Brought to you by The Imperial Hotel & Spa.

As Oscar Wilde noted, a flower blossoms for its own joy.

But one Cork hotel is rolling out a spectacular floral welcome designed to transport and delight guests and visitors alike this summer.

While researching Princess Grace as part of the 60th anniversary of her stay in Cork in 2021, the team at Cork’s grande dame, The Imperial Hotel on the South Mall, discovered that she had a passion for flowers.

In fact, in 1980 the Hollywood star-turned-royal published a book with Gwen Robyns titled ‘My Book of Flowers’ which detailed the style icon’s favourite blooms, sense of floral aesthetics, interest in the symbolism of flowers and their different meanings, and her appreciation of the art of flower pressing.

Now The Imperial’s creative team has rolled out a festival of treats inspired by ‘My Book of Flowers’ and whether you’re planning a staycation, a special celebration, marking an important milestone birthday or simply spoiling yourself with a little luxury, there’s an option to ensure the moment is memorable.

Here are six ways to enjoy the event in the coming weeks:

Drop in to admire the blooms

The floral theme has been brought to life through extravagant floral displays in the hotel’s iconic lobby which will change week to week, providing a little pop of romance and heady scent… even when you’re just popping into Lafayette’s for a takeaway coffee. 

These displays will be created by local florist Best of Buds and feature Princess Grace’s favourite flowers including roses and orchids.

Stay for afternoon tea

A brand new ‘My Book of Flowers’ afternoon tea has also been devised by the talented pastry team, with a menu that includes blossoming confections like the Pot de Fleur, Flower Power, Bloom Tropical, and A Red, Red Rose, and dainty savoury sandwiches. 

Be festooned in flowers at Escape Spa

The creativity has also flowed into Escape Spa at the Imperial where a new spa treatment package, The Graceful Floral Escape, has been devised. Unwind with 60 minutes in the Vitality Suite’s hydrotherapy pool, aroma steam room, and Sea Salt Chamber. Then enjoy a rose oil facial inspired by the Princess’s love of pearls and roses. You can also add an optional extra of a warm oil back, neck, and shoulder massage or an Indian head massage using Grace’s signature scent of uplifting bergamot.

Sip a botanical cocktail 

At the hotel’s redesigned bar No 76 and in the popular restaurant Sketch, you can now order a Bloom cocktail, a delicious concoction with fresh and floral notes blending Malibu, hibiscus syrup, lemon juice, sugar syrup and egg whites.

Read the book

As ever, every small detail has been thought of so My Book of Flowers has been added to the shelves of the Executive lounge for guests to read and further storytelling will be in evidence at the outdoor planted parklet outside the hotel’s main entrance on South Mall.

Immerse yourself in leafy luxury

To mark the anniversary of Princess Grace’s stay at the Imperial Hotel on  June 24th 62 years ago, guests staying at The Imperial on that date will be gifted with native wildflower ‘bee bombs’ in their room so they can then take home and keep the memory of their stay in bloom. 

The best way to explore the full ‘My Book of Flowers’ experience is through the package offer which includes an overnight stay luxe accommodation, the signature afternoon tea with accompanying; Bloom cocktail, a birdcage breakfast the next morning, and a bespoke Princess Grace postcard in your room, from €164 per person sharing. 

For bookings see imperialhotelcork.com or call 021 4274040 and for more details follow @theimperialhotelcork on social media. 

Images: Louis Tang