TheHotelaholic – REVIEW: Galgorm Resort & Spa, Ballymena, Ireland

The Hotel

Galgorm Resort & Spa is one of Northern Ireland’s most luxurious hotels, located just a short 30 minute drive from Belfast International Airport and very centrally located for visiting the whole of Northern Ireland. The hotel has been very cleverly designed with aesthetics in mind, situated in 163 acres of lush green surroundings. As you drive up to the oldest part of the hotel you’d think it was a tiny country house, but as you walk through the doors you realise the full-scale of it all. Three restaurants, abundance of communal areas, selection of bars, 122 rooms, conference and banquet facilities and its biggest feature – the huge indoor and outdoor spa area. All of this is complimented by the gushing River Maine which runs through the grounds, separating the hotel from the green forests in the distance. It doesn’t get much better than this.

The Grounds/What To Do

We spent a full two days and two nights here at Galgorm and I can’t remember the last time I felt so relaxed and at home in a place which wasn’t my own. There is so much to do here and while I’m not a big fan of the word “resort” it does suit this retreat very well given the size and the vast amount of things to do – you won’t ever need, or want to leave. If you do fancy a bit more hustle and bustle however then make your way into Belfast City centre. Approximately 30-40 minute taxi journey away. As for the grounds, there’s plenty of space for a stroll, but most of the time spent will be in the Thermal Village. Wake up, jump into your dressing gown and head down for a spa experience like no other. The hotel has three restaurants, Fratelli, Gillies Grill and the River Room – all perfect to enjoy a meal in or sip on a few drinks. Galgorm Castle is located just a 10 minute drive from the hotel and a site well worth visiting. It’s one of the sites used in popular TV show, Game of Thrones – you might even spot a few of the shows characters staying here from time to time when filming.

The Rooms

The rooms here at Galgorm Resort have all been very well designed. From the most basic, right up to the most luxurious suites – each has personality and each feels cosy and homely. At Christmas time the hotel even goes as far as putting a Christmas tree into every single room – it doesn’t get more personal than this. In total the hotel has 122 rooms including 48 deluxe rooms, Junior and Signature Suites. The signature suites (pictured above) are something which really need to be seen and stayed in – one of the best hotel rooms I’ve come across – the private balcony hot tub particularly won me over. Also pictured above was the deluxe rooms, smaller in size but still has everything you could need for a relaxing break. All rooms come complete with desk space, flat screen TV(s), designer furniture, robes, slippers and excellent spa toiletries. Little touches such as the complimentary snacks and drinks were replenished daily. For the majority of the rooms, check-in is at the front of the hotel but for guests staying in deluxe rooms and above you’re invited to check-in via a private reception at the rear of the property – making your stay feel that little bit more exclusive.

The Spa/Gym/Health & Fitness

The Thermal Village experience at Galgrom Resort & Spa is what makes this hotel truly unique – boasting 75,000sq ft of picturesque riverside spa facilities. There is a lot to experience so make the time. You’ll find a selection of jaw dropping riverside hot tubs, indoor and outdoor heated pools, steam rooms, Celtic sauna, snow cabin, Orangery, and a relaxation zone for classes and meditating known as the “River House” which quite literally sits hanging over the River Maine. This outdoor experience only opened towards the end of November 2015 and now compliments the hotels already existing spa facilities which include a hydrotherapy pool, outdoor hot tubs, laconium, aroma grotto, ice fountain, sauna, experience showers and heated relaxation loungers which are perfect for resting the body. A map sits prominently outside to help guide you around. Some of the treatments on offer look fabulous. We took one of the riverside tub experiences and a Celtic Sauna experience. Both very different and both very unique. The first evening we spent a full hour relaxing in one of the riverside tubs as the sun set, sipping on Champagne and tucking into chocolates. An experience I’ll never forget. The Celtic Sauce experience I was a little sceptical about at first – perhaps the man in the sarong threw me a little but once it started I realised what all the fuss was about. The sauna master as our class tutor is referred too, carefully performs a choreographed routine with a towel, circulating hot air and aromas throughout the room. It’s a difficult thing to put into words so all I can say is book – its truly unique and I felt incredible after it.

The Food & Drink

One of Galgorm”s biggest assets is its restaurant and kitchen team. The hotel has a total of three restaurants to choose from. Gillies is the brasserie – a casual go-to venue for lunch or dinner, while Fratelli offers cocktails and hearty Italian cuisine which injects lots of fun into any lunch or dinner – there’s even an outdoor courtyard area to enjoy drinks in the summer. The main spectacle however is The River Room. The food at The River Room Restaurant, led by head chef Jonnie Boyd is full of intrigue, has lots of class, with precision perfect flavours and presentation. Whether you’re staying at the hotel or not, you need to make time to experience the food here. Live music is performed throughout the hotel almost every day of the week here at Galgorm – we enjoyed a very classy evening led by Jason Maguire who gave us a night to remember with a selection of live jazz, swing & big band classics. Breakfast is served in the main restaurant if you’re booked into a deluxe room or above, otherwise served in Gillies Bar & Grill for standard accommodation. We ate breakfast in the main restaurant which is a rather lavish affair, featuring a superb buffet selection full of fantastic charcuterie and cheese, alongside an la carte offering with a difference – the baked eggs with chorizo particularly stood out. You can read about my full dining experience HERE.

The Verdict

Galgorm Resort & Spa is without a doubt, Northern Ireland’s best hotel. While it may look small and unassuming from the outside, it’s vibrant and exciting on the inside. Compared to a lot of high-end hotels I’ve been to recently, Galgorm Resort & Spa feels young and the clientèle certainly reflect that. This is a modern, luxury hotel with one of the best spa’s in Ireland, if not the world. One night will never been enough here to explore all it has to offer, with three restaurant to work your way through and unmissable treatments such as the riverside tubs and Celtic sauna experience. Book at least two nights, eat in The River Room and don’t bother ever leaving. You’ll have a hotel experience to never forget – just like I did.

Galgorm Resort & Spa
Fenaghy Road
Ballymena
Antrim
BT42 1EA
Ireland