:45,959 --> 00:14:48,760 How are we all today? Very good, thanks, John. 334 00:14:48,800 --> 00:14:50,480 Lovely day in Glengarriff. 335 00:14:50,559 --> 00:14:52,519 Loads of work taking place, is there? 336 00:14:52,599 --> 00:14:54,559 Yeah, yeah, it's all starting now. 337 00:14:54,639 --> 00:14:56,879 Yeah. So it's getting exciting. Great. 338 00:14:56,959 --> 00:14:58,800 So what's on the agenda today? 339 00:14:58,879 --> 00:15:00,120 The builder has started, 340 00:15:00,199 --> 00:15:03,000 Dennis has started breaking up the pool, 341 00:15:03,040 --> 00:15:05,559 so we're getting very emotional. (laughs) 342 00:15:05,639 --> 00:15:10,879 So it really is marking the whole end of that plan, that project. 343 00:15:10,959 --> 00:15:12,919 Are they working at the pool? Yeah? 344 00:15:12,959 --> 00:15:15,160 Yeah, they are. Show us there now. 345 00:15:15,239 --> 00:15:16,559 Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah, right! Oh, grand, yeah, yeah. 346 00:15:16,639 --> 00:15:21,120 Oh, fantastic. They could move a bit faster now. (laughter) 347 00:15:21,160 --> 00:15:22,919 Do you hear that, Dennis? 348 00:15:23,000 --> 00:15:24,760 Alright, ladies, we let ye go. 349 00:15:24,839 --> 00:15:26,480 Alright? Lovely, yeah. 350 00:15:26,559 --> 00:15:27,800 Alright, bye-bye. Thanks a million. Very good. 351 00:15:27,879 --> 00:15:29,919 See you, lads. Bye. Thank you. Bye. 352 00:15:30,000 --> 00:15:32,160 Do you know, that area should be like the Amazon. 353 00:15:32,239 --> 00:15:34,879 When you walk in there, you should really get the feel of outside. 354 00:15:34,959 --> 00:15:36,599 The Amazon in Glengarriff? 355 00:15:36,680 --> 00:15:39,160 That'd be a good name for it. There you are. Yeah. 356 00:15:50,000 --> 00:15:52,319 We're in Glengarriff, County Cork, 357 00:15:52,360 --> 00:15:54,639 on a mission to help Aiveen and Keelin, 358 00:15:54,720 --> 00:15:58,319 two sisters with a dream, to create a wellness centre and spa 359 00:15:58,400 --> 00:16:01,760 in a never-used Celtic Tiger-era leisure centre. 360 00:16:02,680 --> 00:16:05,720 The place came with a swimming pool that was far too small 361 00:16:05,760 --> 00:16:08,080 and would be far too expensive to run. 362 00:16:08,160 --> 00:16:11,080 So we advised them to fill it in and concentrate on creating 363 00:16:11,120 --> 00:16:14,000 an outdoor spa, making the most of the river garden. 364 00:16:17,480 --> 00:16:19,559 (clattering) 365 00:16:20,959 --> 00:16:23,519 Thanks to local builder Dennis and his crew, 366 00:16:23,599 --> 00:16:26,959 the pool has been filled for the first and last time. 367 00:16:27,000 --> 00:16:28,800 We've another wall to knock now, 368 00:16:28,839 --> 00:16:31,639 so we'll try and knock that and then 369 00:16:31,720 --> 00:16:34,839 slide it down into the pool. (echoing thud) 370 00:16:34,919 --> 00:16:37,319 John Brennan said it had no use. 371 00:16:37,400 --> 00:16:39,879 Sure, it had great use in the end! Now you have use for it, yeah! 372 00:16:39,919 --> 00:16:41,919 (Aiveen laughs) We have use for it now, yeah! 373 00:16:41,959 --> 00:16:44,519 (clattering) We were wondering why 374 00:16:44,559 --> 00:16:47,000 that window came out so soon. That went out very fast, yeah. 375 00:16:47,080 --> 00:16:49,319 You were planning well ahead of us, like, weren't you? Yeah. 376 00:16:49,400 --> 00:16:53,000 Yeah. That's gas, at least the pool has been put to some use. 377 00:16:53,040 --> 00:16:55,400 (clattering) Actually, it's saving us a fortune 378 00:16:55,440 --> 00:16:58,800 on skips, so it was a great way of filling up the pool. 379 00:17:03,839 --> 00:17:06,519 To give the sisters a taste of what they could have, 380 00:17:06,599 --> 00:17:09,319 I'm taking them to Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway, 381 00:17:09,400 --> 00:17:13,199 near Leitrim village, one of the best outdoor spas in the country. 382 00:17:14,839 --> 00:17:17,239 Oh my God, this place is gorgeous, isn't it? It's gorgeous! 383 00:17:17,319 --> 00:17:19,239 Where's Francis? Where's Francis now? 384 00:17:21,279 --> 00:17:23,040 (laughing) Good morning, ladies! 385 00:17:23,120 --> 00:17:24,160 Oh, there he is. 386 00:17:24,239 --> 00:17:26,160 You made it! We did! We did! 387 00:17:26,239 --> 00:17:27,800 Did you bring the rain with ye? 388 00:17:27,879 --> 00:17:29,680 No, I think it was here already! Yeah. 389 00:17:29,760 --> 00:17:31,480 Anyway, hop in. I'm going to show you around. 390 00:17:31,519 --> 00:17:34,400 Oh, lovely! It's a gorgeous spot. Ah, t's a lovely place. 391 00:17:34,480 --> 00:17:35,800 Exactly, yeah. 392 00:17:35,839 --> 00:17:38,919 We'll hit the road anyway. Come on now. Fantastic. 393 00:17:38,959 --> 00:17:40,680 Straight ahead. 394 00:17:40,760 --> 00:17:42,400 Mind yourselves there. This is a bit shaky. 395 00:17:42,440 --> 00:17:44,919 I'm not used to golf things. Okay, pop out. 396 00:17:45,000 --> 00:17:46,720 Thanks, Frances . 397 00:17:46,800 --> 00:17:48,279 Now, this is Eilish. How are ya? 398 00:17:48,360 --> 00:17:49,919 Hello, Frances. How are you doing? Aiveen and Keelin. 399 00:17:50,000 --> 00:17:52,199 Ah, ladies, you're so, so welcome to Lovely Leitrim. 400 00:17:52,239 --> 00:17:53,720 How are you doing? Thank you. 401 00:17:54,400 --> 00:17:57,199 I cannot wait to show you guys the heart of Drumhierny, 402 00:17:57,239 --> 00:17:59,879 so it's our wellbeing sanctuary. Go on ahead. Great. 403 00:17:59,919 --> 00:18:02,639 And do many people coming here use it? Loads of people. 404 00:18:02,720 --> 00:18:03,879 Yeah? It's so, so popular. 405 00:18:03,919 --> 00:18:06,440 So it's a real massive attraction for our guests. Oh, right. 406 00:18:06,480 --> 00:18:08,720 (water bubbling) 407 00:18:08,760 --> 00:18:11,239 To start off, we have two lovely hot tubs here. 408 00:18:11,319 --> 00:18:12,839 We have our cold plunge pool. 409 00:18:12,919 --> 00:18:14,160 It's really on trend at the minute. 410 00:18:14,239 --> 00:18:15,599 Everyone loves having these cold baths. 411 00:18:15,639 --> 00:18:18,599 Is the plunge pool cold-cold, like? It's ice cold. 412 00:18:18,680 --> 00:18:19,680 Oh, no! (Eilish laughs) 413 00:18:19,760 --> 00:18:22,559 Oh, imagine getting into that! How cold is it? 414 00:18:22,639 --> 00:18:24,680 Oh, my goodness! 415 00:18:24,760 --> 00:18:27,319 Then we also have our relaxation deck over here. 416 00:18:27,400 --> 00:18:29,919 We have the pillows the exact same location every day. 417 00:18:30,000 --> 00:18:31,680 We've the two little fire heaters on. 418 00:18:31,760 --> 00:18:34,680 We've the candles lit, nice relaxing music. 419 00:18:34,760 --> 00:18:36,279 The theme that's running through all the time 420 00:18:36,360 --> 00:18:38,279 is standard, standard, standard. 421 00:18:38,360 --> 00:18:40,000 Standard is the important thing, 422 00:18:40,040 --> 00:18:42,800 that you do the same thing every time. 423 00:18:44,559 --> 00:18:46,400 So these are our seaweed baths. 424 00:18:46,480 --> 00:18:48,000 So we have four of them in total. 425 00:18:48,080 --> 00:18:49,879 So it's great even if just couples are coming, 426 00:18:49,919 --> 00:18:52,040 if groups are coming, it's nice to have the kind partition 427 00:18:52,080 --> 00:18:53,480 in the middle as well, just that you can 428 00:18:53,519 --> 00:18:55,480 maximise your takings per day. 429 00:18:55,559 --> 00:18:56,959 Do you invite guests from outside 430 00:18:57,000 --> 00:18:58,519 or is it any people who are staying? 431 00:18:58,599 --> 00:19:01,480 No, so that's the joy of this, that everyone is welcome. 432 00:19:01,559 --> 00:19:02,760 You don't have to be a guest. 433 00:19:02,800 --> 00:19:05,319 We have loads of locals that come to us all the time. Really? 434 00:19:05,400 --> 00:19:07,760 So it's very, very popular with outside guests as well. 435 00:19:07,839 --> 00:19:09,360 Alright. Okay! That's good. 436 00:19:11,440 --> 00:19:15,199 So, well, are you gonna go for it? Are we gonna go into it? 437 00:19:15,279 --> 00:19:17,199 Ah, flip it. I forgot my togs. 438 00:19:17,279 --> 00:19:19,199 You did not! 439 00:19:19,279 --> 00:19:21,839 So this would be our indoor area. 440 00:19:21,919 --> 00:19:23,279 Yeah. It's actually very comfortable. 441 00:19:23,360 --> 00:19:25,959 Would we ever be able to replicate this? 442 00:19:26,040 --> 00:19:28,199 Oh, yeah. Never say never. 443 00:19:28,279 --> 00:19:31,279 As well as the spa, there are 16 luxury lodges 444 00:19:31,319 --> 00:19:35,720 on this 100-acre estate, catering to a very aspirational clientele. 445 00:19:36,800 --> 00:19:39,559 It's all about authenticity and minimalism, 446 00:19:39,599 --> 00:19:41,360 a style that the Jewel Lodge apartments 447 00:19:41,400 --> 00:19:43,720 will also need to reflect. 448 00:19:43,800 --> 00:19:48,199 It's not sanded down to perfection at all, it's gorgeous. 449 00:19:48,279 --> 00:19:52,480 Yeah, very natural. They didn't try and make it kind of perfect. 450 00:19:52,559 --> 00:19:55,440 Yes. I love the simplicity of everything 451 00:19:55,480 --> 00:19:58,639 and the fact that they used all the natural materials. 452 00:19:58,720 --> 00:19:59,800 Love that. Yeah. 453 00:19:59,879 --> 00:20:02,120 And listen, you don't have to do everything the same as here, 454 00:20:02,160 --> 00:20:05,919 but the idea is to try and adapt it to use in Glengarriff. 455 00:20:06,000 --> 00:20:07,279 That is the best thing to do. 456 00:20:07,360 --> 00:20:08,680 That's what learning is all about. 457 00:20:08,760 --> 00:20:10,959 Their project may be a lot smaller, 458 00:20:11,000 --> 00:20:15,160 but Keelin knows that it will stretch their budget to the limit. 459 00:20:15,239 --> 00:20:20,279 It's given us so many ideas, but the ideas it's given us, 460 00:20:20,360 --> 00:20:21,599 they're all going to cost more money, 461 00:20:21,639 --> 00:20:24,279 so we're going to have to really think hard. 462 00:20:24,360 --> 00:20:26,839 Ours is going to be on a much smaller scale. 463 00:20:26,919 --> 00:20:28,080 Do you know, it is gonna be a... 464 00:20:28,160 --> 00:20:30,959 But if we take in everything that they have here, 465 00:20:31,000 --> 00:20:34,279 it's actually very possible to do it in our place. 466 00:20:34,319 --> 00:20:35,440 (water bubbling) 467 00:20:40,239 --> 00:20:43,839 Creating an outdoor spa from scratch will come at a cost. 468 00:20:43,919 --> 00:20:45,639 My concern is that, right now, 469 00:20:45,680 --> 00:20:48,360 that cost is not reflected in the business plan. 470 00:20:49,000 --> 00:20:50,879 Like, Aiveen, you're the creative one. 471 00:20:50,959 --> 00:20:52,839 And I was looking at the figures, so now, yeah, I'm kind of 472 00:20:52,879 --> 00:20:55,639 waiting for it all to be torn apart. (both laugh) 473 00:20:58,360 --> 00:20:59,360 Figures. 474 00:20:59,839 --> 00:21:02,599 I have a list of figures in here in front of me, alright? 475 00:21:02,680 --> 00:21:07,639 Which in ballpark terms, equate to a 550,000 a year turnover. 476 00:21:07,680 --> 00:21:09,239 ♪ (ominous music) 477 00:21:09,279 --> 00:21:14,720 That is outrageously overstated, in my mind. Okay. Right. 478 00:21:15,639 --> 00:21:19,120 I think you half the revenue, 479 00:21:19,199 --> 00:21:22,599 and you probably add 10% to your cost 480 00:21:22,639 --> 00:21:24,800 'cause your insurance won't change... Yeah. 481 00:21:24,839 --> 00:21:26,000 Maintenance won't change. 482 00:21:26,080 --> 00:21:27,760 Your rates certainly don't stop. 483 00:21:27,839 --> 00:21:29,199 They take their money no matter what, 484 00:21:29,239 --> 00:21:31,839 and your accountant's fee doesn't change. 485 00:21:31,919 --> 00:21:36,199 But every line I look at here, it is optimistic to the last. 486 00:21:36,279 --> 00:21:39,720 This is year one of a brand new product in a brand new location. 487 00:21:39,800 --> 00:21:43,760 You're starting at least 50% below where that level is. 488 00:21:44,480 --> 00:21:47,279 But the January figure, they're at 24% occupancy. 489 00:21:47,319 --> 00:21:49,839 Yeah. I mean, if we're only getting 24% occupancy in January, 490 00:21:49,919 --> 00:21:51,839 we're doing something really wrong, are we not? No. 491 00:21:51,919 --> 00:21:53,120 Serious? You're in business. 492 00:21:53,199 --> 00:21:54,879 Really? That's the only thing you're doing wrong. 493 00:21:54,919 --> 00:21:56,440 So that's normal for January? 494 00:21:56,480 --> 00:21:58,680 Yeah, yeah. With six bedrooms, you might only let... 495 00:21:58,720 --> 00:21:59,959 Yeah. Really? 496 00:22:00,040 --> 00:22:02,760 It's not realistic at all, in my mind, to think you're going to be 497 00:22:02,839 --> 00:22:04,919 actually open in January. 498 00:22:05,040 --> 00:22:07,319 We're on an island off the west coast of Europe, 499 00:22:07,360 --> 00:22:09,360 on the far flungs of the western seaboard. 500 00:22:09,440 --> 00:22:11,360 For us to have anything open in January 501 00:22:11,400 --> 00:22:13,400 is a miracle, 'cause half the restaurants 502 00:22:13,480 --> 00:22:15,680 in the South of France are closed. Okay. Okay? 503 00:22:15,760 --> 00:22:18,919 There's no way you're hitting 27% in January. 504 00:22:19,000 --> 00:22:22,120 Even with saunas? Even with God sitting in the sauna. 505 00:22:22,199 --> 00:22:23,839 We have to be a viable business. You do, 506 00:22:23,879 --> 00:22:26,680 but you have to be prudent in the way you come about your business, 507 00:22:26,760 --> 00:22:29,879 and you have to crawl before you walk, and then you can run. 508 00:22:29,959 --> 00:22:32,239 If it grows from what I'm saying... Yeah. Fantastic, 509 00:22:32,279 --> 00:22:34,639 it's not a problem. Yeah. But this is not realistic. 510 00:22:34,720 --> 00:22:36,440 Okay. To have a revenue of that amount 511 00:22:36,480 --> 00:22:38,239 with the kind of business you're talking about 512 00:22:38,319 --> 00:22:39,959 in the location you're in, on year one. 513 00:22:40,040 --> 00:22:41,239 I was dreading this part, 514 00:22:41,279 --> 00:22:42,559 'cause I knew they we're coming up with the figures 515 00:22:42,639 --> 00:22:44,760 based on... Yeah. ..our limited knowledge, 516 00:22:44,800 --> 00:22:45,919 so that's been priceless. 517 00:22:46,000 --> 00:22:48,080 But yeah, hard to hear some of it now. (laughs) 518 00:22:48,160 --> 00:22:49,160 That's good for you. 519 00:22:54,599 --> 00:22:56,959 (sighs) Ah, God! It's done now, anyway. 520 00:22:57,040 --> 00:22:58,160 Yes, we'll go home and cry. 521 00:22:59,360 --> 00:23:01,000 He was brutally honest. 522 00:23:01,080 --> 00:23:02,720 So, worried about the bottom line now, 523 00:23:02,760 --> 00:23:05,599 but certainly an awful lot to take on board. 524 00:23:08,919 --> 00:23:11,000 It's a hard lesson, but to their credit, 525 00:23:11,040 --> 00:23:14,800 Aiveen and Keelin have had a major rethink. 526 00:23:14,879 --> 00:23:17,959 Okay, the business plan has totally changed because we were 527 00:23:18,040 --> 00:23:19,639 originally doing three apartments. 528 00:23:19,680 --> 00:23:20,879 So at the moment, now, 529 00:23:20,919 --> 00:23:23,639 apartment three is going to have to be put on hold. 530 00:23:25,000 --> 00:23:27,239 So I'd say the sauna we're going to be looking at 531 00:23:27,279 --> 00:23:29,760 is going to cost us in around about 40 or 50,000. 532 00:23:29,839 --> 00:23:31,720 If we don't do apartment three, 533 00:23:31,760 --> 00:23:33,959 that'll probably save us about 92,000. 534 00:23:34,040 --> 00:23:35,440 And so we're going to put that money now into the 535 00:23:35,480 --> 00:23:40,000 outdoor spa area and make that kind of very nice, instead. 536 00:23:41,080 --> 00:23:45,680 (thumping) 537 00:23:45,720 --> 00:23:49,559 Six weeks later, I'm back to see how the new plan is coming along. 538 00:23:51,040 --> 00:23:53,360 This is the store room, is it? Yeah. 539 00:23:53,440 --> 00:23:55,199 That's what it looks like at the moment anyway. 540 00:23:55,559 --> 00:23:56,720 All the furniture we've inherited, yeah. 541 00:23:56,760 --> 00:23:58,559 This was to be a third apartment. 542 00:23:58,639 --> 00:24:00,160 We have scaled it right back, 543 00:24:00,199 --> 00:24:02,480 and it's going to be a bedroom, really, 544 00:24:02,559 --> 00:24:05,120 maybe with four beds, maybe for a group or for a family. 545 00:24:05,199 --> 00:24:07,120 And that cost is going to be about 10,000, 546 00:24:07,199 --> 00:24:09,839 so it's just saving money that we don't have at the moment. 547 00:24:09,919 --> 00:24:11,519 Yeah, okay. So it'll be fine. 548 00:24:11,559 --> 00:24:12,800 And then you could do something with it in the future 549 00:24:12,839 --> 00:24:13,959 if you have to. 550 00:24:14,800 --> 00:24:17,879 With the budget channelled into the spa side of the business, 551 00:24:17,959 --> 00:24:21,559 the sisters have gained a whole new room where the pool once was. 552 00:24:21,639 --> 00:24:24,360 What would we absolutely use this room for? 553 00:24:24,440 --> 00:24:26,919 So this will definitely be for the group sessions during the retreats, 554 00:24:27,000 --> 00:24:29,000 like the morning yoga, morning meditation. 555 00:24:29,080 --> 00:24:31,319 And then we were also thinking about making it open to 556 00:24:31,360 --> 00:24:32,400 kind of groups from outside. 557 00:24:32,480 --> 00:24:34,400 Are you sad at losing the swimming pool? 558 00:24:34,480 --> 00:24:37,639 To a point, I think I am, but it wasn't going to be practical. 559 00:24:37,720 --> 00:24:39,800 So I suppose we really didn't have an option, 560 00:24:39,839 --> 00:24:41,680 only to fill it in and cover it. 561 00:24:41,760 --> 00:24:43,879 I think it's given us a lot of options, really. Yeah. 562 00:24:43,959 --> 00:24:46,959 Yeah, you have plenty of options, and the wide open space is terrific. 563 00:24:47,720 --> 00:24:50,319 Though it still needs work, one thing's for sure, 564 00:24:50,400 --> 00:24:52,839 this place has a lot of potential. 565 00:24:52,919 --> 00:24:54,199 So over this side of the house now, 566 00:24:54,239 --> 00:24:55,919 what are we going to do in that corner? 567 00:24:56,000 --> 00:24:57,199 Three windows there that you can see 568 00:24:57,239 --> 00:24:59,440 are going to be replaced by a door. 569 00:24:59,519 --> 00:25:01,279 And that gets you out then to look at the lovely river, 570 00:25:01,360 --> 00:25:03,360 and that sort of thing. Yeah, yeah. That's lovely, yeah. 571 00:25:03,400 --> 00:25:07,199 Once they come back in from the spa they can come out here and relax. 572 00:25:07,239 --> 00:25:08,279 Moving along nicely. 573 00:25:08,319 --> 00:25:11,360 They have great enthusiasm, and they have all sorts of ideas. 574 00:25:11,440 --> 00:25:13,800 I just hope they have the money to do everything they want. 575 00:25:16,760 --> 00:25:20,720 The real worry, though, is Keelin and Aiveen's lack of experience. 576 00:25:20,760 --> 00:25:24,000 So we've arranged a crash course in how to run an indoor spa 577 00:25:24,080 --> 00:25:28,639 at Powerscourt Springs, near Enniskerry in County Wicklow. 578 00:25:28,680 --> 00:25:30,480 There's a lot to learn here now today. 579 00:25:30,559 --> 00:25:33,800 Customer experience and how you fold towels, how you make beds, 580 00:25:33,879 --> 00:25:36,199 and the booking systems, and doing everything right. 581 00:25:36,279 --> 00:25:38,919 So I think we have a lot, really, a lot to learn here. 582 00:25:39,000 --> 00:25:40,879 Well, we have because we tried to 583 00:25:40,919 --> 00:25:43,959 make a bed the other day and it didn't turn out well. 584 00:25:44,000 --> 00:25:45,800 It didn't look like a hotel room, sure it didn't? No. No. 585 00:25:47,720 --> 00:25:49,480 So the first thing we're going to get you to do today 586 00:25:49,519 --> 00:25:52,279 is you're going to suit up in our Powerscourt Springs outfit. 587 00:25:52,360 --> 00:25:54,239 So you're going to be guest hosts for the day. 588 00:25:54,319 --> 00:25:55,839 We're going to show you the different elements 589 00:25:55,879 --> 00:25:57,040 of Powerscourt Springs. 590 00:25:57,120 --> 00:25:58,760 And if you have any questions at all, 591 00:25:58,800 --> 00:26:00,919 just ask, and we're here to help. 592 00:26:01,000 --> 00:26:03,599 Okay, Keelin, so we're going to put you on reception here, 593 00:26:03,639 --> 00:26:04,720 answering phone calls, 594 00:26:04,800 --> 00:26:06,639 dealing with booking requests, etc. 595 00:26:07,959 --> 00:26:09,239 Good morning, Powerscourt Springs. 596 00:26:09,279 --> 00:26:11,080 Keelin speaking. How can I help you? 597 00:26:11,160 --> 00:26:13,239 Now, Keelin, we actually have a guest coming in, 598 00:26:13,279 --> 00:26:15,199 so do you fancy checking them in? Alright! 599 00:26:15,279 --> 00:26:16,800 Hello, how are you? How are you doing? 600 00:26:16,839 --> 00:26:19,559 Welcome to Powerscourt Springs. Thank you. 601 00:26:19,639 --> 00:26:20,959 What's the name? 602 00:26:21,040 --> 00:26:22,919 Alan is my name. Okay. 603 00:26:23,000 --> 00:26:26,879 So, Alan, we'll just get your email and signature here. 604 00:26:26,959 --> 00:26:29,000 I think I got the right piece of paper out, did I? 605 00:26:29,080 --> 00:26:31,559 Yeah, I think it's good so far. (laughs) 606 00:26:31,599 --> 00:26:34,239 We can show you around. Yeah! Have you been before? 607 00:26:34,319 --> 00:26:35,559 No. No. 608 00:26:35,639 --> 00:26:37,160 Love to see it. Yeah, great. 609 00:26:37,239 --> 00:26:38,680 Good. Okay! So, Keelin, 610 00:26:38,720 --> 00:26:40,360 you can show him around. Perfect. 611 00:26:40,400 --> 00:26:42,440 Show him where everything is. Okay. 612 00:26:42,519 --> 00:26:43,519 Enjoy. 613 00:26:43,919 --> 00:26:48,599 Now, so you enter in the room, check lights working fine. 614 00:26:48,680 --> 00:26:50,639 All the equipment are in the room. 615 00:26:50,720 --> 00:26:51,879 You're not missing anything. 616 00:26:51,959 --> 00:26:54,559 Open your window to let the fresh air go into the room. 617 00:26:54,639 --> 00:26:59,639 Make sure your water is hot, cold, working, your toilet is flushing, 618 00:26:59,720 --> 00:27:01,440 your shower is working and all. 619 00:27:01,519 --> 00:27:04,680 This is all before you start to do any cleaning. 620 00:27:04,760 --> 00:27:07,839 What I'd love to know is how to do the corners, you know, so that 621 00:27:07,879 --> 00:27:12,040 it ends up looking like this. Nice, yeah. Nice, exactly! 622 00:27:12,080 --> 00:27:14,160 Okay, no problem. 623 00:27:14,239 --> 00:27:18,360 You pull this up, and then everything underneath. 624 00:27:19,519 --> 00:27:22,559 And then here is your little corner. 625 00:27:22,639 --> 00:27:26,279 Ah! And then you do the exact same on the other side. 626 00:27:26,360 --> 00:27:27,800 Go ahead. 627 00:27:29,720 --> 00:27:31,720 So you go up... Perfect. 628 00:27:31,959 --> 00:27:33,680 So, try... 629 00:27:33,760 --> 00:27:35,239 That's it. 630 00:27:35,760 --> 00:27:38,080 And yeah, nice and tight. 631 00:27:39,680 --> 00:27:41,040 All the way down. 632 00:27:42,879 --> 00:27:46,160 My advice would be keep it as simple as you possibly can for yourselves, 633 00:27:46,239 --> 00:27:49,639 and decide who your target customer is and market to that person 634 00:27:49,680 --> 00:27:52,120 and the type of experience that they want to achieve. 635 00:27:52,199 --> 00:27:54,239 So the wellness market is growing worldwide, 636 00:27:54,279 --> 00:27:56,519 so you are onto a good thing. 637 00:27:56,599 --> 00:27:58,160 It's just all about the execution. 638 00:27:58,239 --> 00:27:59,959 The industry is going to boom. 639 00:28:00,040 --> 00:28:03,639 The more stressed the world gets, the more wellness we need as well. 640 00:28:03,680 --> 00:28:05,319 Yeah. So you're onto a good thing. 641 00:28:06,959 --> 00:28:08,440 You'd have it spaced out like this, would you, 642 00:28:08,480 --> 00:28:09,639 for a meditation session? 643 00:28:09,720 --> 00:28:12,639 We would, yeah. We like to leave plenty of room. 644 00:28:13,360 --> 00:28:15,639 Do you want to take a little seat there? 645 00:28:16,400 --> 00:28:18,639 And then you can hoosh yourself back into it. 646 00:28:18,720 --> 00:28:19,879 Yeah. 647 00:28:19,959 --> 00:28:22,559 And then as an extra little bit, 648 00:28:22,599 --> 00:28:25,720 what we can do is you can pop the feet up. 649 00:28:27,800 --> 00:28:31,199 And then one last piece that I need to do for you. 650 00:28:32,080 --> 00:28:34,720 So you know that the body temperature can drop 651 00:28:34,760 --> 00:28:36,080 during a meditation. 652 00:28:36,120 --> 00:28:39,319 So we want to make sure that you're nice and warm. 653 00:28:39,400 --> 00:28:40,760 That's lovely. And then we get you to 654 00:28:40,800 --> 00:28:43,279 turn the palms so that they're facing upwards. 655 00:28:43,360 --> 00:28:45,639 Right. Yeah. And just totally relax, then, 656 00:28:45,680 --> 00:28:46,919 down into the body. 657 00:28:47,879 --> 00:28:50,959 Yep, that's lovely, actually. Very comfortable. 658 00:28:51,000 --> 00:28:53,199 ♪ (soft piano music, birdsong) 659 00:28:55,800 --> 00:28:56,800 Hello, alpacas! 660 00:28:57,959 --> 00:28:59,279 They look young. 661 00:28:59,360 --> 00:29:00,959 I'd say they're young alpacas, yeah. 662 00:29:03,800 --> 00:29:05,879 I think we've learned an awful lot today 663 00:29:05,959 --> 00:29:07,480 as to how to deal with people, 664 00:29:07,519 --> 00:29:09,720 how to do things very professionally. 665 00:29:09,800 --> 00:29:11,839 And, yeah, 'twas a great experience. 666 00:29:11,919 --> 00:29:14,839 A very enjoyable, very enjoyable day. Mm. 667 00:29:18,480 --> 00:29:22,959 Meanwhile, back in Glengarriff, work is underway on the outdoor spa 668 00:29:23,040 --> 00:29:26,120 that will wrap around the river side of the building. 669 00:29:26,199 --> 00:29:28,279 We have pots. 670 00:29:28,360 --> 00:29:32,160 This calls for some serious hands-on landscaping. 671 00:29:32,239 --> 00:29:35,120 Well, Keelin isn't a gardener, she never does gardening. 672 00:29:35,199 --> 00:29:36,680 I love gardening. 673 00:29:39,440 --> 00:29:41,080 It's nice to be outside when 'tis dry, 674 00:29:41,120 --> 00:29:44,519 but you'll see me running fairly fast once the rain comes. 675 00:29:44,559 --> 00:29:46,160 (Aiveen laughs) Well, do you know what, 676 00:29:46,199 --> 00:29:48,919 Dennis has been here now since October, and we're so lucky. 677 00:29:49,000 --> 00:29:50,879 We bring flooring to Dennis on a Sunday, 678 00:29:50,919 --> 00:29:54,040 and we come back on a Friday, and it's all floored. 679 00:29:54,120 --> 00:29:56,440 He's just... he's unbelievable. 680 00:29:57,559 --> 00:30:00,239 We'll have to have the place spick and span. 681 00:30:00,319 --> 00:30:02,680 But the one thing we did notice with Dennis, we might say, 682 00:30:02,760 --> 00:30:04,919 "Dennis, maybe we'll do, you know, this," or we suggest something, 683 00:30:04,959 --> 00:30:06,760 and he'd go "Yeah, yeah, no problem." 684 00:30:06,839 --> 00:30:08,120 But Dennis'll do it his way. 685 00:30:08,160 --> 00:30:10,319 But his way will always be the right way. 686 00:30:10,400 --> 00:30:12,800 We go back to say "Ah, flip it, he was right," like. 687 00:30:12,879 --> 00:30:14,879 The Dennis way. 688 00:30:15,040 --> 00:30:17,279 Do you know what, now, in fairness, it's getting exciting now. 689 00:30:17,360 --> 00:30:18,480 Pressure's on, though. 690 00:30:18,519 --> 00:30:20,239 The pressure is on! There's an awful lot happening, 691 00:30:20,279 --> 00:30:22,680 and we're under serious pressure now. 692 00:30:33,519 --> 00:30:35,000 In Glengarriff, County Cork, 693 00:30:35,080 --> 00:30:37,319 we're helping sisters Aiveen and Keelin 694 00:30:37,360 --> 00:30:40,400 as they venture into the world of hospitality and leisure. 695 00:30:41,120 --> 00:30:44,360 This is where the outdoor spa area is going to be. 696 00:30:44,440 --> 00:30:48,160 Their dream is to create a wellness centre and spa. 697 00:30:49,120 --> 00:30:51,360 But after a financial wake-up call from us... 698 00:30:51,400 --> 00:30:54,599 (clattering) they've had a major rethink, 699 00:30:54,680 --> 00:30:56,800 filled in the undersized swimming pool, 700 00:30:56,839 --> 00:31:01,080 and downsized from three to two apartments. 701 00:31:01,160 --> 00:31:02,360 There's going to be a lot of work 702 00:31:02,400 --> 00:31:04,720 before this brand new business is ready, 703 00:31:04,800 --> 00:31:08,279 but I believe we can really help them create something special. 704 00:31:09,400 --> 00:31:10,720 Every jewel needs a setting, 705 00:31:10,760 --> 00:31:13,800 and Jewel Lodge has the most incredible setting you can imagine, 706 00:31:13,839 --> 00:31:15,919 Glengarriff Bay. 707 00:31:16,440 --> 00:31:19,519 I want Aiveen and Keelin to team up the local ferry company 708 00:31:19,559 --> 00:31:21,639 and offer day packages for tourists, 709 00:31:21,680 --> 00:31:25,400 combining a visit to Jewel Lodge with a boat trip. 710 00:31:26,199 --> 00:31:28,400 That is a beautiful day, isn't it? 711 00:31:29,360 --> 00:31:31,400 How are you today? Good, now! 712 00:31:31,440 --> 00:31:32,839 We're all excited. 713 00:31:35,639 --> 00:31:38,879 Our destination, Garnish Island, just across the road, 714 00:31:38,959 --> 00:31:41,199 but a million miles away from reality. 715 00:31:41,879 --> 00:31:44,319 You know, this is an absolute fantastic facility 716 00:31:44,360 --> 00:31:46,040 on your doorstep. 717 00:31:46,080 --> 00:31:48,199 People come from all around the south-west of Ireland 718 00:31:48,239 --> 00:31:50,080 on their holidays. They might be staying in Baltimore, 719 00:31:50,120 --> 00:31:52,199 they could be staying in Cork, they could be staying in Killarney, 720 00:31:52,239 --> 00:31:54,239 and they come down to Glengarriff for the day. 721 00:31:54,319 --> 00:31:57,040 And it's right on your doorstep here across the road. 722 00:31:57,120 --> 00:32:00,319 So a nice big sign outside attracts people, because those people will 723 00:32:00,400 --> 00:32:01,400 come back to this area again, 724 00:32:01,480 --> 00:32:03,559 and it's like "Oh, yeah, that place. We'll go there." 725 00:32:03,599 --> 00:32:05,519 Yeah. Yeah. "We'll go and do the trip in the morning, 726 00:32:05,559 --> 00:32:07,760 and we'll go to spa for the afternoon." Mm! 727 00:32:10,199 --> 00:32:12,279 The more happens in an area, the better. 728 00:32:12,360 --> 00:32:14,080 Yeah. And this is quality tourism. 729 00:32:14,160 --> 00:32:16,680 It brings the kind of client that you will want as well. 730 00:32:16,760 --> 00:32:19,879 So the whole thing is a lovely little jigsaw coming together. 731 00:32:19,959 --> 00:32:22,239 Doesn't all have to be bedroom-based for you. 732 00:32:22,279 --> 00:32:25,279 Yeah, absolutely. You know, the day business is as lucrative. 733 00:32:28,319 --> 00:32:30,919 It's the natural feel to it. 734 00:32:31,000 --> 00:32:34,800 That is just lovely. Yeah. And the mix of plants. 735 00:32:34,879 --> 00:32:36,319 Get ideas now for the spa. 736 00:32:36,400 --> 00:32:37,480 It's all so tropical, 737 00:32:37,559 --> 00:32:39,440 sure, look at this here, isn't that just glorious? 738 00:32:39,919 --> 00:32:42,000 ♪ (gentle piano music, birdsong) 739 00:32:45,360 --> 00:32:47,639 Now look at this! 740 00:32:47,720 --> 00:32:49,879 Wow. Isn't that spectacular? 741 00:32:49,919 --> 00:32:52,440 It is, it's gorgeous. Check out the smells as well! 742 00:32:55,080 --> 00:32:58,839 Garnish Island attracts 65,000 people every year, 743 00:32:58,879 --> 00:33:01,279 and that's a massive resource on your doorstep 744 00:33:01,319 --> 00:33:03,360 'cause all of those people have nothing to do. 745 00:33:03,440 --> 00:33:05,599 All they want is to have a good time because they're on vacation, 746 00:33:05,680 --> 00:33:06,720 they're on holidays. 747 00:33:06,800 --> 00:33:08,400 So the more they pack into their day, 748 00:33:08,440 --> 00:33:10,040 the better their experience for them, 749 00:33:10,120 --> 00:33:12,279 and what you have over there is really special. 750 00:33:12,360 --> 00:33:14,279 So you need to tap into what's coming here. 751 00:33:16,319 --> 00:33:18,959 This place has something really unique 752 00:33:19,000 --> 00:33:21,120 to offer Aiveen and Keelin's business, 753 00:33:21,160 --> 00:33:22,959 in a word, synergy. 754 00:33:23,760 --> 00:33:26,319 This is really about wellbeing, Garnish Island, 755 00:33:26,400 --> 00:33:28,199 'cause when you come here and you walk through the whole place 756 00:33:28,239 --> 00:33:30,480 and you see the plants and you smell the aromas, 757 00:33:30,519 --> 00:33:33,800 all of those things bring mindfulness to the whole table. 758 00:33:33,839 --> 00:33:36,120 Yeah! And what you're doing across the road is 759 00:33:36,160 --> 00:33:39,839 the exact same thing, and you only want 1% of the 65,000. 760 00:33:39,919 --> 00:33:41,879 That's all you're looking for. Yeah! That would be nice. 761 00:33:46,480 --> 00:33:49,879 Even closer to home, in fact, right next door to Jewel Lodge, 762 00:33:49,959 --> 00:33:53,080 there's another obvious tie-in that's too good to miss. 763 00:33:55,120 --> 00:33:57,760 So this is another very interesting business locally, 764 00:33:57,800 --> 00:34:00,440 for two reasons, okay? 765 00:34:00,519 --> 00:34:03,160 First reason is it brings an awful lot of business to the area 766 00:34:03,199 --> 00:34:06,519 because people come, societies and things like that. Yeah. 767 00:34:06,599 --> 00:34:08,120 But more important, in my mind, 768 00:34:08,160 --> 00:34:12,279 is its membership, which you can get access to. 769 00:34:12,720 --> 00:34:13,760 (thwack) 770 00:34:14,680 --> 00:34:18,519 Time for a chat with the club's manager, David O'Sullivan. 771 00:34:23,199 --> 00:34:24,959 Hi, David. How are ya? How are ya? 772 00:34:25,040 --> 00:34:26,879 John, nice to meet you. Welcome to Glengarriff Golf Club. 773 00:34:26,959 --> 00:34:28,440 So now the ladies are opening a spa 774 00:34:28,480 --> 00:34:30,199 just literally across the road, okay? Great. 775 00:34:30,319 --> 00:34:32,519 So we want to enquire, what are the synergies and what do you see 776 00:34:32,599 --> 00:34:35,360 would be the benefit for the both of ye together? 777 00:34:35,440 --> 00:34:37,120 Well, the fact you've got bedrooms is a massive help, 778 00:34:37,160 --> 00:34:38,800 so close to the golf club. 779 00:34:38,879 --> 00:34:40,360 What we have is a lot of couples would come in, 780 00:34:40,400 --> 00:34:42,080 and they would stay for the week, 781 00:34:42,160 --> 00:34:44,480 and the ladies would play the one weekend, the gents on the other, 782 00:34:44,559 --> 00:34:46,760 and in between, there's obviously gonna be crossovers 783 00:34:46,800 --> 00:34:48,000 and something to do, so 784 00:34:48,040 --> 00:34:51,760 between this lodge nearby and the spa, it'll be super. 785 00:34:54,279 --> 00:34:55,440 How many members would you have here? 786 00:34:55,519 --> 00:34:57,080 So we have about 100 active local members. Right. 787 00:34:57,160 --> 00:35:00,720 And we're probably closer to 200 overall than, with the wider net. 788 00:35:00,800 --> 00:35:04,040 So if the spa was able to offer a special offer for members, 789 00:35:04,080 --> 00:35:05,959 would that be something you'd be interested in circulating? 790 00:35:06,000 --> 00:35:08,760 Absolutely. Yeah, yeah. We'd love to support a local business, 791 00:35:08,800 --> 00:35:10,959 and if there's benefit for our members, too, that'd be fantastic. 792 00:35:11,040 --> 00:35:13,519 So perhaps we have an open day, 793 00:35:13,559 --> 00:35:15,800 and we invite the members over or something of that nature... 794 00:35:15,839 --> 00:35:18,919 Yeah! Super! Or give them a pass to come for their first time. 795 00:35:19,000 --> 00:35:21,040 That's an idea. Super idea. Absolutely. 796 00:35:21,120 --> 00:35:23,120 Be delighted. That's how do we get access to them, yeah. 797 00:35:23,160 --> 00:35:24,800 Absolutely. We'd be delighted. Yeah, yeah. 798 00:35:24,839 --> 00:35:26,559 And you're also getting access locally 799 00:35:26,599 --> 00:35:28,400 to get the word out locally. Uh huh. 800 00:35:28,480 --> 00:35:30,959 Like, it's a huge resource, particularly on your doorstep. 801 00:35:31,040 --> 00:35:32,599 It's literally... you can walk across. 802 00:35:32,680 --> 00:35:33,959 You're literally a shot away. 803 00:35:34,000 --> 00:35:35,480 (laughter) You are, really! Yeah! Yeah! 804 00:35:35,559 --> 00:35:37,319 Well, the way some people are playing today, 805 00:35:37,360 --> 00:35:39,400 you could be a shot away! (laughter) 806 00:35:45,319 --> 00:35:48,599 (Francis) So far, we've shown Aiveen and Keelin the big picture. 807 00:35:48,680 --> 00:35:51,519 But when it comes to creating a personalised experience 808 00:35:51,559 --> 00:35:54,319 for guests, it's all in the detail. 809 00:35:54,400 --> 00:35:58,440 So today, I'm taking them to one of my very own happy places. 810 00:35:59,519 --> 00:36:00,919 Where have you brought me? 811 00:36:01,000 --> 00:36:04,000 I brought you to Murrays Textiles in Charleville. 812 00:36:04,080 --> 00:36:05,639 They're in business for 110 years. 813 00:36:05,720 --> 00:36:09,279 I've dealt with grandad, daddy, and now, Áine. 814 00:36:09,360 --> 00:36:11,279 Wow! So we're on three generations. 815 00:36:11,360 --> 00:36:13,360 Wow! Yeah, isn't it great? 816 00:36:14,199 --> 00:36:16,080 So now, what are we doing first, Áine? 817 00:36:16,160 --> 00:36:18,360 We're gonna show Keelin our range of towels. 818 00:36:18,440 --> 00:36:19,519 Towels, right. 819 00:36:19,599 --> 00:36:21,760 So now, what have you got for us? 820 00:36:21,839 --> 00:36:26,000 So here we have a 500 gram bath sheet and a 600 gram bath sheet. 821 00:36:26,080 --> 00:36:27,360 So what's the advantage of the heavier one then? 822 00:36:27,440 --> 00:36:29,120 It's a more luxurious towel, yeah, yeah. 823 00:36:29,160 --> 00:36:30,800 It's just a more luxurious towel. Okay. 824 00:36:30,879 --> 00:36:32,639 Okay. But there's very little difference in it. 825 00:36:32,720 --> 00:36:36,080 The 500 one is just as good, you know, and it dries quicker. 826 00:36:36,639 --> 00:36:37,680 Do you have to go for white? 827 00:36:37,720 --> 00:36:39,239 Well, look, give me those colours there, 828 00:36:39,279 --> 00:36:41,360 till I just show you, alright? 829 00:36:41,440 --> 00:36:44,040 Somebody spills bleach on that, and you can see it immediately. 830 00:36:44,120 --> 00:36:45,720 This, you never have to worry. 831 00:36:45,800 --> 00:36:47,199 It washes forever. 832 00:36:47,279 --> 00:36:49,160 And what price are they running at? 833 00:36:49,239 --> 00:36:51,519 Hand towels, you'd be talking 2 Euros, 834 00:36:51,559 --> 00:36:54,839 bath sheet, 8 Euros, and a facecloth, about 50 cents or so. 835 00:36:54,919 --> 00:36:57,239 Right. Yeah. Well, that's a good price. Okay. 836 00:36:57,319 --> 00:36:58,800 I can tell you straight away. Alright. 837 00:36:58,879 --> 00:37:01,559 And how many sets would you need for every bathroom? 838 00:37:01,639 --> 00:37:04,480 So you would need six different sets per your bathroom. 839 00:37:04,559 --> 00:37:06,000 Okay. 840 00:37:06,080 --> 00:37:09,360 Here we have... it's a 180 TC polycotton. 841 00:37:09,440 --> 00:37:12,239 So it's 50% poly, 50% cotton. Don't want it. 842 00:37:12,319 --> 00:37:14,000 Okay. (laughs) 843 00:37:14,040 --> 00:37:17,480 It's... We don't want poly at all. Okay, so just cotton. 844 00:37:17,559 --> 00:37:19,440 So what have we got here? This is a non-allergenic 845 00:37:19,480 --> 00:37:22,160 microfibre duvet. microfibre? Yeah. 846 00:37:22,239 --> 00:37:25,000 People love the fact that the feather duvets hug the body 847 00:37:25,040 --> 00:37:29,839 and perform very well. And this is made to do the same. 848 00:37:30,639 --> 00:37:33,919 If these are as promised, I think these are a better buy for you... 849 00:37:33,959 --> 00:37:37,000 Okay. ..Keelin, than the feather and down. Now onto pillows, is it? 850 00:37:37,040 --> 00:37:38,839 Yeah! And the duvets. Yeah, right. 851 00:37:38,919 --> 00:37:41,680 Similar to the duvets, it's made to feel like a feather pillow... 852 00:37:41,760 --> 00:37:45,760 Oh, yes. But it's also a microfibre synthetic option. Right. 853 00:37:45,839 --> 00:37:47,040 Anyway, this is brilliant. 854 00:37:47,120 --> 00:37:48,959 I'm very happy with this, and I think you should be, too. 855 00:37:49,000 --> 00:37:50,000 Perfect. 856 00:37:53,599 --> 00:37:56,040 This would be our velour robe. 857 00:37:56,120 --> 00:37:58,480 So this for us now, we would do this in a charcoal grey, 858 00:37:58,519 --> 00:38:01,720 and we do it in a white. It's probably our most popular seller. 859 00:38:01,760 --> 00:38:05,040 You'd see it in spas, you'd see it in all hotel bedrooms. 860 00:38:05,120 --> 00:38:06,639 Francis, would we go for two different colours? 861 00:38:06,720 --> 00:38:09,000 Like, one for the spa, one for the bedroom? No, 862 00:38:09,080 --> 00:38:10,680 we'll go the one colour throughout. 863 00:38:10,760 --> 00:38:12,639 A spa EATS robes. 864 00:38:12,720 --> 00:38:13,879 Yeah, okay. Eats them! 865 00:38:13,919 --> 00:38:15,000 Don't ask me how. 866 00:38:15,080 --> 00:38:18,040 It's like as everybody wears three robes. Okay. So, 867 00:38:18,120 --> 00:38:20,319 we'll be buying a good few, 868 00:38:20,360 --> 00:38:21,680 then we won't be buying, like, two extra 869 00:38:21,720 --> 00:38:23,199 because we have 12 people staying 870 00:38:23,279 --> 00:38:24,800 and we only want 14. Forget it. Okay. 871 00:38:24,879 --> 00:38:27,440 You'll be ordering 35 or 36 or something. Ah, okay. 872 00:38:27,519 --> 00:38:29,720 But that is a lovely robe. Right. 873 00:38:29,800 --> 00:38:31,199 And what price is that actually? 874 00:38:31,279 --> 00:38:34,680 That will be coming in at about 20.95, isn't it? 875 00:38:34,760 --> 00:38:36,879 About 21 or 2 Euros. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, yeah. 876 00:38:36,919 --> 00:38:38,839 And size-wise, one fits all, you're saying. 877 00:38:38,879 --> 00:38:40,879 Even though a lot of our guests will be ladies, probably. 878 00:38:40,959 --> 00:38:42,519 Forget it. Wrap them round 'em. 879 00:38:42,599 --> 00:38:45,000 Wrap it round 'em. You can't be doing large, small and medium, 880 00:38:45,040 --> 00:38:46,199 you'll be driven mad! Okay, okay. 881 00:38:46,239 --> 00:38:47,559 And you've to buy a whole pile of stock! 882 00:38:50,680 --> 00:38:52,120 I'm gonna have to sit down, really, 883 00:38:52,160 --> 00:38:53,360 and just look at the budget. 884 00:38:53,440 --> 00:38:57,120 I wasn't expecting that we'd need as many robes or as many towels. 885 00:38:57,199 --> 00:39:00,160 So look, it's absolutely... we have to do it this way. 886 00:39:00,239 --> 00:39:02,480 So there's a non... no compromise, really, 887 00:39:02,519 --> 00:39:04,040 when it comes to what we're buying here. 888 00:39:04,120 --> 00:39:05,839 So it's just gonna have to fit into the budget. 889 00:39:09,080 --> 00:39:12,639 If only the rest of the spa was as easy to buy off the shelf. 890 00:39:12,720 --> 00:39:14,599 With launch day barely a month away, 891 00:39:14,639 --> 00:39:18,160 we really need to keep the pressure on. 892 00:39:18,239 --> 00:39:21,639 (Aiveen laughs) Oh, I was worried about John Brennan visiting. 893 00:39:21,720 --> 00:39:25,440 All our great plans turn out to not be great plans after talking! 894 00:39:25,519 --> 00:39:28,000 Oh, it's nicely painted. Yeah. Lovely colour. 895 00:39:28,080 --> 00:39:30,519 And you always wait for him to kind of make you think 896 00:39:30,559 --> 00:39:31,680 that you haven't a clue what you're doing. 897 00:39:31,760 --> 00:39:34,639 He'll have to find something wrong, and he probably will. 898 00:39:34,720 --> 00:39:36,879 We're doing what we can! 899 00:39:36,959 --> 00:39:38,839 So your sauna's here then, is it? Yeah. 900 00:39:38,919 --> 00:39:41,599 Yes, at the back here. Okay. And then here is... 901 00:39:41,680 --> 00:39:43,319 Hot tub. Hot tub. Okay. 902 00:39:43,360 --> 00:39:45,839 If he says anything, I'll have to go at him because we've 903 00:39:45,879 --> 00:39:48,040 done exactly what he's told us. Yeah. 904 00:39:48,080 --> 00:39:50,279 But. eh, no, in other words, we are worried. (laughs) 905 00:39:51,160 --> 00:39:52,319 Your path is lovely, 906 00:39:52,360 --> 00:39:54,760 and your planting each side I think is gorgeous. 907 00:39:54,839 --> 00:39:57,400 Are you going to keep this grass or what are you thinking of? 908 00:39:57,480 --> 00:40:00,199 We put it down to see what it actually would look like. 909 00:40:00,279 --> 00:40:02,440 Everything here should be natural. Yeah. 910 00:40:02,519 --> 00:40:04,440 Okay? That's the whole beauty of this place 911 00:40:04,480 --> 00:40:06,639 is that you're making the most of your river. Yeah. Yeah. 912 00:40:06,720 --> 00:40:08,639 Plastic grass doesn't come into it. Yeah. Okay. 913 00:40:08,720 --> 00:40:10,279 We just thought it'd be nice. 914 00:40:10,360 --> 00:40:13,120 The spa will attract one type of customer, 915 00:40:13,199 --> 00:40:14,559 the apartments will attract another, 916 00:40:14,599 --> 00:40:16,760 but both need to work in harmony. 917 00:40:18,400 --> 00:40:21,279 The style of the furniture and the table, 918 00:40:21,360 --> 00:40:25,599 you could buy it in any furniture shop on any roundabout, 919 00:40:25,639 --> 00:40:27,559 in any town in the country. 920 00:40:27,639 --> 00:40:31,919 I I thought ye'd go for a little bit more design-orientated, 921 00:40:31,959 --> 00:40:35,800 Danish-influenced Scandinavian feel. 922 00:40:35,879 --> 00:40:38,839 Now, the chairs aren't Scandi... We put these in last night. Yes. 923 00:40:38,919 --> 00:40:41,279 Just to kinda finish it off. To relax, was it? 924 00:40:41,360 --> 00:40:44,279 Yeah, at about half past twelve, because we knew you were coming, 925 00:40:44,360 --> 00:40:45,519 but they will be gone. 926 00:40:47,480 --> 00:40:49,239 And where do you eat? 927 00:40:49,319 --> 00:40:51,879 We're waiting on our Scandinavian-style table. 928 00:40:51,959 --> 00:40:53,680 So we are gonna go... It's being flown in, is it? 929 00:40:53,720 --> 00:40:56,279 It's being flown in from, yeah, Scandinavia. 930 00:40:56,720 --> 00:41:00,040 It's a fine space, isn't it? Yeah, this is a lovely room. 931 00:41:00,120 --> 00:41:01,879 It is, yeah. Lovely outside. Yeah, yeah. 932 00:41:01,959 --> 00:41:07,000 Okay, now, where do you honestly believe you are on time? 933 00:41:07,080 --> 00:41:09,720 Well, we have painters coming next week, 934 00:41:09,760 --> 00:41:11,519 and they're quite happy this will be 935 00:41:11,599 --> 00:41:13,800 painted within two weeks, the two areas. 936 00:41:13,879 --> 00:41:16,040 We've furniture that's ready to go. 937 00:41:16,120 --> 00:41:18,680 And tell me now, what are you doing here, lighting-wise? 938 00:41:18,760 --> 00:41:21,160 We'll probably keep the lights that are there. 939 00:41:21,239 --> 00:41:23,720 They're not that bright. Right, okay. So... 940 00:41:23,800 --> 00:41:29,319 We'll put lamps and maybe, em, kind of mood lighting. Okay. Yeah. 941 00:41:29,400 --> 00:41:33,040 And do you think the look of them is right for a relaxation room? 942 00:41:33,120 --> 00:41:35,080 Probably not. Well, we can always replace them 943 00:41:35,120 --> 00:41:37,800 and just put something more simple. 944 00:41:37,879 --> 00:41:41,760 It is extremely important when the people walk through that door 945 00:41:41,839 --> 00:41:44,559 for their very first time, that they get a "wow", 946 00:41:44,599 --> 00:41:47,440 because what you have going on here deserves a "wow". 947 00:41:47,519 --> 00:41:50,879 Right. But if it's not right, you've lost the bite of the cherry. 948 00:41:50,919 --> 00:41:52,800 Okay. All that needs to be thought through... 949 00:41:52,839 --> 00:41:56,959 Yeah. And you need to have a plan because up until five minutes ago, 950 00:41:57,000 --> 00:41:59,720 these lights were grand on the wall. Okay, so I think there's a 951 00:41:59,760 --> 00:42:01,800 ferocious amount of work to be done in here 952 00:42:01,879 --> 00:42:03,559 in three or four weeks' time. 953 00:42:03,639 --> 00:42:05,760 And I think it takes all the shoulders to the wheel 954 00:42:05,800 --> 00:42:07,080 to get it across the line, 955 00:42:07,160 --> 00:42:09,639 and it has to be across the line the day you open. 956 00:42:12,160 --> 00:42:14,080 The one thing that I'm most concerned about today 957 00:42:14,120 --> 00:42:16,800 is actually the opening date that they have in their mind, 958 00:42:16,839 --> 00:42:18,919 'cause I do not believe this place will be ready 959 00:42:18,959 --> 00:42:21,639 to the standard it should be brought to the market at 960 00:42:21,680 --> 00:42:23,080 in four to five weeks. 961 00:42:23,160 --> 00:42:25,279 I just think that's totally unrealistic, 962 00:42:25,360 --> 00:42:30,120 and I think the ladies' thoughts on getting it finished 963 00:42:30,160 --> 00:42:31,919 isn't where it should be. 964 00:42:34,360 --> 00:42:38,160 A week later, with John's words ringing in their ears, 965 00:42:38,199 --> 00:42:40,879 the pace of the build has really picked up. 966 00:42:40,959 --> 00:42:42,639 (Dennis) I'm very relieved to have that in there, 967 00:42:42,680 --> 00:42:44,639 and I know everything is the right size. 968 00:42:45,440 --> 00:42:46,919 I know all the concrete is right, 969 00:42:46,959 --> 00:42:50,319 and it went in there without a hitch. 970 00:42:50,400 --> 00:42:52,319 It went in without a hitch, thanks be to God. 971 00:42:54,519 --> 00:42:58,120 We got slated by John Brennan last week about our furniture. 972 00:42:58,199 --> 00:43:00,559 So Aiveen went out on a whim the other day, 973 00:43:00,599 --> 00:43:02,319 and she literally went and bought 974 00:43:02,400 --> 00:43:04,040 new couches and new furniture. It's just worth it. 975 00:43:04,120 --> 00:43:05,599 Let's get it right from the start. 976 00:43:05,680 --> 00:43:07,120 So that's coming today as well. 977 00:43:09,199 --> 00:43:11,080 These are the kind of the main... 978 00:43:11,120 --> 00:43:13,599 last main things are being delivered today, now. 979 00:43:13,680 --> 00:43:15,919 So it's beginning to come together. 980 00:43:16,000 --> 00:43:19,559 Hopefully in time for opening in under four weeks' time. 981 00:43:19,639 --> 00:43:22,480 We'll prove John Brennan wrong yet! (laughs) 982 00:43:23,120 --> 00:43:26,559 (John) Well, I sincerely hope you do, because time's running out. 983 00:43:28,239 --> 00:43:30,040 Oh, and the sauna? Yeah. 984 00:43:30,120 --> 00:43:33,760 That doesn't look as if it's been treated. It's not treated. 985 00:43:33,839 --> 00:43:36,000 Yeah. We asked the guy before he left. 986 00:43:36,080 --> 00:43:37,480 We were told it was treated, were we? 987 00:43:37,559 --> 00:43:39,279 We were told that was all treated timber. 988 00:43:39,360 --> 00:43:42,120 We'll have to treat it immediately before it gets wet. 989 00:43:42,199 --> 00:43:44,959 Before it gets wet? In West Cork? Yeah. 990 00:43:45,040 --> 00:43:46,680 Oh, that's ridiculous, Keelin! 991 00:43:46,760 --> 00:43:48,519 That really annoys me now. 992 00:43:48,599 --> 00:43:50,919 Do we have to treat inside as well? 993 00:43:51,000 --> 00:43:55,639 That's not finished off at all. 994 00:43:55,720 --> 00:43:57,839 Well, it's very annoying because we're under severe pressure now 995 00:43:57,879 --> 00:44:01,120 to prove John wrong, to be open when we want to be open. 996 00:44:01,199 --> 00:44:03,040 And now that's... it's probably going to be a day's work 997 00:44:03,080 --> 00:44:05,120 to do that, if it's going to take three coats, 998 00:44:05,160 --> 00:44:07,279 it can't get wet and it has to be painted 999 00:44:07,319 --> 00:44:10,160 before it gets wet, which is probably overnight. 1000 00:44:10,239 --> 00:44:11,559 We've an awful lot of work to do, 1001 00:44:11,599 --> 00:44:12,959 and that would have been something we 1002 00:44:13,040 --> 00:44:15,639 would have particularly hoped would have been done already, 1003 00:44:15,680 --> 00:44:17,440 like they promised us. Yeah. 1004 00:44:24,639 --> 00:44:26,319 Oops! Sorry. 1005 00:44:27,080 --> 00:44:28,959 A month later, Aiveen and Keelin 1006 00:44:29,040 --> 00:44:31,040 have risen to the challenge. 1007 00:44:31,120 --> 00:44:35,040 Jewel Lodge is all polished up and ready for its first guests. 1008 00:44:36,919 --> 00:44:38,800 All done? Job done. 1009 00:44:46,480 --> 00:44:49,160 Hello, ladies. Ah, hello! How are ya? Hi Francis! 1010 00:44:49,199 --> 00:44:52,080 Are ye all set for a busy few days? We are, we are! 1011 00:44:52,120 --> 00:44:54,360 Well, that's great now. So I'll have a great look around. Okay? 1012 00:44:54,440 --> 00:44:55,919 Brilliant. Yeah. Yeah! (Aiveen sighs) 1013 00:44:56,000 --> 00:44:57,199 Hopefully, he likes it, yeah! 1014 00:44:57,279 --> 00:44:58,760 (Aiveen laughs) That's it. That's it. 1015 00:45:00,400 --> 00:45:02,040 First things first. 1016 00:45:02,120 --> 00:45:03,599 Those new apartments. 1017 00:45:03,680 --> 00:45:05,000 So this is the lounge... 1018 00:45:05,080 --> 00:45:06,760 Very hospitable, I must say. 1019 00:45:07,599 --> 00:45:10,160 This room is a lovely feel, too, and the colours are lovely. 1020 00:45:10,239 --> 00:45:12,919 It's very soothing, the whole place. 1021 00:45:13,000 --> 00:45:15,319 And the kitchen is well-equipped, which is good. 1022 00:45:21,239 --> 00:45:22,879 Yeah, this has a lovely feel. 1023 00:45:22,959 --> 00:45:25,760 I must say the colour coordination is terrific. 1024 00:45:25,839 --> 00:45:27,919 And it... I love that green. It's very nice. 1025 00:45:35,440 --> 00:45:37,919 Now, this is good. There's a bit of a Scandi feel here 1026 00:45:37,959 --> 00:45:40,120 with the wood finish, which looks nice. 1027 00:45:40,199 --> 00:45:42,440 There's a nice little feel about it. 1028 00:45:42,519 --> 00:45:46,120 The sisters couldn't afford a third apartment, so instead, 1029 00:45:46,199 --> 00:45:49,120 they've created an extra-large overspill bedroom 1030 00:45:49,160 --> 00:45:52,680 and spent the rest of their budget on the all-important spa. 1031 00:45:56,080 --> 00:45:57,120 Oh, this is lovely. 1032 00:46:03,599 --> 00:46:05,480 The height is what makes it here, the windows, 1033 00:46:05,519 --> 00:46:08,279 with gorgeous views out over the river. 1034 00:46:09,519 --> 00:46:11,199 (whispering) It's very relaxing. 1035 00:46:14,279 --> 00:46:16,239 The colour blends in very well. 1036 00:46:16,319 --> 00:46:18,360 This looks like a wine fridge. 1037 00:46:20,760 --> 00:46:22,959 Oh, no, it's the infra-red sauna. 1038 00:46:23,959 --> 00:46:26,400 Very compact and very nice. 1039 00:46:26,480 --> 00:46:27,760 It's a great size. 1040 00:46:27,800 --> 00:46:30,279 ♪ (gentle piano music) 1041 00:46:32,800 --> 00:46:34,120 (water rushing) 1042 00:46:39,360 --> 00:46:42,279 They've it very nicely landscaped, which is good. 1043 00:46:42,519 --> 00:46:44,480 Oh, the hot tub! I wonder, is it hot? 1044 00:46:45,400 --> 00:46:47,360 Oh, it is! It's lovely and hot! 1045 00:46:48,440 --> 00:46:49,919 Now. 1046 00:46:52,760 --> 00:46:54,239 It's lovely and warm. 1047 00:46:54,319 --> 00:46:56,559 Really rejuvenating my skin. 1048 00:46:56,639 --> 00:46:58,680 If I had time to get into it, but it's really lovely, 1049 00:46:58,720 --> 00:47:00,360 and it fits in gorgeous on the site. 1050 00:47:01,879 --> 00:47:04,839 Terrific! Oh, I'll have to have a go at this. 1051 00:47:06,519 --> 00:47:07,839 (splash) 1052 00:47:09,319 --> 00:47:11,199 (laughs) 1053 00:47:11,239 --> 00:47:12,760 It's a good job I wasn't under it! 1054 00:47:13,639 --> 00:47:15,519 It's absolutely fantastic now, 1055 00:47:15,559 --> 00:47:18,760 and the environment is just beautiful. 1056 00:47:18,839 --> 00:47:20,519 So well done. 1057 00:47:20,599 --> 00:47:22,080 There ye are now. Hi! 1058 00:47:22,120 --> 00:47:24,959 Ladies of leisure! We wish! You wish, yeah, yeah. 1059 00:47:25,040 --> 00:47:27,559 Now, I had a great look around, and you're ready to open? 1060 00:47:27,639 --> 00:47:29,559 Yes! Yes. (both laugh) 1061 00:47:33,239 --> 00:47:35,599 I'm very proud of the pair of you. 1062 00:47:35,639 --> 00:47:38,440 And instead of doing a ribbon, we were going to do a candle 1063 00:47:38,519 --> 00:47:40,760 in the honour of the spa. 1064 00:47:42,120 --> 00:47:44,879 Now, congratulations. (applause) 1065 00:47:44,959 --> 00:47:47,800 Aiveen and Keelin are hosting a soft launch 1066 00:47:47,839 --> 00:47:49,559 in the form of an open weekend. 1067 00:47:49,639 --> 00:47:51,319 First up... (ding) 1068 00:47:51,360 --> 00:47:53,760 Let's clear our minds and consider the benefits of 1069 00:47:53,839 --> 00:47:58,279 losing a tiny pool and gaining a spacious meditation room. 1070 00:47:58,360 --> 00:47:59,599 (in Irish) Quiet now! 1071 00:48:07,480 --> 00:48:10,040 (whispers) I haven't been this quiet for years. 1072 00:48:11,959 --> 00:48:13,839 Hi there, how are ya? Hi! 1073 00:48:13,919 --> 00:48:15,440 You're very welcome. And with that, 1074 00:48:15,480 --> 00:48:19,040 Jewel Lodge welcomes its very first guests. 1075 00:48:19,120 --> 00:48:21,959 ..is the living room area and kitchen. 1076 00:48:22,040 --> 00:48:24,680 So you can make yourselves comfortable here. Yeah. 1077 00:48:24,760 --> 00:48:26,040 It's fab. 1078 00:48:26,080 --> 00:48:27,519 Thanks very much. 1079 00:48:30,000 --> 00:48:33,199 I was so impressed by the level of detail that they went to here. 1080 00:48:33,279 --> 00:48:35,519 It feels like somewhere that's been open for years. 1081 00:48:35,599 --> 00:48:38,760 The view and the set up and everything, it's so natural. 1082 00:48:38,839 --> 00:48:39,839 It was amazing. 1083 00:48:43,160 --> 00:48:44,559 (crowd chattering) 1084 00:48:47,480 --> 00:48:49,239 I suppose the high point was to see the 1085 00:48:49,279 --> 00:48:50,720 saunas and hot tubs come in here 1086 00:48:50,760 --> 00:48:53,080 because I knew it was coming to an end then. 1087 00:48:53,160 --> 00:48:56,599 I knew it was coming to an end and I knew it was a success. 1088 00:48:56,680 --> 00:48:58,080 It's lovely. 1089 00:49:02,239 --> 00:49:04,239 So now, it's time for me to go, 1090 00:49:04,319 --> 00:49:05,559 so I'll leave you with a big party. 1091 00:49:05,639 --> 00:49:06,959 Please God it'll go on till all hours. 1092 00:49:07,040 --> 00:49:09,080 So I just wanted to say you've done a fantastic job here. 1093 00:49:09,160 --> 00:49:10,680 The finish here, and the style, 1094 00:49:10,720 --> 00:49:13,000 and the running water is just lovely. 1095 00:49:13,080 --> 00:49:15,160 The biggest thing you have to do now is sales. 1096 00:49:15,239 --> 00:49:16,599 Sales, sales, sales. 1097 00:49:16,680 --> 00:49:17,680 That's what it's all about. 1098 00:49:20,519 --> 00:49:22,800 Follow your dreams! It was always my dream 1099 00:49:22,839 --> 00:49:26,519 to open a spa, and I can't believe it's actually come true! 1100 00:49:26,599 --> 00:49:28,639 You know? So, keep going, and it does happen. 1101 00:50:02,360 --> 00:50:05,879 Subtitles: RTÉ 2024