No holidays planned this year?

No problem. If you’re craving a taste of Mediterranean luxury this summer, you can bask in la dolce vita right here in Cork.

The River Lee Hotel has transformed its iconic terrace at The River Club into an idyllic Mediterranean haven reminiscent of the vibrant groves and hideaways along that most gorgeous and glamorous of Italian settings, the Amalfi coast.

As part of the vivacious new installation, ‘Dolce Vita at The River Club’, created in partnership with Cork florist, Fox Flowers, the terrace is now framed by an abundance of lush florals and greenery, with cascading bougainvillea, romantic olive trees, green foliage and pops of whimsical wildflowers making for a frankly unreal summer selfie opp.

Fragrant herbs provide an aromatic backdrop and the vibrant colours of the flowers and plants reflect the distinct shades and palette of the Italian coast, creating a sweet Italian sanctuary on the banks of the River Lee.

But what should we drink?

Wouldn’t you know it, the team at The River Club has also created six new summer cocktails exclusive to Dolce Vita at The River Club, designed to bring a flavour of Italy to the heart of Cork:

• Dolce far Niente (The Sweetness of Doing Nothing) is based on the Florentine favourite the Negroni
• Ad Maiora Semper (Towards Greater Things) pays homage to the classic Hugo Spritz
• Sogni d’Oro (Sweet Dreams) is reminiscent of both an Amaretto and Maraschino Sour
• Tempo al tempo (All in Good Time) is based on a Limoncello Collins
• In Vino Veritas (In Wine There is Truth) is a low-alcohol cocktail made with refreshing non-alcoholic sparkling wine
• Vivere La Vita Migliore (Living One’s Best Life) is an alcohol-free twist on the perpetually popular Aperol Spritz.

With cocktails priced between €10 to €14, €1 from each cocktail purchase goes to The Oceans Plastic Project, a not-for-profit organisation that researches micro-plastic in West Cork and raises awareness of plastic pollution along the Cork coastline.

Dolce Vita at The River Club is open seven days a week from midday until late. Bookings can be made on theriverclubcork.ie or at 021 493 7772.