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This award-winning spa is said to be the best in the UK — but is it really all that?

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This award-winning spa is said to be the best in the UK — but is it really all that?

The Galgorm Hotel’s Thermal Spa Village has won many awards – we went there to see what all the fuss was about (Photo: Claie Wilson)

Acres of beautiful scenery? Sure. Robes and slippers galore? Sure. The scent of essential oils? everywhere Are you going? Check it out…

Yes, the Galgorm Hotel’s Thermal Spa Village has all the features you’d expect from a spa.

Set in 450 acres of gardens just 45 minutes from Belfast, its popularity can be attributed to the large number of steam rooms, saunas and hot tubs available to spa lovers and newbies alike who flock here every year.

Or perhaps it’s due to the incredible scenery on offer – after all, who doesn’t love relaxing in an alpine-style steam cabin before taking a dip in a heated outdoor pool, while a beautifully picturesque river flows alongside you…

Currently the UK’s best spa by the AA Hotel Spa Awards for its “exceptional and exemplary spa standards and exceptional wellness experiences”, as well as being named Conde Nast’s Best Destination Spa 2024, there’s no doubt that Galgorm has a reputation for 5-star luxury. But does it live up to it?

Well… yes. And a little bit no.

Let’s get to the yes factor first. Facilities aside, Galgorm’s crown jewel is its location. With beautiful forests and the glorious Maine River as a backdrop, there’s not much to complain about.

Galgorm has been crowned ‘Best Spa in the UK’ at the AA Hotel Spa Awards (Photo: AlexandraBarfoot Photography)

The spa is spread across three main zones: the Riverside Garden, the Walled Garden and the Alpine Garden, each with a range of steam and sauna facilities, as well as hot tubs, pools and ‘private’ options, according to their themes.

For example, the Riverside Garden has heated outdoor spa pools, some of which can comfortably accommodate at least eight people, and are set in close proximity to the surrounding forest and, of course, the river.

The Alpine Garden is more about Scandinavian-style wooden structures — some are for steam, some for sauna, plus pools for relaxing, plus cute little cabins for relaxing, all offering a totally different atmosphere.

The sprawling grounds are great for exploring and finding new places to relax (Photo: Christopher Heaney)
The Palm House overlooks the Walled Gardens (Photo: Galgorm)

Inside the Walled Garden – you guessed it… But again, each sauna and steam room is designed differently, while the hot tubs have bar service and the Palm House, which is a great place for an indoor tropical break.

As you spend time wandering around the gardens to relax and work up a sweat, the fact that there are so many gardens means there are no queues of people to get in, as there can be at smaller spa resorts.

That said, we visited in early spring, which may be why, but it’s a highly recommended time to visit as even with grey skies and a few drops of rain, it only adds to the heat/cold experience as you run from one heated space to another.


Here’s what you get

Riverside Garden

Hydro pool, 4 steam rooms, dry heating room, 2 saunas, heated loungers, 3 hot tubs, spa pool, salt cave, infrared beds, plunge pool, indoor pool, sanarium, snow hut, experience shower, water beds, 3 private soaking tubs, 4 riverside baths

Alpine Garden

3 barrel saunas, 2 vitality pools, 2 private hot tubs, glass pool, dry and steam sauna.

Walled garden

2 hot tubs, heated loungers, steam room, sauna, private hot tubs with 4 infrared beds.

You can also avoid the elements by heading to one of the two indoor pools with huge glass fronts and relaxing loungers, ready to help you catch some sleep or give you another chance to enjoy the view.

These parts of the spa feel more “classic,” with options like a snow hut, a fragrant steam room, and a sahara sauna for you to try out.

And of course there are the treatments themselves, if you have some time to spare.

The spa treatment was excellent, but there’s so much to do that you won’t miss out on anything if you don’t book one (Photo: Galgorm)
The spa surroundings are perfect for photos (Photo: Alexandra Barfoot Photography)

I must admit I was a little skeptical about whether a spa stay is really a spa stay without booking a treatment, but with such a wide range of facilities available, you really can.

Still, I gave in and had an exclusive massage and facial, which was wonderful, but I could have had a great time without them.

Another nice touch that Galgorm offers is the private riverside hot tubs, which you can book by the hour for £89. Warmed by a log fire, there was a glass of prosecco waiting for us, as well as a QR code to order more if needed.


Also worth trying…

The Rabbit is like the Galgorm’s fun little spa sister. Cooler, hipper, brighter – but it also doesn’t offer half the facilities of the more established spa town 20 miles down the road.

That said, this place is great if you’re looking for a spa with a party vibe: the pool has a huge glitter ball hanging from the ceiling, while bar stools sit in the water for you to sip and relax.

Glitter balls should be mandatory in all spas… (The Rabbit)

The food is also very good and comes at a slightly lower price. For more information, visit The Rabbit here.

While I had no problem sharing the usual facilities with other guests, sitting in my own hot tub on the riverside added a little extra luxury to our break.

In terms of accommodation, guests can choose between staying in their hotel or in one of the many self-catering lodges dotted around the grounds. All offer great views of the stunning scenery outside.

Additionally, Galgorm has just announced a £3 million investment to add new Forest Dens, which are tucked away in the heart of Galgorm Wood to provide a bit of tranquillity.

The hotel rooms offer excellent views over the grounds (Photo: Galgorm)
Forest Dens are a new addition to Galgorm’s accommodation options (Photo: Galgorm)

So spa, so good. So what were the downsides about this place?

In typical spa style, guests are provided with robes and slippers to wear around the facilities and swap for new ones whenever necessary, but while some were lovely and comfortable, others were a little more threadbare – not the end of the world, but not what you’d call 5-star either.

Then there’s the food and drink. With a designated bar (The Barn) and more than three places to eat – including the brilliant Gillies Grille and Fratelli Ristorante – there’s plenty to keep you occupied after the sun goes down, but it can also pack a punch to your finances.

A vodka and cola and a large white wine cost us £21, which is a bit ridiculous, while there aren’t really any budget options, even in the cafe. The cheapest post-brunch meal on the menu was the soup at £9, while a panini was £15. Yes, it was good, but it wasn’t made of gold.

However, while leaving the plan can be expensive, there’s no doubt that it’s worth the investment if you choose the right package.

We bumped into a few groups (mostly women – but there were a fair proportion of couples too!) who said they were repeat visitors because of some kind of promotion on offer. And the fact that they kept coming back is a positive sign in itself.

So yes, it’s a little pricey (but it’s still a luxury spa) and the robes could be a little more modernised, but other than that I’d say Galgorm is very deserving of the award it won.


Book a stay

A 1-night gourmet getaway with private spa experience costs £340 for two guests and includes:

  • Overnight stay in a deluxe room
  • Relaxation in the Thermal Village
  • Choice of Private Spa Experience – Rasul Mud, Galgorm Detox Therapy or Private Bath Experience
  • Complimentary mini-bar
  • Three-course dinner
  • Full Irish Breakfast

For more information about Galgorm Thermal Village, click here.

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