A Spa Therapists Tips On Looking After Your Mental Health

20 - 22 April 2026 | Galgorm Resort, Northern Ireland

The British Sauna Society is delighted to announce the return of the UK Aufguss Championships to the award-winning Galgorm Resort, taking place from 20–22 April 2026. This marks the second time the championships will be hosted at Galgorm, following a highly successful debut in 2024.

For 2026, the championship format expands in an exciting new direction, with the introduction of the Modern Classic Aufguss category, in addition to the existing Performance Aufguss Single and Team competitions.

This expanded format reflects the rapid growth of Aufguss across the UK and internationally, while opening the door to both established and emerging Sauna Masters to showcase a wider spectrum of creative, technical, and traditional skills.

Two paths, one championship

In Performance Aufguss, Singles and Teams will deliver immersive, theatrical sauna rituals combining choreography, music, storytelling, and advanced heat and aroma craftsmanship. Winners will go on to represent the UK at the Aufguss World Championships Finals at Satama Sauna Resort in September 2026. Runners-up will qualify for the Play-Offs at Thermen Bussloo in August 2026, offering a further route to the world stage.

New for the UK in 2026, the Modern Classic Aufguss category celebrates the roots of the discipline, focusing on traditional technique, ritual structure, and refined heat distribution. The winner of this category will qualify for the World Finals at Farris Bad later in 2026.

Both competitions will be judged by an international jury of certified Aufguss experts, ensuring the highest standards of fairness, professionalism, and alignment with global best practice.

“The introduction of the Modern Classic category alongside Performance Aufguss represents a huge step forward for Aufguss in the UK. It allows us to honour tradition while celebrating innovation, giving Sauna Masters at all levels the opportunity to grow, refine their craft, and compete internationally. We are thrilled to return to Galgorm, a resort that truly understands and supports authentic sauna culture.”

— Deborah Carr, UK Aufguss Lead, British Sauna Society

A destination event for guests and competitors

The combined format is expected to bring fresh energy and depth to the championships, creating a compelling experience for spectators and spa guests, while providing a richer competitive platform for Sauna Masters at every stage of their journey. Alongside the competition itself, visitors can expect a vibrant atmosphere celebrating contemporary sauna culture, ritual, and wellbeing.

Crucially for competitors, the 2026 championships will also feature attractive cash prizes, adding further incentive for ambitious Sauna Masters to step onto the national stage and test themselves against the UK’s best.

“The UK Aufguss Championships are always an incredible experience, and Galgorm is a fantastic setting for such a high-energy and creative competition. It’s a really fun event to be part of, with an amazing atmosphere, and as reigning UK champion, I’m really looking forward to returning, defending the title, and seeing what the next wave of Sauna Masters brings to the competition.”

— Zak Moore, Reigning UK Aufguss Champion

A valuable business investment for saunas and spas

The championships also highlight the wider value of investing in Aufguss within spa and wellbeing businesses. Spas that actively sponsor and support their teams to train and compete consistently report significant commercial and cultural returns. Investment in high-quality sauna ritual programmes has been shown to drive stronger member retention, increased guest satisfaction, and deeper engagement with thermal spa offerings — reinforcing sauna as both a cultural centrepiece and a powerful business asset.

“We are delighted to welcome the UK Aufguss Championships back to Galgorm in 2026 and to once again host the British Sauna Society within our Thermal Spa Village. Sauna has always been at the heart of our wellbeing offering, and Aufguss plays an important role in how we deliver immersive, authentic thermal experiences for our guests. Following the success of the championships here in 2024, it’s a privilege to provide a setting where world-class sauna mastery, tradition and innovation can be experienced at this level.”

— Tara Moore, Associate Director of Spa Operations, Galgorm Resort

Tickets and entry.

Galgorm Resort are offering day and overnight packages starting from just £85 - more details, as well as participant information for competitors, are available via the British Sauna Society website.

To book tickets, plan your visit, or find out how to enter:

www.britishsaunasociety.org.uk/uk-aufguss-championships

Winter can be hard on the skin. Cold air, wind and indoor heating all take their toll, often leaving skin feeling dry, tight or a little irritated. A few small changes to your routine can make a big difference and help keep your skin looking healthy and radiant through the colder months.

Start with a Gentle Cleanse

Every good skincare regime starts with a staple cleanser and during the winter months, skin needs comfort. A nourishing cleanser will remove impurities without stripping away moisture.

An award-winning icon in skincare, the ELEMIS Cleansing Balm is a winter staple for good reason. As a 3-in-1 transformative cleanser it melts away makeup and SPF while leaving the skin feeling soft and hydrated, while doubling up as a soothing evening wind down ritual, thanks to its indulgent signature blend of essential oils that treat the skin to a spa experience at home. For something lighter, the new Pro-Collagen Hydrating Cleansing Mousse offers an airy texture that cleanses and soothes, making it particularly suited to dry or sensitive winter skin.

Moisture is Your Best Friend

As temperatures drop and we’re exposed to dry environments and central heating, skin loses moisture more quickly. This is the time to focus on hydration and barrier support.

In the morning, ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream helps keep skin plump, smooth and comfortable throughout the day and acts as a moisturising base for make-up. At night, ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Night Cream works while you rest, replenishing moisture and supporting overnight recovery so skin feels refreshed by morning.

Yes, You Still Need SPF

Even when the sun isn’t shining, UV rays are still present. They can pass through clouds and continue to affect your skin, quietly contributing to premature ageing and long-term skin damage. That’s why wearing SPF every day matters, as it helps protect your skin and keep it healthy, making it a year-round essential. 

Exfoliate, but Gently

Even in winter we crave a glowy complexion and there are key steps you can take to battle dry skin. Dry skin can lead to a build-up of dead skin cells, leaving the complexion looking dull. Gentle exfoliation once or twice a week helps refresh the skin and allows products to work more effectively. ELEMIS Dynamic Resurfacing Pads are a simple, effective option, helping to smooth and brighten without compromising the skin barrier.

Supporting Skin from the Inside Out

Winter affects more than just the surface of the skin. Circulation can slow, lymphatic flow may feel sluggish, and the body can begin to feel heavy or tired, often reflected in the complexion.

Gharieni Detox Therapy is designed to support the body during this time. Using gentle far-infrared heat, the treatment encourages circulation and lymphatic drainage, helping the body function more efficiently through the colder months.

Many guests notice their skin looks clearer and more refreshed after regular sessions, alongside an overall feeling of warmth and lightness. As part of a winter wellness routine, Detox Therapy can complement topical skincare beautifully. Discover more on Galgorm’s

Detox Therapy

Final Thoughts

Winter skincare doesn’t need to be complicated. Gentle cleansing, consistent hydration and daily protection go a long way. Combined with thoughtful treatments and a slower pace, it’s possible to move through winter with skin that feels comfortable, healthy and balanced.

Pro Therapist Tip
Apply ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Rose Micro Serum before Pro-Collagen Marine Cream to boost hydration and enhance glow, especially during the colder months, lightweight serum helps lock in moisture and strengthens the skin barrier, allowing your creams to absorb more effectively for longer-lasting glow and comfort.

Northern Ireland’s premier luxury spa destination celebrated for global recognition at World Luxury Awards and Condé Nast Johansens as new Forest Spa Garden prepares to open in December.

Galgorm, Northern Ireland’s premier luxury resort, has achieved international acclaim following a series of major international hotel and spa accolades. At an awards ceremony in Barcelona, the resort was named Global Winner for Luxury Resort at the World Luxury Hotel Awards, and Global Winner for Luxury Golf Resort Spa at the World Luxury Spa Awards. At the Condé Nast Johansens Awards in London, Galgorm’s celebrated Thermal Spa Village was awarded Best Spa Weekend.

At the World Luxury Spa Awards, the resort also received the titles of Luxury Thermal Spa for Europe and Luxury Spa Resort for Northern Europe. At the World Luxury Hotel Awards, Galgorm was additionally recognised as the United Kingdom’s Leading Luxury Wedding Resort and Luxury Golf Resort.

These honours reinforce Galgorm’s reputation as one of the world’s leading luxury destinations and showcase Northern Ireland on the global tourism stage. Competing with top resorts worldwide, Galgorm’s recognition demonstrates the region’s growing appeal to international guests seeking high-quality leisure, spa, and golf experiences.

The World Luxury Awards are voted for by international travellers and recognise excellence across the hotel and spa sectors. This year more than 300,000 travellers voted in the World Luxury Hotel Awards and over 250,000 in the World Luxury Spa Awards. The Condé Nast Johansens Awards - from the leading reference guide for independent travellers - are widely regarded as a benchmark for independent luxury hotels and spas, with winners chosen by reader votes, guest reviews and expert reports. Galgorm’s global wins underline its ability to compete and succeed at the highest international level.

Colin Johnston, Chief Executive Officer of Galgorm Collection, said:

"Winning two global awards at the World Luxury Awards, and Best Spa Weekend at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards is a moment of immense pride for everyone at Galgorm. These accolades reflect not only our commitment to excellence across every aspect of the resort, from our world-class spa to our golf and hospitality offerings, but also the extraordinary dedication and passion of our entire team. To be recognised on the international stage, competing with the very best in the world, is a testament to the hard work, talent, and vision that defines Galgorm."

Galgorm has long been celebrated for its unrivalled guest experience, extensive spa and wellness offerings, and world-class golf facilities. Its Thermal Spa Village, 550 acres of parkland, and diverse accommodation options - including luxurious rooms, cottages, forest dens, shepherd’s huts, log cabins and group residences - have cemented the resort’s status as a destination of choice for discerning guests from across the globe.

Adding to its internationally acclaimed spa offering, Galgorm will officially open the first phase of its new Forest Spa Garden on 18^th December 2025, marking the beginning of a multi-year development programme that will see subsequent phases unveiled annually through to 2029. Connected to the Thermal Spa Village via a bespoke bridge over the River Maine, this nature-immersive retreat features four luxurious waterbed cabanas, private hot tubs, a sauna and a firepit, all nestled within the resort’s tranquil woodland. The Forest Spa Garden will be open to all day spa and overnight guests, further expanding the resort’s wellness experiences ahead of its wider investment programme.

Situated just 30 minutes from Belfast and 2.5 hours from Dublin, Galgorm has also achieved prestigious AA 5-star status, while its Gillies restaurant has earned an AA Rosette for culinary excellence, further cementing the resort’s reputation for quality and distinction in every area of hospitality.

Colin continued;

“Our ongoing investment is driven by a desire to continually evolve what a luxury spa resort experience can be. From expanding our spa offering with the new Forest Spa Garden to enhancing our accommodation and facilities, we are shaping Galgorm for the future. These developments are not only about elevating guest wellbeing but also about contributing meaningfully to the local economy and ensuring Northern Ireland stands confidently among the world’s leading luxury destinations. We are committed to creating meaningful, memorable experiences that guests from across the globe return to again and again.”

These latest achievements arrive at a pivotal moment for Galgorm, as the resort continues to expand its facilities and enhance the guest experience through a long-term investment strategy.

Since 2008, Galgorm has invested over £80 million in its resort and spa facilities, with a further £30 million set to enhance the property by 2027. These strategic investments ensure the resort maintains its position as a world-class international tourism destination, while its commitment to sustainability and employee experience has earned the Galgorm Collection official ‘Great Place to Work’ certification and dual Gold awards from Green Tourism.

ELEMIS Brings its iconic Skin Spa Airstream to Ireland for the first time – Hosted Exclusively at Galgorm

Luxury skincare brand ELEMIS visits Ireland this August as its iconic Skin Spa Airstream arrives in Ireland for the very first time. The award-winning Galgorm will host this exclusive pop-up experience from Wednesday 27th to Sunday 31st August, marking a major milestone for beauty and wellness fans across the island.

Fresh from a high-profile appearance at the British Grand Prix, the ELEMIS Skin Spa Airstream will make a special pit stop at Galgorm to coincide with the Black Desert NI Legends Event. The activation will bring ELEMIS’ renowned high-tech, high-touch expertise to guests in a unique, luxury mobile spa setting - all against the vibrant backdrop of championship golf.

Visitors will have the chance to step inside the sleek Airstream and enjoy:

Expert Skin Analysis: Using a HD Skin Diagnostic Camera to analyse your complexion’s unique needs, an ELEMIS Skin Specialist will create a personalised skincare prescription.

Express Touch Treatment: Combining expert touch with innovative skincare and CryoGlobes to calm and sculpt, this facial will leave you feeling instantly revitalised.

Express Tech Treatment: This restorative treatment includes high-tech LED light therapy while binaural sound frequencies are played through headphones to relax and rejuvenate.

Each 15-minute treatment is priced at £25 and fully redeemable against any product purchase on the day, giving guests the perfect opportunity to try and take home their ideal ELEMIS products.

With over 30 years of expertise, ELEMIS blends the best of science, nature, and skin wisdom, delivering visible results for millions of clients worldwide. In 2023, the brand achieved B Corp certification, highlighting its dedication to using business as a force for good.

“This is the first time the ELEMIS Skin Spa Airstream has visited Ireland, and we are thrilled to be hosting it here at Galgorm,” said Tara Moore, Head of Spa Operations at Galgorm Collection.  “It’s an unforgettable way for guests to experience world-class skincare in an entirely new setting.”

Event Details:

Location: Galgorm, 200 Galgorm Rd, Ballymena BT42 1HL

Dates: Wednesday 27th – Sunday 31st August 2025

Times: 10am – 5pm daily