Galgorm Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Relaxation Retreat

There are not many getaways where I feel the need to make sure everyone I can possibly tell knows about how exceptional my experience was. But the Galgorm Resort & Spa has truly made me rethink the glamour of an Irish getaway.  

Located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland sits the spectacular and premier luxury resort and spa. Just a 30-minute drive from Belfast, the resort offers the opportunity to fully indulge in relaxation at the Thermal Spa to later experiencing delectable food at the Castle Kitchen + Bar.  

There was not one aspect of the hotel that disappointed, with everything from the staff and amenities to the rooms creating a feeling of true elegance and luxury. 

 

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When staying at the resort, guests can choose from a suite, deluxe room or superior room. However, if you are feeling a little more outdoorsy, there is also the option to stay in a riverside log cabin, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the surrounding nature.  

One of the highlights of this resort has to be the Thermal Spa – and let me just say, I have never experienced a place quite like this. The Village is open from 8am – 10pm, and honestly, that does not even feel like enough time to experience everything the spa has got to offer.   

The spa features four separate gardens: The Riverside Garden, The Alpine Garden, The Forest Spa Garden and The Walled Garden. Although each has its own unique character, I ended up spending most of my time in The Forest Spa area. 

If you want to feel your worries and stress disappear, this is the place to be. I took a dip in a wood-fired hot tub before drying myself off in the sauna just five steps away. From there I wandered down through the secluded woodland and found myself at a waterbed cabana.  

I can really only describe this part as perfect. The wooden chalet, which overlooks the river, also gives guests the option to order drinks directly to their cabana from the closely distanced Elements Spa Eatery.

So, as I lay back on my wonderfully wobbly waterbed beneath a heated lamp, I may have ordered a cheeky cocktail. And, just in case you ever find yourself in the same position, I have on good authority that the frozen daiquiris are rather good.  

 

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After all this exploring, there was still much so much to discover within the Thermal Village. From an indoor leisure pool with a pebble floor designed to massage your feet to an outdoor vitality pool, the choice on where to have a dip seemed impossible to make.

I then found even more hot tubs and saunas, along with a steam room, a snow cabin, and salt cave. The resort also provides an array of treatments from detox therapy to Elemis facials, the amenities at this spa truly felt never-ending.  

Even though I could probably have stayed at the Thermal Village all day and night I had my dinner reservation booked in at the Castle Kitchen + Bar. 

Although the resort is already home to Gillie’s Restaurant and Fratelli Ristorante, Pizzeria and Bar, I decided a little more adventure would not hurt. I was advised to be at reception at 7:15 pm to get into a resort provided shuttle to and from the restaurant which was located at the Galgorm Castle golf course. The transfer was quick and absolutely worth it as I had no idea what kind of food experience awaited me.  

The á la carte menu offers something to appeal to every taste, from mussels to plant-based burgers to Moroccan lamb there is a wide variety of flavours and dishes to choose from. I began with the arancini, which was packed with flavour and perfectly crisp. The portion was just right for a starter, and every last bite was eaten.

I then moved onto my main course. After careful deliberation, I chose the daube of beef, which was definitely the correct decision. The meat was rich and intensely flavourful, and the beef simply melted in my mouth.

Dare I say that it was some of the best beef I have ever had – something that may well be helped by the chef’s emphasis on sourcing local meat and produce. The bone marrow carrot, dipped into the confit garlic mash, was a sublime combination, creating a wonderful burst of texture and flavour.  

@laurentake2 Still dreaming about those prawns! Really beautiful meal @Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort @Galgorm Collection #galgorm #food #foodtok #3coursemeal #portavogieprawns #whatiate #comewithme #foodie #brookie #brookies #irishfood #foodblogger #nifood ♬ Dancing In The Moonlight – 苏颜悦

Now, even though I was full, I had to experience what the dessert menu had to offer. I ended up choosing the white chocolate & banana cremeux, the natural sweetness of the fruit balanced perfectly with the richness of the cream, while the sesame tuile added an extra crunch.

If the food has yet to convince you this is a must-try restaurant, the atmosphere certainly might. The views of the championship golf course surrounding the building add a sense off focus and calm. With its relaxed glamour and calming ambiance, Castle Kitchen + Bar was another great addition to an already memorable experience. 

After the meal and a few drinks, the ability to move was becoming somewhat of a struggle. Thankfully, our hotel shuttle was only minutes away, ready to take us back to our waiting soft mattresses for a sound sleep after a truly delightful day.  

The following morning, the resort offered a buffet style breakfast primarily hosted at Gillies restaurant, or an a la carte breakfast served in the pristine River Room restaurant. Once again, the a la carte menu offered plentiful options, including a continental section of meats, cereals and pastries alongside a cooked breakfast section featuring a full Irish breakfast, a vegan option, porridge, sweet options and various egg dishes. 

The food was fresh and provided the perfect way to start the day. The staff were attentive and happy to accommodate any request. Overall, breakfast was phenomenal and a fitting final meal to an exceptional stay.  

And so, unfortunately, a beautiful stay came to an end. It’s safe to say the Galgorm Resort left a lasting impression, and left me feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and already knowing that one day, I will definitely be going back.  

You can find out more about Galgorm Resort and Spa here.