Native, the award-winning landscape hotel in West Cork, is entering a new chapter this autumn with the debut of three meticulously designed Garden Suites and the opening of its Milking Parlour dining space. Combining contemporary Irish craft with a deep commitment to sustainability, the new suites offer private gardens, outdoor baths, and, in the Deluxe Suite, a private sauna, positioning Native as one of Ireland’s most compelling luxury retreats for travelers seeking peace, nature, and refinement.
Garden Suites: Where Nature and Craft Converge
Tucked among the wildflowers and trees of Native’s 2.5-acre grounds, the new Garden Suites are designed as secluded sanctuaries. Each suite features hemp-plastered walls, oak joinery, and Irish linen, creating interiors that balance texture, calm, and warmth. Superking beds are layered with Mourne textiles and hand-dyed linens, while bespoke ceramics crafted on nearby Cape Clear Island and antique sugan chairs nod to Irish heritage.
Large windows frame the gardens outside, inviting natural light and the rhythms of the landscape into the space. Outdoors, guests can retreat to their own private haven with curated seating areas and deep outdoor baths—perfect for starlit soaks after days spent exploring the West Cork coast. The Deluxe Suite extends this sense of retreat further, with its own private sauna.
Sustainability is integral: air-source heat pump underfloor heating, reclaimed building materials, and hemp insulation ensure comfort with minimal environmental impact. With nightly rates from €350—or €450 for the Deluxe Suite, these rooms set a new standard for eco-luxury on Ireland’s Atlantic seaboard.
A Growing Estate
Native opened in August 2024 with its three-bedroom Guesthouse, where antiques sit comfortably alongside mid-century design classics and custom timber joinery. The Guesthouse can be booked by the room (from €200 per night including breakfast) or as an exclusive-use hideaway for up to six guests (€650 per night).
Guests have access to Native’s Garden Sauna, clad in sustainable timber and scented with botanicals curated by herbalist Jen Doran. Aromatherapy rituals and foraged teas complement the serene setting, creating a sensory wellness experience.
September 2025 welcomed the arrival of the Milking Parlour, a new dining and event space at the heart of the property. Once a working farm building, it has been reimagined as a hub for culinary and cultural experiences. Guests can expect dinners celebrating local produce, collaborative supper clubs, and live music night, events that showcase the creative energy of West Cork.
Rewilding as a Mission
What sets Native apart is its dedication to ecological renewal. Twenty percent of the property’s profits are invested in a nearby 75-acre rewilding site. Here, native trees and plants are being restored, invasive species removed, and biodiversity nurtured. Guests are encouraged to visit the site to learn about the project and witness the landscape’s gradual transformation.
This commitment reflects the vision of founders Simon and Didi Ronan. With Simon’s background in sustainable landscape architecture, the couple have embedded environmental responsibility into every detail of Native, ensuring that the hotel not only coexists with its surroundings but actively enhances them.
The Ballydehob Setting
Native’s appeal extends beyond its gates. The village of Ballydehob has long attracted an artistic and bohemian community, and today it remains a hub of culture and gastronomy. Levi’s Corner House is one of Ireland’s most celebrated live music venues, while Michelin-starred restaurant Chestnut draws food lovers from across the country.
Further afield, West Cork offers a wealth of experiences: swimming at Barleycove’s sweeping sandy beach, night kayaking through bioluminescence in Loch Hyne, browsing Skibbereen’s farmer’s market, or enjoying a pint in the garden of Ahakista’s Tin Pub on the Sheep’s Head Peninsula.
Looking ahead, 2026 will bring bespoke Native packages curated from the Ronans’ network of local artisans and producers: immersive experiences designed to connect guests more deeply with the region’s food, craft, and community.
Redefining Irish Luxury
Native’s expansion confirms its place at the forefront of Ireland’s evolving luxury hospitality scene. The Garden Suites are not merely new rooms; they are a continuation of a philosophy that marries design and sustainability, indulgence and responsibility.
For travelers seeking a retreat that feels at once grounding and elevated, Native offers a rare combination: the stillness of nature, the richness of local culture, and the assurance that their stay contributes to the regeneration of the land.
For more information, visit www.native.ie.
