Peace and Tranquility at Galgorm Resort & Spa

Galgorm Resort and Spa, If you haven’t been, you really need to go and experience it for yourself, its pure peace and tranquility. This place needs very little introducing as it really is a luxury world class Spa resort and lucky for me is less than one hour away from my home.

The resort is set in 163 acres of parkland in Northern Ireland, outside the town of Ballymena. Almost 3 weeks ago I enjoyed my first ever overnight experience in the Galgorm Resort & Spa and whilst I have been to it a few times before for afternoon tea, for spa treatments and the recent ‘So Sue Me’ event, I never had the pleasure of staying over and experiencing the wonder that the resort has to offer.

 

 

Myself, my sister and my mum booked a one night mid week break to celebrate my engagement and my Mum’s birthday  (the hotel offer some great mid week deals).  I love heading away mid week as you get to have your weekend to enjoy and then have your break to look forward to during the week, the best of both worlds.

We headed off first thing on a Monday morning and arrived in Ballymena just in time for breakfast. My sister, who is a food fanatic (check out her blog –  My Yellow Jumper) recommended a really nice place called Middletown Coffee Co  that is located in the town of Ballymena. It is a really cool modern coffee shop with bang on trend industrial style décor.  The menu and food also have a modern twist offering a wide range of homemade and healthy breakfasts, lunches, snacks, treats and of course  fine coffee. The staff complete the experience who have an authentic style which complement the overall look and feel of the place and offer service with a smile. Its definitely worth a visit.

 

So from here we headed to the Galgorm Resort & Spa and arrived just in time to avail of the ‘Thermal Village’ where you can get access from 1pm and check-in to your room is at 3pm.  The hotel will leave your bags in the room when its ready and your room key will be left at the Spa reception meaning you can go straight to your room when you finish the Spa, effortless. As a guest you are provided with a locker were all the essentials await you, robe, slippers, water and towels.

The Thermal Village is set in the finest manicured gardens and really is a place of pure tranquility. To me it really felt like a different world, a very good one! The River Maine meanders through the estate providing the most stunning backdrop and creating a real sense of calm.  It was a place that instantly made me unwind and switch off so easily and effortlessly. The Thermal Village offers so many different facilities , indoors and outdoors, from ritual saunas, swimming pools and hot tubs to steam rooms, relaxation areas and eateries, all set in breath-taking settings and allowing you to take in the exquisite views. There are also four private riverside hot tubs if you want to book them for a bit more privacy.

 

The Spa at Galgorm offers a wide range of treatments using Voya and Aromatherapy Associates products, including facials, massages and body treatments. In addition there are lots of unusual mud treatments and sauna rituals to choose from. We opted for ‘Ritual Sauna Experience’ as it sounded rather intriguing. The treatment is done in small groups, and in our case it was just the 3 of us. It involves going into a very large Sauna and lying down. The therapist pours 3 different aromas over the stones and one by one explains the aroma and the benefits of it. They use a towel to disperse the aroma through the sauna by making swirling movements with the towel and as they do this you are instructed to take large breaths in and out. After the 3 aromas are complete you are then taken to a ‘secret room’ in another part of the spa for about 15 minutes of meditation and relaxation and then you are given a refreshing drink to finish. It was such relaxing an enjoyable experience and only cost £10.

 

One of the latest addition to the Thermal Village is the Elements Café where you can enjoy a healthy lunch or indulge in sweet treats and cocktails. The good thing about it is you can enjoy it in your robe, so you have no need to go outside the Spa area.

Part of our package included a four course evening meal and we could choose from Gillies Grill or the on site popular Italian restaurant Fratelli. We opted for Gillies Grill and it didn’t disappoint. It offers a substantial menu to choose from and there was such a good atmosphere in the restaurant. Before dinner we enjoyed some Gins in the Conservatory, which is homes to Resort’s Cocktail & Gin bar. With one of the most extensive & exclusive gin menus in the country. Then after dinner we enjoyed a few more drinks to some live music in Gillies Pub next door,

 

 

 

My OOTD for our dinner, black and white gingham and a pop of red.  Click over to my Facebook, to find more details on my outfit.

 

So there you have my experience of the Galgorm Resort & Spa, truly rejuvenating and relaxing, it really is a heaven. Despite it only being one night the surroundings and resort setting instantly make you feel at ease and help you switch off from the stresses of everyday life. I can not recommend it enough, you really have to experience it for yourself.  I’m already planning my next visit for the coming months.

Elaine xx