The magnificent Galgorm Resort & Spa is located just on the outskirts of Ballymena in Co. Antrim, only 30 minutes from Belfast and 30 minutes from the North Coast and is one of the premier locations to base yourself for a golf trip to Northern Ireland. A winner of Global Luxury Spa Hotel of the Year, this magnificent 122-bedroom property will soon be adding a further 64 Suites to its portfolio to make it one of the largest hotels in Northern Ireland. The hotel sits in 163 acres of beautiful mature parkland with the River Maine running through the estate providing a stunning backdrop to the property and the Spa Village in particular.
Galgorm offers a range of accommodation types for guests ranging from Standard rooms of 31sqm, through to Superior, Deluxe and a variety of Suites right up to the Signature Suite of 122sqm in size. All rooms are beautifully appointed following a recent refurbishment. Standard rooms are found in the original Manor House and have all modern conveniences such as King Coil beds, Egyptian Cotton sheets, Tea & Coffee making facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi, complimentary minibar and Aromatherapy amenities. Superior and Deluxe rooms have beautiful views over the River Maine or the Estate. A slightly larger footprint than the standard rooms they also some furnished with beautiful Rolf Benz seating and occasional tables, separate shower and bath and the benefit of a later check-out for guests if required. Several Suites are available at Galgorm, each again taking the offering to another level. Each 77sqm suite has a balcony overlooking the River and Thermal Village with feature marble bathrooms, free-standing baths, and separate showers and added amenities.
Furthermore, the Resort has a collection of Lodges on the property that are fabulous for golfers, in particular, ranging in size from one, two- and three-bedroom options as well as a private home, called the ‘Red Oaks Lodge’ that can accommodate up to 12 adults. Each lodge is equipped with everything you would need for a fabulous stay and are they are finished to an extremely high level.
Galgorm Resort is a foodie heaven with literally every taste and desire is catered for. The fine dining ‘River Room’ is a 3AA Rosette award-winning restaurant, one of only four in Northern Ireland. Seasonal produce from artisan suppliers is critical to the menus created by Head Chef Chris Rees and are all superbly coupled with a range of fabulous wines.
‘Fratelli’s’ is a dedicated Italian Ristorante and pizzeria located just off the Mulberry Garden. Fabulous Cicchetti, delicious pizza and pasta and sharing plates all combine to make Fratelli’s a superb informal restaurant at Galgorm which always has an elegant atmosphere.
‘The Bar and Grill’ at Gillies is the hotel brasserie. Serving a range of local and Asian-inspire dishes with a wide selection of grilled meats and seafood, the Bar & Grill is the perfect place for that snack or a more substantial plate of comfort food, all the while getting to experience the very best of Northern Ireland food.
In addition to the food outlets above, Galgorm has its dedicated Cocktail & Gin Lounge located in the Conservatory with over 420 gins from around the world. Tasting sessions can be organized for groups to experience the exclusive collection. The Resort also operates the clubhouse at nearby Galgorm Castle Golf Club, the Castle Kitchen, and Bar which is an eclectic space serving great BBQ classics, slow roasted beef, ribs, burgers and southern inspired chicken dishes.
The Thermal Village at Galgorm is quite simply one of the most extensive and impressive spa spaces that you will ever experience. In its totality it comprises a 20-meter indoor swimming pool, Orangery to relax in pre or post treatments, a Celtic Sauna, Snow Cabin, Sanarium, and a relax zone called ‘Elements’ to bring you back to nature. There is a Snail Shower – water bed relaxation area, a range of infinity pools and hot tubs dotted around the village area, including the ‘Beltane Hot Tub’ which is positioned around a sunken fire pit. The extent of the facilities and their variety is quite simply astonishing, and it is no wonder that the spa at Galgorm has picked up such prestigious awards as the Global Luxury Spa Hotel of the Year 2018.
Overall the Resort and Spa at Galgorm Resort is a fabulous property. A mere 30-minute drive to Royal Portrush and Portstewart, a 40-minute drive to Castlerock and a 1hr 30mins drive to Royal County Down Golf Club, make Galgorm a very suitable base to cover all of Northern Ireland from, and we at the Consummate Pro cannot recommend it highly enough to our guests.