Saturday 10th August 2024 on Ireland AM Virgin Media One TV
I have chosen five different properties dotted across the north of Ireland that offer luxury and value for money. Going to a destination where you can just unwind and relax totally without having to feel you are on the clock or have to do anything is very important. Setting is important too and convenience so you don’t have to leave the property to have all your needs met, but you want to be close to attractions if you fancy doing a bit of sightseeing.
Galgorm Resort, Ballymena
One of the largest spas in the country is at Galgorm Resort in Ballymena County Antrim. Situated over half an hour from Belfast it’s an ideal base to go and explore the causeway coastline only 40 minutes away and sights such as Seamus Heaney homeplace which is only 25 minutes drive. But of course this property has so much to offer guests you probably won’t want to leave the resort. Glagorm was recently named Best UK Spa at the AA Hotel Spa Awards and crowned Best Destination Spa 2024 in the prestigious Conde Nast Johansens Awards.
Set on 450 acres of vibrant parklands, The river Maine passes through the grounds and this makes the best setting for a relaxing hot tub experience. In fact there are whirpools, roman baths and thermal experiences dotted around every corner of the thermal suite. They offer full treatment facilities but in a place like this there are several spots where you can hide away and enjoy your own private sauna experience so a treatment isn’t necessary. Some of the whirpools are private and you can book those. 
The large swimming pool is indoors with suites inside too. There are places you can eat in the thermal suite and order a drink or lunch without worrying about payment as they will be put on your room. I stayed in the shephards huts with its own deck and outdoor copper bath. They are kitted out with everything you need including milk for a cup of tea and logs for the fire pit, if you are feeling romantic in the evening. These fabulous huts cost from £250 per night for two people with breakfast included.
Autumn Day Spa Packages
(From £95 per person)
Autumn package include an evening, savor the flavours of the season with a two-course evening meal at a choice of three on site restaurants Gillies Grill, Fratelli Ristorante, or Castle Kitchen & Bar. £270 for two people sharing. Book your stay here Galgorm
Manor House Country Hotel, Fermanagh
The Manor House Country Hotel is in close proximity of Lough Erne & Castle Archdale Forest Park with their extensive grounds including a gorgeous golf course. There are several things you can do such as visit the boatyard distillery which is right on the banks of the Lough. It’s close to Enniskillen where you can do a bit of shopping. The building is opulent and luxurious with dark mahogany surroundings but up to date bedrooms. The food is amazing here and the thermal suite is somewhere you can spend the whole day looking out at Lough erne. The views from the dining room are stunning.
Enjoy 2 nights of luxury accommodation with breakfast each morning, one evening meal and complimentary access to their boutique Spa Sanctuary, where you can enjoy the lake views from our outdoor hot tub. You can also book a luxurious spa treatment in their Spa Sanctuary from as little as £45. Spa treatments are generally cheaper up north too. Manor House Hotel is a member of the Original Irish Hotels Collection so you can use any vouchers you have for them here.
One Dinner on the evening of your choice. Complimentary access to Leisure Centre& Spa Sanctuary. From £210 per person sharing in August, subject to availability. Book on Original Irish Hotels website here
The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, Co Down.
The Old Inn backs onto the local beach at Crawfordsburn and you walk though a woodland glade to get to it – perfect for relaxing walks. The Old Inn dates back to 1614 and has 34 guestrooms so it’s smaller with the unique feature of the Treetop Spa. It may be old but the decor is impeccably updated in a stylish fashion.
This is where the author CS Lewis who wrote the Narnia Chronicles spent his honeymoon in the charming cottage on site. This is a small intimate spa and one of the features that I love especially is the feeling that you are in amongst the treetops in the relaxation room. I was there in July but I can imagine how glorious this is in the autumn when the leaves are changing colours.
B&B in The Old Inn From £175 per room. book your stay here
The Rabbit, County Antrim
The Rabbit is a truly unique spa and only 12 miles from the centre of Belfast. In what used to be an old hunting lodge is now one of the most fun spas in the country. The reception is decorated with funky wall papers and lots of fun sculptures of rabbits around the hotel. The spa is next to a beautiful pond and you can spend all day here in the roman baths and the hot tubs. 
One really fun feature is the beach area with heated sand when you walk underfoot – so no matter what the weather you will feel like you are in the sun. The relaxation rooms include fabulous water beds to lie on which is another completely novel idea. The bedrooms have all vintage artefacts around the room like old record players and decorated with a modern twist on art deco. The food is great here too with lots of dishes reasonably prices.
Day spas that include treatments for the autumn run from £79 per person and includes lunch
B&B in The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat From £190 per room. Don’t forget you have full facilities to the spa all day long and that’s included in the price which is great value – they have treatment rooms too if you want to be totally pampered. Book your stay here
Killeavy Castle Estate, County Armagh
This gorgeous Castle is only a few minutes across the border set in the beautiful rolling hills of Slieve Gullion. Killeavy Castle. This is a great destination for anyone who likes to hike and enjoy the great outdoors. It’s also a property known for its farm to fork dining as it produces its own food on the grounds. They have a lovely little farm shop too where you can bring home some organic produce.
If you want to stay in Killeavy Castle Estate on their Autumn Spa and Stay package you’ll also get to enjoy a 25-minute Swedish Massage, 25-minute Prescriptive Facial and use of Thermal Facilities and Relaxation Suite, all included in the offer. Relax in the spa all day and have your dinner that night , From £180 per person sharing. Available September & October 2024, subject to availability. Book that on original irish hotels website.
