Spa like a VIP this summer
Summer’s here and whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a reunion with friends, a girly break or lads’ trip away, a short break to Northern Ireland to experience some of the best spas in the country is just the tonic for a summer to remember.
Galgorm Collection – Northern Ireland’s premier collection of unique hotels, bars and restaurants – has a range of spa experiences to make you feel like a VIP this summer. Leave the passport behind and head to County Antrim to experience world-class luxury right on your doorstep at the award-winning, globally renowned Galgorm or hop on over to the place everyone’s talking about this summer, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat.
Galgorm’s Thermal Village & Spa
Spa days from €80 per person & overnight stays from €230 based on two people sharing
You don’t have to travel far to experience the VIP treatment this summer. Situated just 30 minutes from Belfast and 2.5 hours from Dublin city centre is Northern Ireland’s premier luxury hotel, Galgorm.
Set across 380 acres of lush greenery, with the babbling River Maine flowing through the estate, Galgorm is the perfect place to experience laid back luxury this summer.
Robe up, download the Galgorm Collection app and access the Thermal Spa Village map which will take you on a journey of serenity, relaxation and wellbeing amongst one of the best outdoor spas on the island of Ireland…
Let off some steam in one of the resort’s many saunas, sanariums or aroma steam rooms, offering a comfortable and relaxing heat experience with real health benefits. Purify, rejuvenate and reawaken your body and soul in Galgorm’s range of heated cabins including the Laconium, Herb Caldarium, Aroma Grotto & Sauna.
For a more intense experience, book in for a Celtic Sauna Infusion and be guided by Galgorm’s Sauna Master through a range of essential oil inhalations during a traditional Aufghuss Ceremony, succumbing the mind and body to a state of total relaxation.
Cool down with a dip in the ice-cold plunge pool or take a visit to the snow cabin. This invigorating experience stimulates blood flow, improves circulation and revives the soul. Your skin will positively tingle in this winter landscape of powder snow and ice crystals maintained at a chilly -10°C. Brrrr!!!
Continue your journey of wellness with a visit to the Salt Cave and experience the detoxifying and purifying effects of halotherapy. Relax and unwind whilst inhaling the salt infused air deep into the lungs in the lightly heated cave set at 25 degrees to ensure maximum benefits.
Perched on the banks of the River Maine, Galgorm’s vitality pool incorporates a variety of therapeutic massage jets to ease tired, aching muscles whilst the hot outdoor jacuzzi and hot tubs will delight your senses and leave you refreshed and revitalised.
VIP PASS: Upgrade your outdoor bathing experience by booking one of Galgorm’s picturesque private riverside woodfired hot tubs or discover your calm immersed in a private hot tub surrounded by the olive trees and apple orchards of The Walled Garden before relaxing on heated beds within your own secluded cabin. Away from the crowds – and with its own bar service – this really is the ultimate in VIP spa experiences. Forest bathing experience starting from €122 per tub.
Make your way along the meandering walkways to the ornate botanical-inspired Palm House situated in The Walled Garden. Inspired by the notion of Forest Bathing that advocates the therapeutic aspects of spending time in nature, guests can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and smell of nature which has been known to reduce stress. Sit back, relax and take in the views of the gardens from the comfort of The Palm House and enjoy a drink or cocktail served in a quirky plant pot.
VIP PASS: Have your cocktails served to you as you enjoy the warmth of the outdoor hot tubs situated just outside the Palm House. Relax on heated loungers and enjoy cool summer vibes in this livelier area.
No trip to Galgorm is complete without indulging in one of its luxurious bespoke spa treatments, uniquely designed for the resort to offer an unparalleled treatment experience. Opt for an opulent aromatherapy or hot poultice back massage or indulge in Galgorm’s popular ‘Revive and Glow’ treatment.
VIP PASS: For five-star treatment, upgrade to a 90-minute treatment for ultimate bliss. Sample Galgorm’s signature ‘Taste of Galgorm’ treatment combining an aromatherapy back massage, relaxing head, leg and foot massage and Dermalux LED facial to refresh and revive skin.
If skincare is more your thing, don’t miss an opportunity to visit The Skin Clinic within Galgorm spa, one of Northern Ireland’s leading, premier skincare and beauty clinics. Revive your skin and get your glow back with one of The Skin Clinic’s premier treatments, partnering with leading brands IMAGE Skincare and SkinCeuticals. For more advanced skincare, book in with resident aesthetician Dr Andrew Mottram, offering everything from PDO threads to anti-wrinkle injections, skin peels, microdermabrasion, micro needling, dermal fillers and Profhilo.
Previously crowned the Global Luxury Spa Hotel of the Year, Galgorm was most recently named Best Spa Experience within the UK and Ireland at the Condé Nast Johansens UK, Ireland, Europe & the Mediterranean, Awards for Excellence 2021 and crowned Resort Spa of the Year at the World Spa & Wellness Awards 2020. Galgorm was also named Ireland’s Best 4* Spa Experience at the Hotel & Catering Review Gold Medal Awards 2022.
VIP PASS: Make it a trip to remember with those finishing touches…
- For mum’s treat: For an elegant and luxurious experience, treat the special lady in your life to a delightful afternoon tea, served in the splendor of the magnificent Conservatory with outstanding views of the babbling River Maine. Enjoy a selection of finely cut sandwiches and miniature savouries, freshly baked scones and delicate miniature desserts designed by Galgorm’s creative team and inspired by inspired by beguiling jewels to surprise and delight guests.
- For the lads: Get active with one of Galgorm’s many outdoor pursuits. One of Ireland’s finest parklands, Galgorm’s championship Castle course is nestled in the heart of Galgorm Castle’s historic estate and has been host to the 2020 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and ISPS Handa World Invitational. If golf’s not your thing, there’s plenty more to do onsite from fishing and falconry to cycling or tennis. A great getaway for a stag, birthday or other special occasion.
- For the girls: Grab the girls and gather within Galgorm’s infamous Gin Library, home to the largest collection of gins (more than 550) in Ireland to enjoy their daily gin tasting session. Hosted by the Gin Bar Manager, guests will enjoy a French 75 upon arrival, before embarking on a journey of discovery with a G&T from a local distillery including learning how to garnish drinks with ingredients from garnish boards. Priced from €35 per person.
For more information or to book online please visit www.galgorm.com, email [email protected] or call 048 2588 1001
The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat- Relaxation Burrow Spa
Overnight stays from €199 for 2 people sharing
Further into the heart of the County Antrim countryside sits The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat. Located only 10 minutes from Belfast International Airport and a 2-hour drive from Dublin city centre, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat is the region’s newest attraction. Recently named in the Irish Independent’s ‘FAB 50’ Top Stays in Ireland 2021 and The Gloss Magazine’s ‘Best places to stay in 2021’, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat comes with all of the luxuries you would expect from Galgorm Collection, with a few quirks along the way. Home to Ireland’s only heated lakeside pebble beach and featuring a Roman bath complete with giant disco ball, expect Balearic vibes without the jetlag this summer from Ireland’s most ‘Instagrammable’ spa. The newly opened Outdoor Spa exudes a mix of sophisticated luxury and Bohemian glam, boasting an array of luxurious facilities for that ‘boujee’ VIP spa experience.
Feel like a god or goddess…
Take the plunge in The Rabbit’s showstopping Roman Bath and experience the ritual of outdoor bathing as your stresses and woes float away. A nod to the cultures that explored the nature of self-care long before us, the Roman Bath will leave you feeling like the gods and goddesses you are after a spell in its rich waters. Sink into the warm waters and allow your body to relax in the water beds or ease away any tension with the range of therapeutic massage jets.
Let’s go to the beach…
That’s right, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat is home to Ireland’s only lakeside heated pebble beach. Feel the warmth flow through as you walk on the pebbles or relax with your favourite tipple whilst taking in the stunning lake views.
Get your heart racing…
Watch the mercury rise in this traditional Swedish sauna, featuring a fireplace which keeps the temperature at a balmy 75 degrees. Be prepared to work up a sweat as you unwind and relax for a moment of me-time that will leave you feeling rejuvenated. This heated wooden cabin will keep you warm even on the drizzliest of summer days.
Bubble up with some bunny…
There’s nothing that a dip in a hot tub can’t fix. Bubble up in one of The Rabbit’s toasty outdoor hot tubs and ease the tensions of the day as you take in the views of its lakeside vistas for a truly therapeutic moment.
Get hot and steamy…
Detoxify your body and mind in the Aroma Steam Room which uses a range of relaxing and rejuvenating scents mixed into the steamy air to aid relaxation and calm the mind as well as the body.
Breathe it in…
Surround yourself in the detoxifying and purifying effects of The Rabbit’s unique halotherapy experience within its Salt Chamber. With salt underfoot, salty surrounds and salt-infused air, guests can breathe deeply in this oasis of calm as the detoxifying and purifying salt particles fill the lungs and the respiratory system.
Chill out with summer tunes…
Be the envy of your mates and get a gram-worthy snap under The Rabbit’s iconic disco ball situated inside the Roman Bath. Sip on your favourite tipple whilst chilling out to summer tunes from the comfort of a relaxing lakeside cabana, or from the Roman bath with swim up seating. Adorned by a giant disco ball, watch the sun set from the warm bath and watch as the vibe turns from lazy afternoons to party nights as the sun goes down and the outdoor spa lights up the night. Absolutely #nofilter required.
VIP PASS: Burrow down for the night in one of The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat’s quirky rooms –from snug rooms to comfy boudoirs with outdoor bathtubs, you’ll not want to leave. Can’t bear to leave your four-legged friend at home? Book in to one of The Rabbit’s dog-friendly rooms with outdoor bathtub and your pooch can live in the lap of luxury. There’s even a resident hotel dog, Florence, who will keep them company!
For more information or to book online, visit www.rabbithotel.com, email [email protected] or call 048 9443 2984.