Luxury resort expands offering with nature-inspired wellness retreat and enhanced in-room spa facilities.

Northern Ireland’s premier luxury hotel and spa resort Galgorm has announced a £3 million investment - unveiling a major guestroom refurbishment programme and plans for a nature-immersive Forest Spa Garden. These significant developments further enhance the resort’s world-renowned Thermal Spa Village and reinforces its commitment to investing in Northern Ireland’s growing tourism sector.

£2 million has been invested to renovate Galgorm’s six junior suites - which are now complete with private hot tubs on the balconies overlooking the River Maine - and to refurbish 45 superior rooms which are due for completion by July 2025. The upgrades blend modern luxury with Galgorm’s timeless aesthetic, enhancing guest comfort while elevating the spa experience.

Set to open in autumn 2025, a new Forest Spa Garden represents an additional £1million investment, designed to offer guests a deeper connection to nature. Located across the River Maine and opposite the existing Thermal Spa Village, this tranquil retreat will be nestled within the resort’s woodland area and feature four luxurious relax cabanas, three private hot tubs, a sauna, and serene forest walkways. A bespoke bridge will seamlessly connect the new Forest Spa Garden to the main spa, creating a fully immersive wellness journey.

Colin Johnston, Managing Director, Galgorm Collection, said:

“These investments allow us to push boundaries in creating exceptional guest experiences. The junior suites’ private balcony hot tubs offer guests a spa retreat within their own room, while the Forest Spa Garden introduces an entirely new way to relax and reconnect with nature. Our guests both from home and overseas can expect even more from Galgorm, and this latest chapter reflects our vision for world-class hospitality here in Northern Ireland.”

The new Forest Spa Garden will be open to all overnight and day spa guests, whilst also aimed at specifically providing an accessible wellness experience for guests staying in Galgorm’s newly opened Forest Dens, the resort’s unique eco-friendly accommodations which have quickly become a popular choice for those who want to combine luxury with an experience immersed in nature. This new development ensures that Forest Den guests can enjoy the same high standard of Galgorm’s Thermal Spa Village facilities close to their accommodation, offering convenience without compromising on luxury.

The Forest Dens, featured in The Irish Independent’s Fab 50 list of Ireland’s best places to stay in 2025, provide a distinctive combination of nature and comfort, with a private garden terrace, outdoor shower, wood-fired bath, and private sauna, nestled under a canopy of trees for the ultimate secluded retreat.

This latest investment forms part of Galgorm’s broader £40 million expansion strategy to 2027, reinforcing its role in growing and futureproofing Northern Ireland’s tourism and hospitality industry. The resort, the flagship property in the Galgorm Collection portfolio, has already seen over £60 million invested since 2010, whilst the hospitality group also recently announced it had acquired Galgorm Castle Estate in Ballymena and Roe Valley Resort in Limavady for a combined £28 million, committing an additional £22 million to enhance the properties and estates over the next five years. Galgorm Collection opened the £15m Rabbit Hotel & Retreat in Templepatrick, Co. Antrim in 2019, and in 2021 acquired and revamped The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn, complete with £2.5m outdoor Treetop Spa and enhanced accommodation and dining facilities.

Colin added;

“As international travel continues to rebound and domestic tourism flourishes, our focus remains on delivering premium, experience-led hospitality across our entire property portfolio. We are proud to contribute to the vibrancy of Northern Ireland’s tourism offering and look forward to welcoming even more guests from domestic and overseas markets to experience everything Galgorm has to offer.”

Galgorm’s Thermal Spa Village, a highlight of the resort, continues to attract international recognition, with recent accolades including Best Spa Experience 2025 at the prestigious Condé Nast Johansens Awards, Best Luxury Golf Resort Spa at the 2024 World Luxury Awards, and Best Luxury Riverside Resort in Northern Europe at the 2023 World Spa & Wellness Awards.

For more information or to book a stay in a Galgorm Forest Den please visit

https://www.galgorm.com/accommodation-lodges.html#forest-dens-with-boho-backyard

To book a Superior Room visit

https://www.galgorm.com/superior-king.html

https://www.galgorm.com/junior-suite-with-hot-tub.html

When it comes to hosting a meeting that inspires productivity, the venue makes all the difference. Set within a stunning riverside resort in Northern Ireland, Galgorm blends professional excellence with luxury, comfort, and unforgettable surroundings. Here are five reasons why Galgorm should be top of your list for your next meeting, conference, or incentive trip.

1   State of the art meeting rooms & facilities

From intimate boardrooms to larger conference suites, Galgorm offers a variety of flexible meeting spaces equipped with modern audiovisual technology, high-speed Wi-Fi, and adaptable layouts. Whether you’re hosting a strategy session, leadership retreat, or a corporate incentive trip, everything is designed to run seamlessly and professionally. As a Resort, we are committed to working towards a sustainable future and are delighted to have achieved our Green Tourism and Green Meetings Gold awards.  Ask our team about our dedicated green practices for more sustainable meetings.

2  Exceptional food & hospitality

Meetings are better when the food is. Galgorm is renowned for its dining, offering thoughtfully curated menus using locally sourced ingredients where possible. From energising snacks to elegant post-meeting dinners, your delegates will be well looked after. Our dedicated event planners will be on hand in the lead up to your day to organise all the small details. On the day, our operational team will ensure everything goes smoothly.

3  A Setting That Inspires Clear Thinking

Galgorm Resort is located within lush parkland along the River Maine, offering a tranquil environment that instantly sets the tone for focused and creative discussions. Stepping away from busy city centres allows teams to think more clearly, collaborate more openly, and return refreshed. Galgorm resort is conveniently located, 40 minutes from Belfast city centre, 30 minutes from Belfast International Airport and 1 hour from Derry / Londonderry making it the perfect location for traveling delegates. 

4 In house team building & relaxation facilities 

One of the advantages of hosting you conference at Galgorm is what happens after the meeting. The award-winning Thermal Spa Village, championship golf course and beautifull riverside walks offer the perfect balance between business and relaxation. It's an ideal setting for team bonding, rewarding performance, or simply unwinding after a productive day. Galgorm partners with trusted local supplers to deliver authentic high-quality team-building experiences that showcase the very best of the region. From outdoor adventures and creatie challenges to tailored group experiences, every activity is thoughfuly designed to engage, motivate and inpsire. 

 
5 Overnight Luxury for Multi-Day Meetings

For residential meetings and incentive trips, Galgorm’s luxury accommodation ensures guests can stay on-site. No commuting, no logistics stress, just a smooth, immersive experience that allows meetings to flow naturally over multiple days. Galgorm Resort offers 201 luxurious accommodations, providing the ultimate convenience for conference delegates. Each room is thoughtfully designed to combine comfort and contemporary style, ensuring a relaxing stay before and after a productive day.  All overnight accommodation includes access to the Thermal Spa Village and a full Irish breakfast.

At Galgorm Resort, meetings become more than just agenda items and PowerPoint slides. They become experiences that motivate teams, strengthen relationships, and deliver real results. If you’re looking to elevate your next meeting, Galgorm offers a professional, luxurious, and inspiring setting.

Start planning your conference or event, contact our events team at

events@galgorm.com

Pupils from Ballymena Dance Academy are set to take centre stage next week to compete at the Dance World Cup 2026 in Dublin following a sponsorship boost from local hospitality group, Galgorm Collection. 

Known as the Olympics of dance and running from 8th – 18th July, the competition will see over 11,000 children and young people from 50 countries such as USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, India and China competing for medals at Dublin’s Convention Centre. 

A total of 51 members of Ballymena Dance Academy, aged between 7 and 22 years old, will be taking part in the competition including eight groups representing Northern Ireland in lyrical, modern, contemporary, acro, showstopper and jazz genres.  

Committed to supporting initiatives that positively impact the community and boost opportunities to develop sporting talent, Galgorm Collection, alongside Logans Executive Travel, have part funded coaches to and from the venue as well as covering competition expenditure.

Speaking about the partnership, Lynsey Gordon, Chief Operating Officer at Galgorm Collection said: “Ballymena Dance Academy has an excellent reputation in the town and we’re delighted to support a group that is nurturing such talent locally and that is clearly amongst some of the best dance troupes in the world which is certainly no small feat. 

“At Galgorm Collection, investing in sporting talent and strengthening our community is at the heart of everything we do. As local employers, we see first-hand the benefits that sport can have on our team and thus, it’s something we’re committed to supporting. 

“I’d like to take this opportunity to wish Ballymena Dance Academy the very best of luck for the competition.” 

The partnership with Ballymena Dance Academy forms part of Galgorm Collection’s wider community engagement programme, which includes sponsorships, charitable initiatives, educational projects and ongoing collaboration with schools, clubs and organisations across Northern Ireland. 

Meanwhile, choreographer Kara McCartney, owner of Ballymena Dance Academy added: “The support we have received from Galgorm Collection means so much to us as a group. Since qualifying for the Dance World Cup in January, the children and young people have been working very hard over the last few months to perfect their performances and we’re really keen to show the judging panel just what we can do. 

“For many of the children and young people, it will be their first experience of competing on a world stage as part of such a prestigious competition and the lessons they will learn from it will be very valuable.  We’re so grateful to the team at Galgorm Collection for their assistance and look forward to making them all proud during the competition over the next two weeks.” 

With a portfolio of hotels, resorts, restaurants and golf experiences across the province, Galgorm Collection remains committed to delivering positive economic and social impact alongside its continued growth, supporting initiatives that promote wellbeing, youth development and community participation. 

Spring is a perfect time to refresh skincare routines, as explained by Zoe Clayton, ELEMIS Ambassador.

Spring is a time to declutter our wardrobes and homes and our skincare routines deserve the same refresh. Seasonal environmental changes can affect everything from hydration levels to skin sensitivity, making spring the perfect time to reassess what your skin truly needs.

Your spring skincare routine isn’t about throwing everything away. Instead, it’s about simplifying your routine to support and prioritise your skin health, introducing products that hydrate, balance and support the skin barrier.

How to refresh your skincare routine for the Spring season

1) Review your current skincare shelf

Review expiry dates, discard products you no longer use and simplify your routine to the essentials. Using too many active ingredients at once can overwhelm the skin, so it’s best to stick to a small number of well-formulated products that work effectively together.

2) Refresh Your Cleanse

Cleansing is the cornerstone of healthy skin and as the seasons shift, embracing a gentle yet effective cleanser can truly transform your complexion.

A beautiful option for spring is the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Hydrating Cleansing Mousse. This luxurious cream-to-mousse formula creates a soft, cloud-like lather that deeply cleanses while keeping skin hydrated and comfortable.

Formulated with marine actives like Padina pavonica ferment and mineral-rich marine water, it helps support hydration and skin softness and is clinically proven to boost skin hydration after just one use, making it perfect if your skin feels dull or dehydrated after the cold winter months. 

3) Reintroduce Hydration

After months of cold weather and central heating, skin often needs a serious hydration boost.

A skincare essence is the perfect step between cleansing and serums, helping skin absorb the rest of your routine more effectively. The ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Rose Essence-In-Lotion is a beautiful option for spring. This lightweight yet deeply hydrating formula preps the skin while delivering an instant moisture boost.

It contains rose hydrolat made from English roses, along with marine extracts such as Padina pavonica and chlorella. Together, these ingredients help boost hydration and soften the appearance of fine lines.

Clinical testing even showed it can double skin hydration after just one use*, leaving skin smoother, softer and perfectly prepped for the next steps in your routine.

Simply press a few drops into the face, neck and décolletage morning and evening for beautifully hydrated skin.

4) Prioritise Skin Barrier Health

If winter has left your skin feeling sensitive, dry, or a little “tight,” focusing on your skin barrier is key. The skin barrier is your body’s frontline defence, protecting against environmental stressors like pollution, UV rays and harsh weather. When it’s compromised, you may notice redness, irritation, or moisture loss, so spring is the perfect time to repair and strengthen it.

Top tip: Layering your products correctly also helps the barrier. Start with lighter, hydrating formulas like the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Rose Essence-In-Lotion before richer creams or serums. This ensures ingredients penetrate efficiently while keeping your skin calm and nourished.

The Takeaway

Spring is the perfect opportunity to refresh your skincare routine and focus on hydration, balance and simplicity. 

By decluttering your shelf, introducing lightweight hydrating products and prioritising skin barrier health, you can create a routine that leaves your complexion glowing and ready for the season ahead.

A combination of gentle cleansing with the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Hydrating Cleansing Mousse and hydrating preparation with the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Rose Essence-In-Lotion is a beautiful way to reset your routine and give your skin the fresh start it deserves.

*Independent clinical trial 2021. Results based on 37 people over 4 weeks.

Our son Matthew was nine this Christmas. He absolutely loves Christmas and wants everything to be perfect. When we told him and his older brother that we would be spending the holiday at a hotel instead of at home, he asked a worried question: “What if it’s not magical?”

We reassured him that if he didn’t like it, next year we would stay at home again. He needn’t have worried.

Within five minutes of arriving we were sitting down for festive afternoon tea, and within ten a magician was at our table performing coin tricks that left Matthew completely stunned. While Mummy and Daddy enjoyed a glass of mulled wine, Matthew was off exploring with his camera in one hand and his best friend Sneaky the toy elf in the other.

Every member of staff was wonderfully kind to him. They all happily posed for photos with Sneaky, and by the end of the stay Matthew had created a whole scrapbook of memories. The pianist even sat Sneaky on her lap while she played. The magician posed, management posed, and on Christmas Day he even managed to get a photo with the man in red himself.

At our incredible Christmas lunch, when Matthew asked for a picture, the manager offered to take him on a tour of the kitchen. Sneaky toasted marshmallows by the fire and even watched Elf in the Christmas cinema.

I could talk about our beautiful family room complete with its own Christmas tree. I could mention the Christmas Eve box with personalised gingerbread men, the key card, milk and carrot all prepared for Santa’s visit. I could talk about the thoughtful gifts chosen for the boys based on their interests rather than a generic grotto present. I could talk about the boys loving their Christmas Eve swim, and how the grown-ups found time for a festive cocktail in the Conservatory after a happily tiring Christmas Day.

But what I’d really like to talk about is a boy who smiled non-stop for the entire visit. On the drive home Matthew made me promise we would come back again next year and no one disagreed, especially not Sneaky!

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.

Cleansing:

Cleanse twice per day! Cleanse in the morning and at nighttime. A nighttime cleanse is essential to remove the built-up debris from the day. So that your next products in your routine can work to their full potential. It is also important to cleanse and prepare the skin in the morning, as without knowing it your skin will eliminate toxins while you sleep, and your body goes into repair, so you need to ensure you wash these off before applying your products and SPF.

Pro Choice- Elemis Pro Collagen Energising Marine cleanser, for dry, dull skin. To help break down dean skin cells, whilst also providing moisture, reveal bright, luminous, hydrated skin.

Exfoliating:

This is a crucial step in healthy glowing skin. While dead skin is not visible to the naked eye, this is what will make your skin appear dull and lack luster. Perform an exfoliation twice per week for optimum results.

Pro Choice- Elemis Pro Collagen Ti-Acid peel is an anti-wrinkle exfoliant. Actobionic, Asiatic and Mandelic acids, help to lift away dead skin cells while hydrating the skin for a renewed appearance. Not only does it remove dead skin, but it is also clinically proven to improve fine lines and wrinkles.

Serums and oils:

Using serum in your routine is like adding protein powder into your morning porridge. Serum is a super charger for the skin! Depending on the skin’s needs there will be a specific serum for you. My favourite serums will always include Hyaluronic Acid or Vitamin C.

Hyaluronic Acid is known as the hero of skincare ingredients, to hydrate and plump the skin out, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Whereas Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, protecting the skin from environmental damage and it can promote collagen production in the skin, helping rebuild your skins strength and structure (a built-in facelift).

Pro Heroes -

Elemis Rose micro serum is for those needing hydration and plumping effects. This is a dual phase formula of oil in serum. This will not only hydrate but replenish lost moisture. This product contains an ingredient called red algae which is proven to be x3 times as effective as hyaluronic acid. X3 the plump, x3 the hydration and x3 the glow!

Elemis Dynamic resurfacing super C serum, ideal for glass like, smooth, congestion free skin. With ingredients like red clover, which reduces the amount of oil produced in the skin and Swiss alpine to help the reduction in pigmentation, this serum gets to work and has been clinically tested to brighten and smooth the skin in as little as 5 days!

Moisturisers:

Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! Whether you have dry, oily or combination skin, moisturiser is an essential product to incorporate into your routine. As we age, the oil glands in our skin begin to slow in production, therefore we begin to dry out. By moisturising daily, you can help to maintain the health of your skin.

When your skin dries out, it can cause many skin issues, such as irritation, flaking and more instances of breakout. This is because the oil glands try to counteract the dryness by overworking and can clog your pores and cause tiny infections and breakouts.

It is also a protection product, if we fill our pores with levels of hydration from the moisturiser, there is less chance of everyday pollutants building up in the pores, therefore less damage overall to the skin.

Pro Choice- Pro Collagen Marine cream SPF 30; the product where Elemis began! This moisturiser is clinically proven to reduce fine lines in 2 weeks, offering the skin 24 hours of hydration. It is a lightweight gel-cream, perfect for all skin types, with added protection from UVA and UVB rays.

If you are a 2024 bride and want to invest in your skin for the big day, book in for a skin consultation today with one of our skin experts at The Skin Clinic!

Legendary Northern Ireland footballers who play golf will be hitting the fairways at Galgorm later this month in a celebrity Pro-Am competition.

The Legends Tour, formerly known as the European Senior Tour, is set to make its Northern Ireland debut at Galgorm’s Championship Castle Course from August 27-31, 2025. As part of the build-up to the tournament a team featuring nine Northern football legends will be competing against a team of sports and media legends in a celebrity pro-am and for the Galgorm Legends Cup on Wednesday 27 August.

The Northern Ireland team is shaping up to include the likes of Steven Davis, Stuart Dallas, Chris Brunt, Aaron Hughes, Jim Magilton, Tommy Wright and Gareth McAuley. The squad of sports and media legends is set to feature champion jockey Tony McCoy, actor Jimmy Nesbitt, former Ulster Rugby star Ian Humphreys, former Scotland and Lions rugby player Kenny Logan, radio presenter Pete Snodden, UTV sports reporter Ruth Gorman, ex-Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe plus GAA legends Sambo McNaughton and Oisin McConville, while former Newcastle United and Manchester City keeper Shay Given and World Superbikes star Jonny Rea could be late call-ups.

The two celebrity teams will play alongside legends of the fairways, including former Masters winner and world number one Ian Woosnam and a stellar field that includes Ryder Cup players and multiple tour winners such as Stephen Gallacher, David Howell, Peter Baker and Jean Van de Velde. The celebrity teams will be competing for the Galgorm Legends Cup and will compete in a team scramble format. Each team will have three fourballs, with nine Northern Ireland football legends and nine sports and media legends in each team. The winners of the Galgorm Legends Cup will have the lowest combined fourball scores.

The star-studded pro-am is open to the public. Tickets start from just £12.50 and children under 16 go free. Spectators are welcome. Tickets can be purchased

HERE. 

This month’s Black Desert NI Legends event will be the 20th professional tournament held at the venue near Ballymena.

Photo credit:Irish FA and Press Eye 

Galgorm has announced an exciting partnership with ELEMIS, offering guests an extensive range of high-performance products and treatments exclusive to Galgorm’s spa.

As a leading luxury British skin wellness brand, ELEMIS is globally recognised for harnessing the power of natural ingredients and scientific innovation. Each ground-breaking formula is rigorously tested to ensure transformative results. ELEMIS maintains an unwavering focus on skin, body, and wellness. 

Selected for its synergy with the ethos of Galgorm’s internationally acclaimed spa facilities, this new partnership combines advanced, premium skincare products and treatments with highly skilled professional therapists in a unique and luxurious setting. 

Noella Gabriel, Global President and Co-Founder, ELEMIS commented on the unique success of the brand and its new partnership with Galgorm:

“At ELEMIS, we know that healthy skin starts from within, and we are committed to unlocking the secrets of skin health. Our approach to skincare has always been results drive and wellness focused, backed by over 30 years of research and development. I am delighted to announce our new partnership with Galgorm, and I look forward to engaging with their renowned guests and customers with our range of products and treatments.

Tara Moore, Head of Spa Operations at Galgorm said:

“We are thrilled to partner with ELEMIS, it is a very fitting brand for us and will expand our already extensive range of advanced, premium skincare products and treatments. This new partnership underlines our commitment to staying at the forefront of the skincare industry so we can offer our guests the best and most effective skincare treatments in Northern Ireland.”

Galgorm’s internationally renowned retreat has been widely commended for its sustained commitment to excellence and its outstanding achievement within the wider international luxury spa and wellness industry, adding a string of new awards to its growing collection. 

It has been recognised recently by two global platforms, winning an unprecedented six awards at the prestigious 2023 World Luxury Awards, and securing the Best Destination Spa 2024 title at the recent Conde Nast Johansens Awards. 

ELEMIS treatments and products are available for booking and purchase at the Galgorm from today. Visit www.galgorm.com/residents-spa-treatments.html for more information.

1. Name & Job Title

Jenna Potter, Environmental Sustainability Manager.

2. How long have you been part of the Galgorm Collection, and what does your role involve?

I’m still quite new to the Collection- only a few months, which makes it even more exciting because every day there’s something new to learn! My role is all about trying to do the right thing for the planet while keeping that incredible guest experience front and centre.

3. What inspired you to pursue a career in sustainability?

I think it started with really noticing how incredible the world around us is - something we see every day but often take for granted. The more I learned, the more I realised how connected everything is, and how much our everyday choices matter. I’ve always loved the idea that small changes can have a big impact.

4. What does World Environment Day mean to you?

It’s a reminder to check in with how we are doing. It gives us a chance to celebrate the progress we’ve made, but also to ask, “what’s next?”. It’s also a great excuse to get people talking about the environment again, which is always a positive.

5. Sustainability is a key focus across the Galgorm Collection. Can you tell us about some of the initiatives currently making the biggest impact?

 There’s a lot happening behind the scenes, but some examples include:

• Energy - improving efficiency through closer monitoring and smarter systems, alongside our investment in renewable energy such as solar.

• Waste - reducing where we can and being more conscious about the materials and resources we use, with a continued focus on minimising avoidable and single-use items across the Collection.

• Behaviour change - encouraging small, everyday actions from our teams that really add up over time.

It’s not about one big initiative - it’s lots of small, smart changes working together.

6. What role do our colleagues and guests play in helping us achieve our sustainability goals?

A massive one - we genuinely couldn’t do it without them.

Our colleagues are the ones bringing sustainability to life every day, and those small actions really do add up. And our guests are part of that journey too, whether it’s making mindful choices during their stay or engaging with what we’re doing.

7. What exciting sustainability projects or ambitions are on the horizon for the Collection?

There’s lots planned and in motion- I’m only just getting started in the role.

Our focus is on continuing to reduce our overall environmental impact while embedding sustainability even further into our day-to-day operations. It’s about keeping what works, improving what we can, and always looking for the next opportunity to do better.

8. If you could describe Galgorm Collection's approach to sustainability in three words, what would they be and why?

Practical, evolving, collective.

9. What is one thing your colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a keen hiker and love getting outdoors whenever I can. I’ve completed treks to both Machu Picchu and Everest Base Camp, and Kilimanjaro is next on the list!

As we approach World Wellness Weekend this September, Leigh Heggarty Business Development Manager at Galgorm Collection discusses her take on the importance of incorporating wellness into your next event.

Wellness isn’t just the latest buzz word or workplace initiative, it’s a lifestyle choice.

More than green juices or journaling, wellness is big business and a key focus for businesses aiming to engage and energise their teams. However, often we could be considered foolish for believing in the power of employee wellbeing in motivating staff, making them feel appreciated and willing to go that extra mile. But it is exactly this which is so often overlooked when there are one hundred and one other tasks vying for our attention when it comes to running a successful business. Unfortunately, the way in which many companies relate to corporate wellness is simply a box ticking exercise. That is often the sad reality.

In an age where working hours are longer and we are perpetually connected with the assistance of our greatest friend and enemy, our phones; often some well-deserved down-time can fall to the wayside. More often than not it’s the high-flying executives and CEO’s, who often struggle to find the time to unplug themselves from their hectic work schedules.

When it comes to work, while conferences and work retreats offers great opportunities to network, share expertise and gain more from leaders in the field, they can also be a pressurised environments and not best suited to all employees. Conditions like depression and social anxiety can make a busy setting, filled with new faces and noise a real challenge for some people. Even if mental health has never been an issue, a long awaited or important work event can be overwhelming.

Incorporating practices and initiatives into our personal and professional lives that prioritise wellbeing is imperative in cultivating a balanced lifestyle, helping us thrive in all aspects of life. Understanding the pressures that can be affecting your team and recompensing employees for their dedication is an effective means of increasing staff morale and performance. This need not be challenging. Establishing workplace wellness initiatives in your organization is just one way to achieve this.

Wellbeing activities be it in the office or at a conference aren’t just a nice-to have. Not when workplace wellbeing is a concern for every industry. It is astounding the volume of working days that are lost in the UK every year due to stress, depression and anxiety and many leading companies are now making employee wellness and engagement a priority. It’s no secret that when a company has a mental health focused culture, they’ll be more engaged, productive, innovative, creative and loyal. Who wouldn’t want that!

Wellness initiatives at events can improve your attendees’ mood, making them happier and more open to new ideas and experiences. Of course, these ideas aren’t just for your events and attendees. You can also use them for your next team get-together to boost their morale, improve team-bonding, and help them unwind after a hectic event. After all, your event is only as good as your team.

Incorporating wellness into your conference doesn’t mean daily group meditation sessions, or eating your body weight in granola, it’s just small steps to help improve the work environment. It could be something as simple as taking some activities outdoors or moving dinner outside.

At Galgorm Resort we introduced the opportunity to create a Mindful Meeting for your delegates. Mindful Meetings promote the wellbeing of your colleagues, allowing them the ability to fully engage and learn from your event by incorporating a selection of experiences from Movement Breakout Sessions and Mindful breathing techniques to calm the mind & body to hot towels infused with oils designed to energise during breaks. This followed by a bespoke Spa Programme for some of our recent Incentive Groups has received such positive feedback.

Galgorm is an ideal setting to reenergise and embark on your workplace wellbeing journey, boasting an idyllic, tranquil setting with unique 6 acre Thermal Spa Village, the first of its kind in Ireland. Idyllically located on the banks of the River Maine, you and your team can immerse yourselves in nature and experience pure relaxation with an extensive selection of riverside hot tubs, indoor and outdoor heated pools, steam rooms and saunas.

Galgorm Resort’s emphasis on relaxation and escape from daily pressures align with the importance of work-life balance. Employees who feel their organization values their personal lives are more likely to be satisfied and perform better at work.

While a Spa Experience may not necessarily spark excitement amongst all your employees, there is so much more they an avail of. Encourage your delegates to reconnect with nature with a guided forage through the grounds of the Resort, with a food, drink or spa Foraging Experience or participate in a private Falconry experience on the Estate with a close and personal encounter with some of natures most beautiful birds of prey. There really is something to suit everyone.

Workplace wellbeing is no longer an optional consideration for organisations; it’s a critical factor that affects productivity, employee satisfaction and the bottom line. The link to Galgorm underscores the tangible benefits of prioritizing wellbeing in the workplace. By embracing a holistic approach to employee health, organisations can not only thrive but also contribute to the overall wellbeing of their employees, creating a win-win scenario for everyone involved. Galgorm Resort can design a corporate wellness package that is tailored specifically to the individual requirements of your team be it a conference, an incentive programme or an Exec Retreat.

AA Hotel & Hospitality Services is proud to announce the launch of its new initiative, hotel spa awards that recognise and celebrate the standards of 174 hotel spa facilities across the UK.

Following a careful selection process, the AA inspectors have identified the best spas across the country. Hotels with an AA Best UK Spas stand out as exceptional and exemplary spas delivering outstanding wellness experiences while those with an AA Recommended Spa award demonstrate a quality spa provision with high standards of customer care and cleanliness. By spotlighting exceptional spa offerings across the UK, the AA’s spa awards provide consumers with a definitive guide to the highest quality and rejuvenating hotel retreats the country has to offer.

Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media, said: "We are thrilled to unveil this scheme, which not only celebrates the best spas in the UK but also benchmarks the industry. Joining the spa award is an opportunity for hotels to showcase their excellent spa facilities and attract guests seeking the utmost in relaxation and luxury."

The full curated collection of the finest spas including all AA Best UK Spas and AA Recommended Spa awards can be viewed on the AA’s travel website at ratedtrips.com/best-uk-spas. There’s so many to enjoy over the festive period and New Year and well into 2024.

What makes a spa best or recommended?

The AA’s aim is to showcase member establishments that have noteworthy spas worth visiting and are a key part of the hotel experience. These awards are supported by the annual inspections and experience of the UK hospitality landscape. Inspectors’ quality assess elements such as: reception, changing rooms, wet areas, gyms and treatment rooms, where quality and condition of these areas is the key driver.

Spas come in all different shapes, sizes and styles however all featured spas will have the following standards:

· Dedicated reception and staff 

· Several treatment rooms and a broad range of spa treatments 

· Its size should be appropriate to the hotel

· Dedicated changing rooms

· Towel and robe provision

· Variety of areas which may include but not all: pools, hot tubs, hydrotherapy pools, thermal suites, relaxation lounges, outdoor space, food and beverage, gym, studios and wellness activities

· Sustainability policies advertised and demonstrated 

· Accessibility guide published for spa areas 

· Effort made to include accessible needs in spa facilities/design/layout.

AA Recommended Spa Award in addition looks for:

· High quality spa provision

· High Standards of guest care

· High standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

AA Best UK Spa Award also looks for:

· Exceptional and luxurious facilities

· Signature features

· An exemplary spa experience

· A high-quality food and beverage offering

· A distinct retail offering

· Quality consultancy offering for all aspects · Wellness facilities and activities · Outstanding customer service · Dedicated relaxation space/room.

New links course at Bellarena will cement Northern Ireland’s global reputation as a world class golfing destination

Northern Ireland’s premier luxury hospitality group Galgorm Collection today unveiled plans to invest more than £30 million to create a new, landmark links golf course at Bellarena on the region’s stunning north west coast.

The company, which owns and runs the championship parkland course at Galgorm Castle in Ballymena and the wonderfully scenic Roe Valley course in Limavady, said its plans would create the first championship links course in Northern Ireland in over 100 years and help to cement the region’s reputation as a world class golfing destination.

Home to 2025 Masters champion and Grand Slam winner Rory McIlroy, Northern Ireland is already a renowned location for some of the world’s most iconic golf courses, and this month plays host to The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush.

Galgorm said its plans to develop a new 18-hole links course at Bellarena – located between Portrush and Limavady within the stunning Causeway Coast and Glens area around 30 minutes’ drive from the City of Derry and its adjacent airport – will help create new local jobs and act as a major catalyst for further tourism investment in the north west.

Subject to planning approval, Galgorm Collection said development of Bellarena Golf Links will start next year and open in 2029, bringing its total investment in the north west to around £65 million and an additional 300 jobs created.

Last year, the group acquired the nearby Roe Park Resort in Limavady and Galgorm Castle Estate in Ballymena as part of a landmark £50 million investment. It is currently investing a further £22 million in the now newly-named Roe Valley Resort and its own award-winning 18-hole golf course.

Research conducted by Sporting Insights for Tourism Northern Ireland’s annual Golf Tourism Monitor last year showed the golfing sector’s value had risen by almost 66 percent since 2019, when The 148th Open was held at Royal Portrush. Its value has also more than doubled in the past decade, from £33.2 million in 2014. On average, golfers spend around nine days on their visit to Northern Ireland, playing five rounds on different courses during their stay.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, said:

“Golf tourism generated a record £86 million for the region last year and this month’s Open at Royal Portrush will help to increase this impact even further. I commend the Galgorm Collection team for their confidence and ambition in supporting our drive to amplify the regional prosperity which the sport can bring.”

At the forefront of the region’s tourism growth, Galgorm Collection has invested around £120 million in less than two decades and currently employs a team of more than 1,400.

Ellvena Graham OBE, Tourism Northern Ireland Board Chair, said:

“With a rich heritage and stunning views, Northern Ireland is a highly sought-after destination for golfers from across the globe and our golf strategy focuses on maximising our strengths to continue to grow this crucially important part of our tourism offer. Galgorm Collection has been a pioneer in developing an outstanding, internationally acclaimed tourism product and I’m delighted that this key, experienced tourism stakeholder is further investing in this area.”

Galgorm Collection Managing Director, Colin Johnston, said:

“Our exciting plans to develop a new 18-hole links golf course at Bellarena on Northern Ireland’s stunning north west coast will deliver a once-in-generation opportunity to drive a new era of golfing and tourism success that will amplify our outstanding and award-winning credentials while also creating hundreds of jobs.

Preparatory work is already well under way that could pave the way for development from next year before we welcome our first guests in 2029. We look forward to consulting widely on our plans and engaging stakeholders at every level to ensure collective, shared success for the local community, the north west region and Northern Ireland as a whole.”

Bellarena – derived from the French word for ‘beautiful’ and Latin for ‘sand’ – is a small townland on the coastal road between Limavady and Coleraine within the Causeway Coast and Glens District Council area and is located close to the main railway line between Belfast and Derry.

Welcoming the plans, East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell, said:

"Tourism is an important element in the economic development of the North West and an investment of this scale by Galgorm Collection will provide a major economic boost for the area and create new job opportunities while also helping to showcase the region’s outstanding natural assets.

This investment will also help ensure that the benefits of tourism are more widely spread, supporting local growth and prosperity. I’m delighted at the news and look forward to seeing these plans progress over the months ahead.”

Internationally renowned for its luxury resorts, spas and dining experiences, Galgorm Collection is anchored by its flagship Galgorm Resort near Ballymena in a group of properties which includes The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, The Old Inn, restaurants Fratelli and Parisien in Belfast city centre and Roe Valley Resort.

Galgorm Collection, which is also developing plans for a new championship links golf course in Glenariffe in the Glens of Antrim, said this latest investment reaffirms its commitment to excellence, innovation, and enhancing Northern Ireland’s standing as a world-class destination for both local and international visitors.

Northern Ireland is a golf powerhouse, with an enviable reputation for producing some of the world’s all-time greats, including Masters and Grand Slam champion Rory McIlroy, US Open winner Graeme McDowell and Open champion Darren Clarke.

Homegrown team crowned national champions as Galgorm Sauna Masters progress to world championship playoffs.

The team at Northern Ireland’s premier luxury hotel and spa resort Galgorm have celebrated a major success at this year’s UK Aufguss Championships. Sauna Masters Zak Moore and Jack Strange were crowned Team Performance Champions at the 2026 competition, hosted in Galgorm’s Thermal Spa Village. The duo, whose win comes after a highly competitive two-day contest will now represent the UK at the Aufguss World Masters (Aufguss WM) Playoffs in the Netherlands this August.

The victory marks a standout moment for the Ballymena-based team, with Zak Moore also securing second place in the newly introduced Modern Classic category, further cementing his position as one of the UK’s leading Aufguss practitioners. Zak entered the year as the reigning UK Aufguss Champion, having represented the UK at the World Championships Finals in Verona, Italy in September 2025, and continuing an impressive run on the national stage.

Hosted at Galgorm from 20–22 April, the UK Aufguss Championships for 2026 brought together top Sauna Masters from across the country to compete in a series of immersive sauna performances, judged by an international panel of experts including Deborah Carr, Director of the British Sauna Society, and Lasse Eriksen, President of Aufguss WM.

Deborah Carr, Director of the British Sauna Society, commented: “Bringing the UK Aufguss Championships to Galgorm has been a real highlight. They’ve created an exceptional platform for Sauna Masters, and their passion for authentic sauna experiences makes them a natural partner for this event. 

“What’s most exciting is the continued growth of the UK Aufguss scene, with increasingly creative and confident performances each year. We’re proud to see this year’s winners go on to represent the UK internationally.”

Aufguss - meaning “infusion” - is a European sauna ritual that combines heat, essential oils, music and choreographed towel techniques to create a deeply sensory wellness experience. While the Performance category - where Zak and Jack claimed the Team title - showcases theatrical storytelling and creative expression, the Modern Classic category, in which Zak placed second, strips the ritual back to its core elements, focusing on technical precision, atmosphere, and the mastery of heat and fragrance.

Speaking following the Galgorm team’s win, Zak Moore said: “To win gold for the Team Performance title at the UK Aufguss Championships, on home soil at Galgorm and in front of a home crowd, is incredibly special. Competing alongside Jack and representing the place where my Aufguss journey began made it even more meaningful. 

“The Modern Classic category was a completely different challenge - it really tests your fundamentals - so to place in both is something I’m really proud of. We’re excited to take our experience forward, build on our craft, and see how we can perform at the next level.”

Jack Strange added: “There’s a real sense of momentum around Aufguss and sauna culture in the UK right now, so to be part of that - and to bring a title home to Galgorm - is a fantastic feeling. 

“Competing as a team with Zak adds another level of connection and trust, and I think that really came through in our performance. The atmosphere across the championships this week has been incredible, and we’re really looking forward to taking that energy with us as we step onto the international stage.”

Zak and Jack will compete in the Aufguss WM Playoffs at Thermen Bussloo in the Netherlands from 27–30 August, where they will be aiming to secure a place at the Aufguss World Championships finals in Germany in September.

Their success reflects Galgorm’s continued investment in sauna culture and its growing reputation as a leading destination for immersive thermal spa experiences.

Tara Moore, Associate Director of Spa Operations at Galgorm, commented: “We are incredibly proud of Zak and Jack and what they have achieved this week. Hosting the UK Aufguss Championships once again at Galgorm, and seeing our own team succeed at this level, is a powerful reflection of the passion, skill and dedication within our spa team. 

“Aufguss is an integral part of the spa experience we offer to our guests, and moments like this reinforce Galgorm’s position as a leading destination for authentic sauna ritual in the UK and Ireland.”

With a destination spa that attracts visitors from across the UK, Ireland and beyond, Galgorm continues to champion the evolution of modern wellness, blending time-honoured sauna rituals with contemporary wellbeing experiences and spa treatments.

To find out more about the transformative Celtic Sauna Infusion experience at Galgorm, led by the 2026 UK Aufguss Team Champions Zak Moore and Jack Strange, visit: 

https://www.galgorm.com/celtic-sauna.html

Galgorm Resort Welcomes Local students as Part of Growing Mid and East Antrim Initiative.

Galgorm Collection, in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, recently welcomed 40 local students from Cambridge House Grammar School as part of the ‘World of Work’ programme, which aims to increase awareness of the vast array of career opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sectors among primary and post-primary pupils.  

Following a successful pilot in 2025, the Council funded programme demonstrates how classroom skills and learning translate directly into the workplace, and to challenge some of the common misconceptions that still surround the industry by showcasing the variety of rewarding pathways available.

The World of Work initiative follows an expanded programme this year, which will see a total of 54 sessions delivered across seven primary schools and eight post-primary schools at various hospitality and tourism venues within the Mid and East Antrim area. 

Speaking at the event in Galgorm Resort, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford, welcomed the programme, saying: “It is fantastic to see the continued success and expansion of the World of Work programme. Hospitality and tourism are vital to our local economy, and initiatives like this will help young people understand the exciting and diverse career opportunities available right here in Mid and East Antrim. 

“By engaging directly with employers, pupils are gaining valuable insight, building confidence, and developing skills that will support them in their future careers. We hope all the pupils will enjoy the sessions and consider entering either of these sectors and work locally.”

Partner organisations involved in delivering sessions alongside Galgorm Resort include the Tullyglass House Hotel, the Adair Arms Hotel, the Harbourview Hotel, Papa Browns and Tourism NI which provided VR-based experiences for primary and secondary pupils.

The initiative also aims to strengthen relationships between schools and local employers, while encouraging young people to consider future careers within a growing and dynamic sector.

Prior to the site visit, members from Galgorm Collection’s People and Development Team visited Cambridge House Grammar School to give students a presentation about the world of hospitality. They also provided an interactive teambuilding exercise, which allowed the students to become part of the events and marketing team, creating their own events at Galgorm Collection, ranging from brunch at Parisien, murder mystery at The Old Inn, and a private pool party at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat. Students then worked together to decide how to market these events and then presented it to the class.

Following the school visit, Cambridge House Grammar School was invited to take part in a site visit to Galgorm Resort, where they were immersed in a series of hands-on experiences, designed to bring real career pathways vividly to life. From crafting mocktails behind the bar and decorating cupcakes with a Pastry Chef, to planting biodegradable plant pots to take home with the Grounds team, each activity offered a practical insight into different roles across the resort. They also explored the art of Housekeeping through bed-making and creative towel animal folding, enjoyed relaxing wellness sessions with a Spa Therapist, and gained valuable knowledge around food and nutrition, with a qualified Personal Trainer who demonstrated exercises that can be done at home, and lastly met with the Health and Safety (H&S) team who provided hands on learning about the resorts sustainability and green tourism, as well as the importance of H&S protocols in the workplace.

Laura Millar, People and Development Associate Director, Galgorm Collection added: “Programmes such as this are an invaluable way of engaging with children, their parents and schools at an early stage to open everyone’s minds to the world of careers in hospitality and tourism. At Galgorm Collection, we are delighted to deliver sessions that are both creative and practical, giving a great insight into what the various roles in our sector have to offer. 

“The enthusiasm and engagement shown by the students has been really encouraging. It underlines the importance of initiatives like this in developing future talent by showcasing the wide range of opportunities available within the industry, challenging common misconceptions, and helping students recognise hospitality and tourism as a dynamic and rewarding career path. We are proud to play a role in supporting the next generation.

“The programme continues to attract strong positive feedback from both schools and employers, with high levels of pupil participation demonstrating the value of practical, experience-based learning in influencing and shaping future career ambitions.”

Mr Bleakley, Careers Teacher at Cambridge House Grammar Schools, said: “Our Year 11 students are studying for their GCSE in Food and Nutrition, so this programme was a perfect addition to their studies. It was exceptionally well received, and it was a wonderful opportunity to get outside the classroom and get a taste of the world at work.”

Through initiatives like World of Work, Galgorm Collection continues to invest in skills development locally, helping young people explore career pathways and supporting the long-term growth of hospitality and tourism across Mid and East Antrim.