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Galgorm Resort and Spa, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland - 5 bubbles
Sedate Spy hasn't stopped talking about the spa at Galgorm since she got back from Northern Ireland. She loved the countryside setting, the thermal experiences, the treatments, the showers, the outdoor hot tub and the view of the waterfall. Even the loungers get a tick in her book. A dreamy spa experience all round, at a fair price for the luxury on offer.
First impressions?
How did they welcome you?
What happens next?
Which treatments did you have?
What were the treatments like?
How did you feel afterwards?
What happens afterwards?
Long-term effects
Was it worth it?
What else could you have?
Any special features?
Who do you think would like it?
Why did you give the spa this rating?
Would you go again?
First impressions?
Galgorm Resort and Spa, in Ballymena, is a short drive from Belfast city centre, and only 20 minutes from Belfast City Airport. The resort is set in 163 acres of idyllic, picturesque woodland. As we drove through the main gates and along the undulating drive, we managed to get lost. We drove up to the Grand Hall instead of the main hotel. This is a separate building, which is used for weddings and other special occasions.
As we drove through the hotel grounds to the front of the resort, the landscape was stunning: rolling, lush green lawns, dramatic views of the River Maine and a beautiful waterfall.
How did they welcome you?
The reception staff were warm and friendly, and the check-in process was painless and smooth. We didn't even notice that our luggage had already been whisked away and deposited in our room! We walked down a hallway to the lifts and made our way up to our room. This comfortable room had a gorgeous, contemporary design. The French doors opened onto a private patio which looked out over the river, about ten metres from the waterfall. Wow, what a spectacular view!
What happens next?
My spa treatment at Galgorm was booked for the following day, so we had enough time to try out the resort's split-level fitness suite. This gym is not huge, but is equipped with state-of-the-art Matrix cardio and resistance equipment -- all fitted with the latest entertainment options.
The thermal spa: Next, we checked out the thermal spa experience. Galgorm's changing rooms were especially lovely: beautiful modern décor with recessed lighting, large lockers, ample space for changing, and little touches of decadence. There were small glass tea-lights dotted around, piles of luxurious soft towels, and lots of beauty stations, too. Inside the lockers were towels, slippers and the fluffiest robes. The showers were fantastic and included a selection of Aromatherapy Associates products to use.
I discovered, on the wall next to the pool, a handy step-by-step guide to getting the best from the thermal spa: very useful. After a dip in the infinity hydrotherapy pool, I followed the guide's advice and headed to the outdoor hot tub. I tried each of the thermal spa experiences and really enjoyed the various climate rooms, the Laconium and the Aroma Grotto. The gentle steam was infused with the fresh aroma of essential oils and I could really feel them boosting my skin and respiratory system. The last room was the Herb Caldarium room, which was humid, and subtly scented.
The food: We decided to have a formal dinner in the River Room Restaurant, although we could have chosen a more laid-back meal in Gillies Bar and Grill. The panoramic views of the River Maine were superb, as was the menu. The manager and staff were very accommodating: we asked for chicken, which wasn't on the menu, but the chef was happy to prepare it for us. The food and wine were fantastic. The River Restaurant is highly recommended.
After a good night's sleep in our gorgeous room, it was time to check out the spa's treatment rooms. There are eleven treatment rooms at Galgorm, along with a Mud Serail chamber, Cleopatra Bath, and Hammam.
We were greeted at the spa reception by pleasant, friendly and very bubbly staff. We filled out our consultation forms in the stylish, warm reception area while sipping green tea.
Which treatments did you have?
I chose the Real Aromatherapy Experience (1 hour 25 minutes, £90), a stress-busting combination of "Swedish and neuromuscular massage".
My partner opted for the Mohom Indigo Healing Art treatment (1 hour 25 minutes, £95). This Thai massage treatment uses "a steamed indigo herbal compress" and deep-tissue massage to stimulate the circulation. It's based on "an ancient healing art used by monks", apparently.
What were the treatments like?
Our therapists collected us both from reception and led us to the Parisian Suite - Galgorm's double treatment room. I'd never had a spa treatment in the same room with anyone else before and was a little unnerved by the idea. I like my spa treatments to be my own private experience!
The Parisian Suite was stunning, with two free-standing baths on a raised platform, with a huge wall-to-wall coral tropical-fish aquarium as the backdrop. The treatment beds sat side by side, but far enough apart to give each person their own personal space.
The Real Aromatherapy Experience used Aromatherapy Associates essential oils. You start with a scent test, to choose one of eleven blends of essential oils. The treatment included a full-body, face and scalp massage. My therapist spent a lot of time gently working on my tense shoulders. This treatment was so fantastically relaxing that that I drifted off a couple of times. Not to anywhere in particular, just far away from where I actually was.
My partner reported that his Mohom Indigo Healing Art treatment included a very, very deep massage. His therapist had a very slight frame but she probably gave the strongest massage he had ever had! He really enjoyed being pounded by the hot herbal poultice, too. Considering that over the years he has experienced many, many massages for sports injuries, he was seriously impressed.
How did you feel afterwards?
After my Real Aromatherapy Experience, I felt extremely spaced out -- once I'd come round enough to realise that the massage had actually finished! I felt light-headed and dreamy. My limbs felt wobbly and I was in desperate need of further relaxation, which is, luckily, just what I found in the relaxation room.
After the Mohom Indigo Healing Art treatment was over, my partner felt more supple and full of energy.
What happens afterwards?
I wobbled off to the relaxation room and placed myself horizontally on one of the loungers. Each lounger has its own reading light and headphones, and there was a range of magazines to peruse, but I simply lay back and gently dozed. Good to see water, orange juice or fruit on offer, too. All too soon, I had to drag myself away and head back to reality...
Long-term effects
I am convinced that this holistic form of aromatherapy massage had long-lasting effects. I had a fantastic night's sleep: deep and relaxing. For the next few days, I swear that I could still smell the gorgeous blend of exotic oils. My mood was calmer, and I felt truly revitalised.
Was it worth it?
I loved the entire Galgorm experience. My Real Aromatherapy Experience was £90 for almost an hour and a half: a fair price for a top-notch spa treatment.
What else could you have?
The Spa at Galgorm offers facials, massage, scrubs and wraps for both women and men. Holistic therapies include reflexology, head massage and ear candling while the Finishing Touches menu includes tanning, waxing and a whole range of hand and foot treatments.
Any special features?
Galgorm's outdoor hot tub is very special. It had been snowing during the night when we visited, and it was incredible to walk outside into the freezing cold and slide into the hot tub, sip champagne and gaze out over the River Maine and the forest.
Who do you think would like it?
Galgorm is a spa that would appeal to anyone looking for a luxurious spa experience. You really have the feeling of being spoilt. This is a spa that I would love to visit on my own, or with my daughter, my partner or a group of friends: just perfect for any occasion.
Why did you give the spa this rating?
We gave Galgorm Resort and Spa 5 bubbles. There was absolutely nothing I could fault. I wondered if maybe the relaxation room offered enough loungers when the spa was booked to capacity, only to discover that while we were there it was booked to capacity. Not a problem, then...
All the staff at Galgorm were fantastic, and the therapists professional and friendly. The surroundings were luscious: There was nothing that I could pick out as sub-standard. .
See more on how we rate the spas
Would you go again?
In a heartbeat! Galgorm was an indulgent experience to remember.
We visited Galgorm Resort and Spa in March 2009
See also:
* Contact Details for Galgorm Resort and Spa
* All Spa Spy Reviews
* Massage
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