Galgorm Resort and Spa Hotel Review - Ballymena, Northern Ireland

I recently decided to book a spa trip as I was feeling the post-January blues so I did a little searching and booked into the Galgorm Resort and Spa in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. I'd visited the hotel for a wedding a few years ago but hadn't stayed in it, and after seeing their amazing spa facilities, I had to experience it for myself!

The Room:

We booked the Deluxe Room for two nights and immediately upon arrival the concierge took our luggage and we were personally escorted to a separate check in desk for guests staying in deluxe rooms or suites, which made us feel very VIP-esque! We were then shown to our room which was lovely and spacious with a king sized bed, lounge area, and ensuite. There was also a complimentary mini bar which was a nice touch, and the bathroom was very modern with a walk in shower and bath. I loved the decor of the room and bathroom and it felt very homely. Our room looked out onto the Thermal Village which I will get to now.

The Spa and Thermal Village: The best part of the trip by far, and where I spent the majority of my time, was the Thermal Village. This really is a mini village that consists of outdoor pool beds, jacuzzis, hot tubs, several steam rooms and saunas, and even an ice cabin filled with snow, which will make you forget you're even in Northern Ireland. We received robes and slippers in our lockers and made our way to the outdoor pool beds. It gets a little chilly having to run from one jacuzzi to the other outside, but it's a problem I don't mind having! 

The main indoor pool was closed for refurbishment when we were visiting which was quite disappointing, but the hydrotherapy pool made up for it as it is very big compared to others I've been in and very relaxing. I then took a break on one of the heated loungers inside to read my book before going to the Orangery for some lunch, which is a room with swing seats and loungers to chill out in. The nicest time to experience the spa is at night after it gets dark, as you're able to sit under the stars, relaxing in the hot tub.

I also had two spa treatments, the Mineral Mud Serail and a Revitalising Facial, which both left me feeling so relaxed. My skin never felt better and after both treatments you're taken to a private chill out room with beds to relax with some sorbet and fruit - heaven!

The Grounds:

On our second morning, we took a stroll around the lovely grounds as David the doorman had told us there were some great walks near the hotel. It was quite misty in the morning however that didn't take away from the amazing scenery and the lovely waterfall at the front of the hotel. It's no surprise a lot of people choose to have their wedding receptions here.

The Restaurants:

On our first night we dined in Fratellis Italian restaurant which is one of three restaurants the hotel has to offer. The interior was lovely and the food was excellent. We had bruschetta to start, pizza and chips for mains, with tiramisu and cheesecake for dessert and every part of the meal was exquisite. 

We decided to eat in Gillie's bar and restaurant on the second night, which had more of a casual, bar feel to it, but the food was also excellent. I had the Asian soy noodles which were super tasty and the service in both places was excellent. We had breakfast in the River Room Restaurant both mornings which had a set breakfast menu which was hand cooked for each guest or a breakfast buffet with fruit and cereal.

I had a wonderful stay in the Galgorm and the service and cleanliness was top class. I would definitely recommend you check this place out if you're looking for a weekend away or even just a spa day. I'll definitely be returning for the spa facilities whenever I need another pamper session.

What's the nicest hotel you've ever stayed in?

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