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Www movement Galgorm

Wellness

10/09/2024

Embrace Movement and Vitality this World Wellness Weekend at Galgorm


At Galgorm, Northern Ireland’s globally renowned resort, we understand that true luxury lies not only in relaxation but also in nurturing the vitality that sustains us. This World Wellness Weekend, we are focusing on one of its key pillars: Movement and Vitality. This pillar reminds us that the energy we exude stems from how we care for both our bodies and minds. Movement is essential for well-being, and vitality is the feeling of being truly alive—both can transform the way we experience life.

 

The Importance of Movement

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s tempting to come home after a busy day and simply unwind. But while rest has its place, staying physically active is key to maintaining not just physical fitness but also mental clarity and emotional balance. Movement should become as routine as sitting down for lunch or dinner—a daily ritual that you look forward to.

To ensure that movement becomes a seamless part of your lifestyle, choose activities that bring you joy. This way, you’ll return to them regularly, embedding movement into your daily routine with ease.

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News

05/09/2024

Recipe | Portavogie Prawn & Chilli Pasta | World Wellness Weekend


Portavogie Prawn & Chilli Pasta

Serves 2

  • 150g peeled Portavogie prawn meat
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 red chilli, de-seeded & finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely sliced
  • 2 tablespoon chopped flat leaf parsley
  • 200g linguini

1) Heat the olive oil in the pan and fry the garlic and chilli over low heat for 2 minutes. Turn up the heat (be careful not to burn the garlic) add the prawns and cook for 2 minutes, until the prawns are pink.

2) Cook the Linguini in a large pan of boiling salted water until al dente. Using tongs, remove the pasta from the boiling water and add it to the frying pan with the prawns, along with 3 tbsp of the cooking water. Toss together and cook over a low heat for about 2 minutes.

3) Place the pasta between the serving bowls. Top with Parmesan and chopped parsley.

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News

05/09/2024

Recipe | Marinated Heritage Tomato Salad, Ewings Smoked Salmon, Torn Sourdough, Fennel, Mint Pesto | World Wellness Weekend


Marinated Heritage Tomato Salad, Ewings Smoked Salmon, Torn Sourdough, Fennel, Mint Pesto

Serves 2

  • 100g smoked salmon
  • 200g mixed ripe heritage tomatoes, sliced into even sizes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
  • 1 bulb fennel, finley sliced
  • 100g sourdough, torn and lightly toasted
  • 80g fresh mint
  • 50g toasted pinenuts (keep 1 teaspoon back for garnish)
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 125ml olive oil
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Edible herbs and flowers

1) Place the tomato pieces into a bowl and coat with the oilive oil, sherry vinegar and season with sea salt, black pepper and half a teaspoon of caster sugar. Allow to marinade at room temperature for one hour before eating.

2) To make the pesto, place all ingredients into a food blender and blitz until smooth. This can be placed into a refrigerator in a sealed container until needed.

3) Slice the smoked salmon into ribbons and finely slice the fennel on a mandolin.

4) To serve put a spoonful of pesto in a bowl and toss the shaved fennel in pesto, layer up all the ingredients, and finish with the remaining toasted pine nuts, herbs and flowers.

Untitled design Galgorm

News

30/07/2024

New 15-Acre Woodland Project Completed at Galgorm Resort


Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, in collaboration with Galgorm Resort and The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland’s Emergency Tree Fund, proudly announces the creation of a magnificent 15-acre woodland at Galgorm.

Through this ambitious project, 7,500 native trees, including Irish oak, hazel, birch, wild cherry, and others, have been meticulously planted. This diverse mix of species forms a vital protective buffer for Galgorm Wood, one of Ireland's precious ancient woodlands nestled along the River Maine between Galgorm Resort and Cullybackey.

Ancient woodlands, continuously thriving since 1660, are a rarity in Ireland, harbouring a rich tapestry of ground flora. This unique ecosystem offers visitors an enchanting experience, showcasing rare flowers and plants in their natural habitat.

The newly established woodland is set to significantly enhance local wildlife habitats. It provides essential nesting and feeding sites for birds, shelter for mammals, and a rich source of pollen for pollinators. These native trees are perfectly adapted to bolster the local ecosystem, ensuring its resilience and diversity.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Alderman Beth Adger MBE, expressed her enthusiasm: "It’s fantastic that the Council is demonstrating its climate commitment through initiatives like this Climate Canopy project. This woodland will benefit not only our generation but will provide beauty and enjoyment to people and vital habitat for wildlife for hundreds, if not thousands, of years."

This initiative forms part of Galgorm Resort’s broader commitment to being fully carbon neutral by 2030, pledging to be the first premier hospitality group on the island of Ireland to go fully green.  Galgorm’s dedication to a sustainable future was further unscored by being awarded with Green Tourism and Green Meetings Gold credentials. 

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is dedicated to furthering such impactful projects. Funding is available for additional initiatives on sites larger than 0.5 acres. For more information and guidance, please call 07552250257 or email trees@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.

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Awards

29/07/2024

From Bali to Ballymena: World Luxury Awards Selects Galgorm as Host


Galgorm, Northern Ireland’s globally renowned luxury hotel and wellness destination, has been chosen to host one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality award ceremonies, the World Luxury Awards 2024.

The glittering grand gala is set to attract over 200 guests including VIPs, luxury hotel, spa and restaurant owners from countries across the globe, along with international media.

 

Galgorm is privileged to have been selected as the European host venue for the Awards on 19 October 2024, with a second ceremony taking place in Ayana Resort & Spa in Bali on 16 October.

This is only the second time the awards have been held in the UK or Ireland with organisers choosing to return once more to the Galgorm venue after it successfully hosted the event in 2018.

 

John McGrillen, CEO of Tourism NI, said:

We are delighted to see the return of the World Luxury Awards to Galgorm Resort this year following the success of the event in 2018.

Having the opportunity to welcome more than 200 luxury hospitality owners to Northern Ireland allows the destination to truly showcase internationally its sustainable, inclusive and innovative year-round, world-class tourism offering.”

 

Established in 2006, the Awards are accepted as the pinnacle of achievement for the luxury hospitality sector worldwide. Covering hotel, spa, restaurant and travel categories, they stand to reward and congratulate those which have excelled in their offering as voted by guests, travellers and industry players alike. Accolades are presented to winners on a country, regional, continent and global basis. 

 

Speaking about the honour of hosting the ceremony, Colin Johnston, Galgorm Managing Director said;

This is truly a wonderful glamorous event celebrating best in class for the sector and we are very proud that the World Luxury Awards team have selected our venue as one of the two host locations this year.

“We could not be more thrilled to welcome the crème de la crème of the global hospitality industry to Northern Ireland and Galgorm.

“We are fully committed to enhancing the tourism infrastructure in Northern Ireland by delivering world-class facilities and providing an unrivalled customer experience to attract large events such as the World Luxury Awards. With the support of our loyal suppliers and partners we are excited to showcase our amazing produce, service and entertainment offering and we will ensure every guest receives an exceptional Northern Irish experience during their visit."

 

Joanna Macdonald, Events Manager from the World Luxury Awards said:

We are so excited to return to Galgorm in 2024 as our host for the Awards. We know that a magnificent event is guaranteed at this sensational, venue and we have no doubt each guest will receive a true, warm Irish welcome.

“Hosting an event of this stature is no small feat, every detail needs to be considered and every task and request undertaken with care. We chose Galgorm because we knew their highly professional team will deliver on our requirements and we know that the evening will be thoroughly enjoyed by all.”

 

 


Gracehill Galgorm

News

26/07/2024

Gracehill achieves UNESCO World Heritage


Gracehill Moravian Settlement

Nestled on the outskirts of Ballymena, near Galgorm and tucked away from the main road, lies the remarkable Moravian settlement of Gracehill, waiting to be explored. Founded by the Moravian Church in 1759, Gracehill holds the distinction of being Northern Ireland's first Conservation Area. It is uniquely the only complete Moravian settlement in Ireland, boasting a well-preserved collection of buildings and an active Moravian community. The village’s structured layout and distinctive Georgian architecture have remained largely unchanged since the 18th century.

For the past two decades, local residents have campaigned tirelessly to protect and promote Gracehill's unique heritage. Their efforts have been rewarded with Gracehill being recognised as Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site.

The Moravian Church Settlements Transnational World Heritage site consists of 4 component parts: Herrnhut in Saxony, Germany; Bethlehem in Pennsylvania, United States; Christiansfeld in Southern Jutland, Denmark; and Gracehill in Northern Ireland, UK.

All World Heritage sites are understood to have ‘Outstanding Universal Value’. They are considered important not only to local people or to a country but to the world – to all of humanity. Gracehill was the first Conservation Area designated in Northern Ireland in 1974, so it has been considered a place of special architectural and historic interest by the Government of Northern Ireland for a long while. Its fine state of preservation also suggests that it has been appreciated by its own residents and surrounding community for much longer than that. World Heritage, however, is something altogether greater. This means that the international community, in the form of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has included a site on a list of the most important historic and natural places on earth.

To learn more about Gracehill's journey to UNESCO status, visit

.

In the coming years, visitor infrastructure will be enhanced to accommodate increased tourism. Meanwhile, visitors are welcome to take a self-guided tour around the village to appreciate its unique buildings and architecture, or an official guided tour by a certified tour guide (

).

Highlights include:

  • Gracehill Old School: Dating back to 1765, this building now hosts a welcoming restaurant, a Museum Room, and a Schoolroom. The Museum Room details the history of the Gracehill settlement and features an exhibition of lacework. The building is fully accessible for individuals with disabilities.
  • The Moravian Church and God’s Acre: Central to the village, the church is accompanied by a burial ground known as God’s Acre, divided by a central path into two plots – men to the left and women to the right. Reflecting the Moravian belief in equality in death, all headstones are of the same shape and design, laid nearly flat on the ground.

More buildings of interest can be seen in the map below.

Skin Expert in treatment room

Spa

02/05/2024

Pro Wedding Skincare Tips by our Skin Expert


The time to think about your skincare routine is not for the week before your wedding, in fact it is ideal to prep a few months out. Ideally 3-4 months prior to the wedding, you want to prioritise your routine. This is how you are going to achieve that bridal glow!

From deep hydration, thorough cleansing, and exfoliation, these all play a crucial role in the optimum health of your skin.

Regular facials can help to combat specific concerns like acne, pigmentation, or dullness, or you can opt for our noninvasive skin treatments that will not only treat skin concerns, but help to brighten, tighten, and lift the facial contours, with the help of our Elemis Biotec 2.0 machine.

Alongside professionally driven facials, it is important that you maintain of your skin with a strict routine at home, on the lead up to the big day. This will not only benefit the professional strength treatments you will have done but will preserve your skin’s radiance and health in between each session. Think of it like going to the gym for your regular fitness sessions. They will have no great effect if you do not continue your healthy approach at home with your nutrition and wellness.

Forest den   blog Galgorm

News

03/06/2024

Galgorm invests £3 million to add new Forest Dens to luxury accommodation collection


Northern Ireland’s premiere luxury hotel, Galgorm has added a stunning new range of accommodation to its collection, with a £3 million investment.

Having already invested £60 million since 2010, Galgorm secured its position among the world’s premier tourism destinations in 2021 when it announced a further £30 million investment to expand and enhance its resort and spa facilities by 2027.

The new Forest Dens represent £3 million of that investment phase and are the first element of the ‘Forest Garden’ at Galgorm. The expansion to the Thermal Spa Village is due to follow in summer 2025, complete with forest walks, wood-fired sauna, hot tubs and a rope bridge connecting the Thermal Spa Village on both sides of the river.

 

Colin Johnston, Managing Director at Galgorm, stated:

“Our commitment to maintaining Galgorm’s standing as a world-class, award-winning tourism destination has driven us to invest and innovate continually over the last number of years. This latest £3 million investment is a testament to our dedication to offering premium and authentic experiences to our guests.

The introduction of the Forest Dens marks a unique addition to our accommodation portfolio, providing guests with an exceptional opportunity to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the luxury and tranquillity that Galgorm is renowned for.

With further substantial investments on the horizon, guests can look forward to even more exciting developments, including the expansion of our Thermal Spa Village next summer.”

Weekend Breaks Galgorm

Spa

22/03/2024

Weekend Breaks at Galgorm


 

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and indulge in a weekend retreat at Galgorm Resort. Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Northern Ireland, our resort offers the perfect setting for relaxation and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a girl’s trip, or a group celebration, our weekend breaks cater to every occasion, ensuring a memorable escape for all.

Deluxe Spa Stays

At Galgorm we have a wide range of deluxe spa stay packages, meaning our guests can enjoy the best of both dining and spa experiences.

Escape from the routine of everyday life and take time out for some pampering with 1-3 Night Deluxe Spa Escapes. Guests will enjoy an overnight stay in a Deluxe guestroom complete with complimentary mini bar and everything you need to ensure a relaxing stay. Moreover, each Deluxe guest room has either a River View or Garden View room, looking out over the River Maine or the picturesque Walled Garden. Deluxe spa stays include A La Carte breakfast and three course evening meal in Gillies Grill, Fratelli or Castle Kitchen + Bar. This stay also includes a choice of private spa experience, where each guest will experience a 60-minute treatment selected from our Spa Treatment Menu

The Spa at Galgorm offers the ultimate in relaxation and wellness. Succumb to the tranquility of the Thermal Spa Village where you can enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor spa facilities designed to offer a truly authentic Irish spa experience.

Explore our full range of spa escapes

 

Superior Dining Escapes

Experience culinary excellence at Galgorm Resort with our dining packages. Indulge in delicious meals crafted with locally sourced ingredients at our award-winning restaurants, where each dish is expertly prepared right down to the finest details.

Whether you’re enjoying a romantic meal for two or a celebratory meal with friends, our dining packages promise an unforgettable experience. Included is a three-course evening meal in Gillies Grill, Fratelli or Castle Kitchen + Bar and relaxation in the tranquil surroundings of the Thermal Spa Village and breakfast the following morning.

At Galgorm we offer a range of 1–3-night superior stays, browse the full range

Top Five Reasons for a Resort Wedding

News

12/03/2024

Top Five Reasons for a Resort Wedding


Whether engaged or simply wistfully dreaming of what your ideal Wedding Day will be like, it’s almost certain you have considered the minor detail of potential venues. Choosing a destination is no easy task and couples are now more than ever spoiled for choice when it comes to venues; barns, castles, hotels, even music halls, the list goes on! While aesthetics play a major role, have you considered the onsite amenities, customer service and accessibility for your guests? To assist you with your decision making we have pulled together just a few reasons why you should consider a full-service resort wedding.  

 

1. Convenience

It is safe to say that every couple hopes to reminisce in years to come on the day they invited their nearest and dearest to celebrate the moment you said “I Do’. Savour quality time with your loved ones, particularly those who have travelled great distances, by having one central location for your guests to stay. With 125 rooms including suites, deluxe, superior and standard rooms as well as self-catering cottages, shepherd's huts and log cabins, Galgorm offers accommodation to suit each and every type of guest. Afford yourself the peace of mind that with fewer moving pieces, there is less chance of mistakes being made. 

 

2. Ceremony Rooms

Why not try somewhere more unusual for your wedding ceremony? Galgorm is home to two stunning and equally unique venues offering a magical backdrop for a civil ceremony or exchange of vows. Hosting your ceremony and celebrating your wedding reception mere yards away from one another minimises the moving pieces and allows your guests to virtually forget about their car keys for the day, focusing entirely on embracing your fairytale romance. Make the most of the time you have saved travelling between venues and have your wedding photography complemented by the stunning grounds of Galgorm. Our selection of trusted suppliers are specialists at delivering those lesser-known Galgorm shots guaranteed to wow time and time again, all seasons considered. 

The traditional Phantom House nestles against the backdrop of ancient rolling woodland and gently flowing waterfalls, boasting original stonework, Aga fires and a private balcony overlooking the river. The Ghost House offers a completely magical setting, adorned with elegant drapes, and twinkling candles. Both locations offer outdoor options for the brighter seasons and are the ultimate in timeless romance.  

 

3. On-site Pampering

During the final few days in the run-up to the main event, the last thing you wish to be doing is frantically traveling from A to B all in the name of pre-wedding pampering. Relax and unwind in the serene surroundings of Ireland’s first award-winning Thermal Spa Village. Gather your thoughts as the flurry of excitement builds and take some time to embrace a moment of tranquillity in the most beautiful, calming surroundings our our three different spa gardens. If it's time for two you desire, relax and unwind post-wedding with a private Bathing Experience. Nestled among the olive trees and apple orchard of the Walled Garden or alongside the River Maine. 

 

4. Stress-Free Planning

More often than not, your dream Resort can offer a range of all-inclusive packages, particularly beneficial when organising a wedding from afar. At Galgorm, our team of highly experienced Wedding Planners have devised a number of packages that draw on the experience of selective and highly respected experts in their field. After all, planning is part of the experience so ensure you soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the fun stuff while rest assured that every detail is being taken care of. 

 

5. Experienced and Devoted Staff

Last, but certainly not least, rest assured that from the moment you inquire about hosting one of the most memorable events of your life, each intricate detail will be taken care of in a manner of sheer professionalism, with each member of staff devoted to ensuring a successful event. Your Resort will be no stranger to hosting weddings and yet you will feel as though your celebrations are as unique as your love for one another. 

Babymoon galgorm Galgorm

Spa

19/03/2024

A Blissful Babymoon at Galgorm


A Galgorm getaway, well known for embracing relaxation and tranquility, which is why it has become a popular babymoon location for expectant parents. The lead up to the arrival of your little one can be an exciting time but can also be overwhelming and exhausting so amidst the preparations it is also essential to take a moment to reconnect with your partner and indulge in some much-needed relaxation before your beautiful parenthood journey begins. What better way to do this than with a babymoon at, Northern Ireland’s Premier luxury Hotel and Spa, Galgorm.

 

No need to stress about booking flights and baggage or carrying your cherished baby bump through airport security. You could be anywhere in the world at Galgorm, beautiful in all weather, set against the picturesque backdrop of the River Maine and surrounded by nature offering tranquility, romance, and rejuvenation from the moment you arrive making it a truly unforgettable babymoon experience.

 

Offering a range of accommodation options to suit every preference. Whether you prefer a cosy

overlooking the river and nestled above the award-winning Thermal Spa Village, an extra special stay with private spa experience and all the space you could need with added balcony, or perhaps it’s a hidden hideaway that you dream of with a range of set across the Resort, in a woodland or garden setting, but with all the Resort luxuries a short stroll away. Each creates the perfect babymoon space for memorable moments with the utmost comfort and relaxation.

Spring at galgorm Galgorm

News

20/02/2024

Blossom into springtime with a luxury rest and recharge at Galgorm


The birds are singing, the mornings are brighter and there’s a grand old stretch in the evenings. All that can mean just one thing – Spring has sprung at last.

And with those feel-good vibes in the air, it’s the perfect time for an indulgent rest and recharge to set you up for the action-packed months ahead.

Galgorm, Northern Ireland’s premier luxury hotel, located a 30-minute drive from Belfast, has all the options you need for some well-deserved “me-time” to blow away those winter cobwebs and put a spring firmly back in your step.

Recently named Best UK Spa at the AA Hotel Spa Awards and crowned Best Destination Spa 2024 in the prestigious Conde Nast Johansens Awards, there’s no better place to relax and unwind, whether you’re enjoying a riverside bathing experience, a rejuvenating detox therapy session or taking an uplifting walk through Galgorm’s 450 acres of luscious parklands.

From blissful spa trips and first-rate retreats to exceptional dining experiences and wonderful accommodation options, take some time to reawaken your spirit and embrace all the very best things this time of year has to offer with the award-winning Galgorm.

Feature image Galgorm

Getaway

10/11/2022

The Old Inn join Ireland’s Blue Book for 2023


The Old Inn in Co. Down has joined Ireland’s Blue Book collection of country houses, historic hotels, and restaurants for 2023. The new additions bring the total number of properties in the Ireland’s Blue Book collection to 63.

Wedding trends Galgorm

News

05/03/2024

2024 Wedding Trends from a Wedding Planner


Weddings are everywhere – you’re either planning one, attending one, or your social feeds are serving you the latest #WeddingInspo. When it comes to planning your own dream wedding, who better to bestow their wisdom around what to do, where to go and how to get started, than an experienced Wedding Planner who has guided couples in planning their day in a way that is true to their taste, style and vision. That’s why we caught up with Galgorm Wedding Planner, Donna Cunningham, to find out what trends she has spotted for 2024 weddings.

 

2024 is all about the “three day wedding”. Should it be an intimate, relaxed gathering with your loved ones or a “The more the merrier vibe” for those social butterflies. More and more couples are arriving to the resort the day prior to their big, chill out in the spa in the afternoon, pre-dinner cocktails in McKendry’s, relaxed dinner in one of our restaurants before returning to the pub for a night cap! The day after the wedding it’s a late breakfast all round, back to the spa to zen for a few hours then it’s time for “Day 2 BBQ”.

 

Ceremony officiants: Couples are making their day more about them with a more personalised ceremony. Taking more time to find the perfect ceremony officiant to tell their story, celebrate their love for each other, writing their own vows and capturing their guest’s attention from the moment the music starts playing.

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