Just thirty minutes from Belfast is Galgorm Resort and Spa – a luxurious hotel in Ballymena. When I was invited to check out some of the new facilities at Galgorm I, of course, didn’t hesitate to say ‘YES!’. I’d heard alot about the new Thermal Village at Galgorm and was excited to check it out…and of course to enjoy a romantic night away with Phill at one of Northern Ireland’s best hotels.
Everyone keeps telling Phill and I to enjoy our last few months of freedom and couple time before the baby is born. We figured a night away at a hotel on our own isn’t going to happen much in the coming years once we become parents. We tried to soak up every moment of our Galgorm escape. We left home early in the morning and headed for Ballymena town centre to do a spot of shopping and to visit the much-talked about coffee shop Middletown (see my vlog for our experience here). Once check-in time came around we were excited to see our room and begin our relaxing overnight stay.
Beautiful Deluxe Suite
We were given a room in the brand new section of the hotel, renovated at the same time as the spa was extended. Our deluxe room was gorgeous – with king size bed, spacious bathroom (complete with wet-room shower and bath with jets) and lounge area where there was a sofa, chairs and large Smart TV. Our room had a view over The Thermal Village.
Couple Time at The Thermal Village
I had a pregnancy rose massage booked at 4.30pm so it wasn’t long before Phill and I were donning our white spa robes and making our way to The Thermal Village. This is an absolutely stunning addition to the hotel. There is a large swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, outdoor hottubs and jacuzzis, as well as saunas and steam rooms located in outdoor log cabins. There is also a room reserved for indugling in cocktails and magazines and colouring books!
Whilst I enjoyed a blissful rose oil massage with Therapist Orsolye, Phill lived it up in the spa area and enjoyed the different facilities more than either of us thought he would. He’s never experienced a spa break and he felt so relaxed after a couple of hours of quality quiet time.
Tasting Menu at The River Room
Our evening was spent in Galgorm’s elegant The River Room where we were treated to a seven course tasting menu. The food was absolutely stunning – so delicate and pretty to look at, and wonderful to taste too. I tasted quail and quail egg for the first time and Phill surprised himself by actually liking the broccoli that was on his plate for the fish course. The buttermilk, honey and strawberry dessert was a real delight.
I was impressed with the lightness of every course. We left feeling satisfied and well fed, not bloated and uncomfortable. The River Room prides itself in sourcing the majority of it’s food from local Northern Ireland food producers. I cannot speak highly enough of the staff who were incredibly attentive throughout our dining experience.
Scenic Walks Around The Grounds
I woke early the next morning and enjoyed a swim before a fabulous and hearty cooked breakfast in The River Room. After check-out, we decided to linger longer and take a walk around Galgorm’s grounds. This was such a peaceful way to end our mini break…plus we worked off a little of all the great food we’d indulged in! Check out my vlog to find out more about our Galgorm experience.
Thank you to Galgorm Resort and Spa for our complimentary stay – we will treasure our memories and hopefully return again with a little one in tow!