I’m not easily wowed when it comes to spas, especially when my expectations are sky high.
But wow did Galgorm surpass every one of them.
Galgorm Resort
Galgorm has been on my wish list forever and frankly it was getting embarrassing that I consider myself a spa connoisseur and still hadn’t visited. Enter my wonderful best friend coming to the rescue with a mid week overnight stay to celebrate my 40th birthday.
Recently named Best UK Spa at the AA Hotel Spa Awards and crowned Best Destination Spa 2024 in the prestigious Condé Nast Johansens Awards, Galgorm has been winning awards since it first opened. Much to my displeasure, beating spas I was currently working for. However nearly 10 years later and still winning awards I can finally understand why.
Located about 30 minutes from Belfast city, outside the pretty town of Galgorm, the resort is set among 450 acres of parkland with the river Maine running through and being the focal point of the spa.
The Resort blends traditional elegance with a delightful touch of quirky charm. Originally the stately home of a family of linen merchants, it may not boast the extravagant scale of some luxury resorts, intriguing sculptures scattered around the grounds infuse the property with personality and whimsical charm, although some are very reminiscent of school art projects.
Warmly welcomed by friendly doormen, we were swiftly directed to the separate check-in area—unusual yet practical given the bustling reception area. Our arrival coincided perfectly with a wedding party and a typical heavy Irish rain shower, making the cozy reception with its charming fire was understandably crowded.
We arrived early before our room was ready to use the facilities as was suggested when making the booking. Using the spa facilities seems to be highlight of every ones stay as the spa reception was the busiest spot of the resort. Hard to believe it was a Wednesday afternoon. A quick change into my uniform of a robe and flipflops and I was ready to explore.
The Thermal Village aka Spa Disneyland
The jewel in the Galgorm crown has to be the spa, specifically the spa facilities. The best way to describe it is like a spa Disneyland. Hot pools, after saunas, after steam rooms, more saunas, cold plunges. A spa addicts dream! I was in heaven.
As with most spas your first introduction is the changing rooms, larger than I expected, considering the spa has mainly been extended on the outside. Plenty of lockers, private changing rooms, showers and delighted to see lots of amenities available like plastic bags for wet swimsuits, hair ties, tampons, all the bits you tnd to forget.
Continuing through the changing rooms you have the swimming pool with floor to ceiling windows looking out on to the garden, river and other various facilities. Among the comfy couches surround the water were heated tepidarium loungers and at one end the brr-illiant snow cabin (sorry…) kept at a chilling -10 degrees. After which you can warm up in the Sanarium, a type of sauna kept at a lower temperature of 50 – 60- degrees making it more comfortable to relax in.
If you can find your way out of here, this the main access to the outside spa wonderland.
But first to the left we have another smaller indoor pool, although still a substantial size for most hotels spas. You’ll also find swan jets and underwater beds to chill out on.
Then there is a number of heat experiences. Including various steams and sauna. Including a gorgeous aromatherapy steam.
Beautiful, however very typical spa facilities. This is where most hotels would say, that’s enough money spent on the spa but not Galgorm.
The Riverside Garden
This is where Galgorm really starts to stand out. Putting so many facilities outside in Ireland is brave!
Everywhere you look there is something to do, all with the River Maine running along side it. Waving me off as I stepped into my natural habitat, my friend ventured off for her first treatment and with the excitement of a kid in candy store I set off to explore.
We have hot pools galore, some covered, some exposed to the elements, all perfectly laid out among the manicured gardens and sculptures. Plus various steam rooms and a special Celtic sauna where they do sauna rituals – which I unfortunately didn’t have time to do – next time!
Moving on we have a gorgeous salt room, which is one my favourite spa facilities and love that we are seeing more of them in spas. It’s the perfect place to curl up with a book for awhile. A cold plunge, which I wasn’t brave enough to do. Ahem next time I swear..
And the relaxing riverside room, built out onto the river which looks like it would be really cozy on a typical rainy Irish day.
We also have numerous paths leading off to private hot tubs located along the river
Food and drinks are served in the giant beehive looking building named Elements, that represents “Earth, which nurtures growth and strengthens your body.” Got love spa speak. I had a quick drink and a scone for to keep me going. Like everything in Galgorm, I was impressed with the set up. Plenty of tempting offerings balanced with healthier options.
Walking past the pretty beehive style restaurant, the walkway narrows and it feel like your coming to a dead end but then you turn the corner and the pretty Alpine village stretches out in front of you.
This is the latest addition to Galgorm and again there are a mind boogling number of facilities. Including hot pools, with many located beside the river giving the feeling of being in the rushing water but without the cold..
Dotted around the cleverly laid out “village” are small sauna pods, cabanas and other covered spaces all contacted by winding paths. From first glance is it obvious why it is called the “Alpine Village” with pretty wooden structures, covered in slightly twee designs.
The circular style saunas and steam structures means It sort of feels like you’ve stumbled on to the set of The Hobbit. A spa day in Hobbington anyone?
But it all works within the landscape. Bringing in the influence of nature with extra shrubs, flowers, trees making it feel like it has always been here. Plus the sheer number of facilities means you are likely to get a steam, sauna or hot pool to yourself.
I didn’t have time to use these facilities as I had an important date for my treatments.
The Spa at Galgrom
Again Galgorm breaks away from the norm having a separate reception area just for the thermal village and then the spa reception. With the volume of guests using the thermal village this is needed and gave me flashbacks to those crazy busy days of running the spa reception.
I appreciated that there wasn’t an overwhelming number of treatment options, as many spas today offer so many choices it can become confusing deciding what to book. The Spa offers mainly Elemis treatments and a newer brand OTO, a CBD based skincare and wellness brand.
As part of our package we had the Galgrom Detox Therapy which you can find a review of here. I also booked in for the Fire and Ice Facial and OTO CBD Signature Treatment, which was, well, read about it here.
After our treatments, we relaxed in the beautiful Orangery relaxation room, enjoying refreshing sorbet and soothing tea. Surrounded by real life citrus trees
The Walled Garden
Wait there’s more….
Indeed, yet another outdoor section filled with hot pools, separate steam and saunas with huge windows to look out on the beautiful gardens filled olive and apple trees. There is also heated loungers to relax on, which are mercifully covered as the rest open to the elements.
Then we have The Palm House, a greenhouse inspired ornate building to relax and indulge in a delicious sounding cocktails. Unfortunately, like a lot of the food and drink options, it was closed while I was there.
I spent an wonderful hour or so exploring in the early morning sunlight. This area seemed to be the quietest and I had it nearly to myself.
Everything else
Lets see what else do you need to know..
Accommodation at Galgorm
There are a range of options when staying at Galgorm, from rooms and suites in the hotel itself and hidden among the trees is a variety of charming accommodation options, ranging from Shepherd’s Huts with private hot tubs and cozy Cottages, to spacious Residences for groups, rustic Log Cabins, and stylish new Forest Dens featuring a ‘bohemian backyard’ with outdoor showers, private saunas, and wood-fired baths.
Our room was located in the main house with gorgeous view of the Riverside Garden, with plenty of space for the two of us. A plate of goodies and happy birthday note from Tara Moore, Head of Spa Operations, Galgorm Collection, was a nice touch. I will have a moan about the lack of kettle in the room. Why hotels think a nespesso machine is enough, I’ll never understand! Tea needs to be made with boiling water from a kettle! Sorry I’ll stop now.
Note- I see from other reviews that a kettle is included in the room, mine must have gone walk about.
Additional thoughtful touches in the bedroom include a GHD hairdryer, a Dyson fan, and luxurious toiletries such as a bath bomb, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand and body lotion, and soap. The room is also equipped with fluffy robes, comfortable slippers, an iron and ironing board, and plenty of plush towels. A complimentary minibar provides a nice selection—a local beer, a small bottle of white wine, soft drinks, and two bottles of water. In the evening, the thoughtful turndown service adds two more bottles of water and soothing chamomile tea bags, ensuring a restful night.
Although, having a night off from my 18 month old I would have happily slept in the ice room. So unsurprisingly the beds were delicious and I passed out straight away with only the lure of the yet unexplored walled garden facilities and copious amounts of pastries at breakfast got me out of bed the next morning.
Food and Drink options
The resort boast a number of restaurants and bars, unfortunately most of them were closed as it was midweek in September. Dinner was included with our stay and the only option was Gillies Grill. The gastro-pub vibe Gillies offers brasserie classics, grilled dishes, and Asian-inspired cuisine. This is where the experience dipped slightly. And just very slightly. When everything else is a 10/10 it is hard to compete.
There wasn’t anything particularly bad or needed to complain about; it was just meh compared to the wow of everything else.
I did appreciate the prawn torpeodo amuse bouche though.
The other restaurant, Fratelli Ristorante, Pizzeria and Bar is the Italian option and would have been more my style I think. Again a to do for my next stay.
Breakfast was the same. We went back to Gillies where it was changed to an open buffet breakfast. I adore a hotel breakfast and gorging myself on way too many pastries.
The River Room and Conservatory
Another option for breakfast was The River Room where breakfast is served and in hindsight I think we should have gone here as the views are stunning. There is also the option of afternoon tea which looks beautiful.
Then we have locally sourced prime grilled meats at the Castle Kitchen + Bar. For a vibrant atmosphere with cocktails, live sports, DJ sets, and relaxed vibes, there is The Barn and McKendry’s Lounge, a local favourite—a lively bar with the cozy atmosphere of a small pub.
Another to do for my next stay is the gin experience.
Galgorm boasts the largest gin collection across Ireland and the UK, showcasing over 550 varieties from around the globe, all displayed in their impressive gin library located just off the bar.
Guests can immerse themselves in a daily one-hour gin experience, available each evening for €35. The knowledgeable bartender guides participants through the fascinating history of gin and its rise in popularity within Ireland.
A standout feature of Galgorm’s collection is Watenshi, an exceptionally rare Japanese gin produced by the Cambridge Distillery. With only six bottles crafted annually, each typically auctioned for around €3,000, guests have the unique opportunity to sample it at the gin library—for an extravagant €350 per measure.
- However, that’s not going to be on my next visit to do list.
Sustainability
Galgorm Collection has launched an ambitious sustainability plan, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and become the island’s first fully green premier hospitality group. The new Green Policy 10-Point Plan covers all areas of operation—from waste management and water use to energy and transport—with initial targets set for completion by 2026.
At its flagship 380-acre Galgorm property, significant sustainability projects are already underway, including solar and hydro power installations that utilize the River Maine flowing through the estate. Additionally, Galgorm will plant 3,000 native trees to boost biodiversity, partner with local organizations to enhance green spaces with new walkways and cycling routes, and introduce zero-emission vehicles along with increased EV charging facilities across its properties.
What Galgorm gets right
What Galgorm gets right
The facilities.
Do I really need to explain this..
Atmosphere
Laid back luxury
Thoughtful touches
Little additions like the bath bomb in the bathroom, or the complimentary packet of crisps and biscuits in the bedroom add that extra special something.
Staff
Having worked for hotels that really look after their staff, I can always get a sense of how happy they are when visiting other hotels. And the staff at Galgorm seem very happy.
Any improvements.
It would be nice to have more towels available at the outdoor facilities. As a former spa director, I understand why they don’t (ahem extra cost and staff having to go put them out and collect them). But going in and out of the pools, your robe becomes wet very quickly and putting on a wet robe, especially if it’s outdoors cold.
And I am being really picky but I would have loved to have seen a bit more character in the changing rooms, they felt a bit blah compared to the stunning interiors in the rest of the spa.
Final thoughts.
I visit spas for a living and I’ll be honest it’s hard to impress me., especially when my expectation were so high with all that I had heard. Galgorm surpassed them all! And as I have mentioned multiple times I can’t wait to go back.
