Total Relaxation In The Treetops At The Old Inn Crawfordsburn

I like being surprised. I like expecting something specific and being absolutely blown away, my preconceptions of an event being completely inaccurate, my expectations of a place not just being met – but entirely exceeded.

Such was my experience at The Old Inn Crawfordsburn, a hotel that on the outside looks like a quaint, traditional lodging, only to inside reveal a stunning spa, a secret rooftop garden, and a bedroom that’s as stylish as it is comfortable.

I knew little about the hotel before stepping inside. I knew the decor was going to be traditional and full of character, but I didn’t know that it was going to be so luxurious too.

The Old Inn has been standing since 1614, making it one of Northern Ireland’s most historic hotels.

The black and white Tudor facade remains, but the space itself has changed a lot since then – its most recent update being its inclusion in the Galgorm Collection.

Myself and my partner were staying in the Bay Tree Suite, a room that’s plush, artistically decorated, and got a pièce de résistance – a stand alone copper bath.

But there was no time to bask in the delights of the room for too long, because the Treetop Spa was calling.

Nestled above the Crawfordsburn Country Park, this secret retreat includes a heated pool, a sauna and stream room, a hot tub, a waterbed in a cabana, and a peaceful relaxation area looking out at the forest and all nature has to offer.

The spa is nothing short of incredible. Exclusive to hotel guests only, it’s open from early in the morning until late in the evening so you can chill there for the entire day if you so please and get the most out of the facilities – including the ability to order a cocktail poolside using a QR code.

Name a more luxurious vibe, I’ll wait.

The Old Inn recently opened up some beautiful treatment rooms too, so you can slink off for a bespoke massage or facial before heading back to the treetops to lounge some more.

My therapist didn’t just give me the best massage of my life, she was also so lovely, and made the entire experience that little bit more special.

First we started with a breath-work ritual to calm the nervous system, followed by a massage so deeply relaxing I could’ve drifted off then and there.

Next was a facial using products from award winning skincare brand ELEMIS – a favourite of mine at home, and of course, a favourite in the treatment room.

@stellarmagazine Total relaxation in the Treetop Spa 💚 head to Stellar.ie for our full review tomorrow! #fyp #invite #ireland #northernireland ♬ original sound – FÈLINÈ

ELEMIS is all about expert skincare and skin longevity. Their Pro-Collagen range feels so good on the skin, and left me with a luxurious, glass-like finish that was as hydrating as it was soft.

My skin generally suffers with dryness, and considering I was planning on spending the next day or so surrounded by a body of hot water with a drink in hand, such a treatment was very much needed.

Eventually we removed ourselves from the pleasure of the treetops and got ready for dinner. The Old Inn’s award winning restaurant served up a selection of seasonal dishes, and for vegetarians like ourselves, there was more than enough to choose from.

For starters we went for arancini and a goats cheese salad, and for mains we both had the pea pappardelle, which were both delicious. The highlight though had to be the caramelised pear tart. When I say I may have never tasted a nicer dessert in my life, I am being deadly serious.

We ordered the tart to our room, poured ourselves a glass of wine, and totally flaked while unwinding for the night – full and completely relaxed (and yes, we devoured that tart, even though our bellies were bursting).

The following morning we got up early, enjoy a breakfast of poached eggs and avocado, and went back to the Treetop Spa for some additional moments of bliss.

You can use the spa area whenever you like during your stay at the Old Inn, right up until check-out. You can even book in for an extra day after check-out for just £25 if you’re not quite done lounging in the outdoor poor, or vibing with a prosecco in the hot tub.

The Old Inn Crawfordsburn seriously impressed me. What I had expected to be a quaint little stay just outside of Bangor was a trip I’ve been waxing lyrical about since I got home, hosted by the friendliest staff, and featuring one of the best spas I’ve ever experienced.

I already can’t wait to go back.

This writer was offered a stay in The Old Inn Crawfordsburn in exchange for an honest review. 

You can find out more about the Old Inn Crawfordsburn here.