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Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort have launched its first premium own-label gin, developed in partnership with Northern Ireland's newest artisan gin producer, Copeland Distillery

Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort today launched its first premium own-label gin, developed in partnership with Northern Ireland’s newest artisan gin producer, Copeland Distillery.

Using botanicals harvested from Galgorm Estate for an authentic local taste, Galgorm Estate Gin is the resort’s first house spirit.

It’s also the latest addition to its extensive gin menu, widely regarded as one of the most exclusive menus across the island of Ireland.

Launching from Friday 29 November, Galgorm Estate Gin is available within the Resort and across the Galgorm Collection Portfolio, including 

Templeton Hotel

Fratelli

Café Parisien

Commenting on the partnership, Colin Johnston, Galgorm Collection Managing Director, said;

“A fresh and innovative new gin producer, Copeland Distillery was a natural partner to help us create a premium drink which perfectly embodies the taste of Galgorm and complements the decadent gin experiences on offer at the Resort. We’re excited to roll this out to all of our properties across the collection and bring a piece of our heritage to gin lovers across Northern Ireland.”

To celebrate, Galgorm has also launched an exciting cocktail menu for gin-lovers based on the new gin’s botanical flavours. Created by expert mixologists, each cocktail has been crafted to showcase the unique flavours of the gin and features a mix of exciting new concoctions along with a twist on the classics.

“Our dedicated Gin Library is home to over 450 different types of gins, making Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort a mecca for gin lovers. Whilst we celebrate the diversity of our gin offering, which includes labels from all over the globe, we wanted to create something truly special and capture the unique taste of Galgorm by using our own, home-grown botanicals to create this exclusive gin”, added Colin.

Copeland Distillery was established in 2016 and in this time has grown its production capacity and product range to include a range of Irish Gin, Single Malt and Pot Still Whiskey for local consumers and global export. The new collaboration represents a significant partnership for the distillery as it continues to push boundaries and produce innovative, quality spirits representing the ‘spirit’ of Northern Ireland.

Gareth Irvine, Founder of Copeland Distillery, said; “We are delighted to be working alongside Galgorm on this exciting partnership. Galgorm is an iconic brand here in Northern Ireland and we’re honoured to pair our coastal distillery from the shoreline of Donaghadee with the beautiful countryside of County Antrim to create this unique Galgorm Estate Gin.” 

Introducing Mindful Meetings at Galgorm

Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging one’s feelings and thoughts. Mindfulness means that your mind is fully attending to what is happening and what you’re doing, being fully present and aware.

Introducing Mindful Meetings…

If you host a corporate meeting or event at Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort, you will now have 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.

Choose one of our inspiring venues to host in, then tailor your own Mindful Meeting Programme by incorporating a selection of the following experiences…

Nourish – Wellbeing Water & Antioxidant Tea Selection to encourage regular hydration; and Food to Nourish the Body & Brain with creative healthy menu options using ingredients known to keep you energised and focused.

Move – Movement Breakout Sessions, choose from a pre or post-meeting energising exercise class, a guided walk or run with a Galgorm PT, private yoga & pilates classes, and a 15 minute walk through the grounds with a map to plan your route.

Breathe – Introduce mindful breathing techniques to calm the mind & body, through video, wellbeing cards & Aromatherapy Associates rollerballs for your delegates. Indulge in post-meeting spa treatments designed to destress, relax & revive. Refresh towels can be available at all breaks, infused with oils designed to energise.

Immerse – Encourage your delegates to participate in a Digital Detox, by turning off their phones and engaging with their colleagues during breakout sessions. Install a pop-up Aromatherapy Associates Scent Station during breakout sessions to learn how to incorporate Aromatherapy into your daily routine to help deal with stress, anxiety and sleep issues. Your delegates can be prescribed their own personalised “Mood Medicine” Blend to continue their wellbeing journey at home. Offer your delegates the opportunity to really switch off with their choice of a Destress, Revive or Relax mini-treatment with our Pop-Up Spa. 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. If your delegates are spending the night at the Resort, a Bath Butler service, complete with a destressing in-room gift, is available for their guestroom, to continue the relaxation post-meeting.

A tailored Mindful Meeting at Galgorm will ensure your delegates get maximum benefit from your event, with a truly memorable experience. Contact our dedicated Events Team to begin crafting your Mindful Meeting 

events@galgorm.com

As the days get shorter and the winds get chillier, we asked Tara Moore, Head of Spa Operations at the Resort, to share her three top tips for caring for your skin during the Winter months.

As the days get shorter and the winds get chillier, we asked Tara Moore, Head of Spa Operations at the Resort, to share her three top tips for caring for your skin during the Winter months.

It’s time to wrap yourself up and get ready for winter, but how do we protect our skin from the cold chills and harsh winds?  Here are my top tips to keep you glowing throughout the winter months to ensure your skin is Spring ready for those warming first glimpses of Sun…..

Cleanse – With the elements taking their toll, avoid using soap-based cleansers which will dehydrate your skin further. Using a creamy textured cleanser will ensure that your skin stays as hydrated as possible during those cosy days spent on the sofa with an open fire.  I love to use Aromatherapy Associates Soothing Cleansing Balm to reduce redness and calm irritation, and SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser to ensure my skin is well cleansed whilst retaining moisture.

Exfoliate – We shed dead skin cells daily and we need a helping hand to ensure our living skin gets to shine through! You don’t need to scrub your skin to within an inch of it’s life to remove those cells, I use Aromatherapy Associates Rose Exfoliating Cleanser to gently remove impurities and polish my skin. I follow this up with SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator, a dual functioning serum that leaves my skin smooth and supple, and a little of this product really goes a long way.

Moisturise – Help to keep the moisture locked in by using key products best suited for your skin type, and layer products onto your skin to get the optimum benefits.  Bedtime is important as this gives your skin time to fully absorb the products and reap the benefits of the nutrients they contain whilst you rest. To complete my night time skincare routine, I apply one or two pumps of Aromatherapy Associates Hydrating Face Oil to my face and neck using my fingertips; then apply a few drops of SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5. This serum is ideal for all skin types, using hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture when your skin needs it most.

My top skincare tip is always to keep drinking lots of water, especially throughout the Winter months. it’s harder to do this when the weather is cool, so perhaps try some boiled water with lemon or some herbal teas, this means you are still getting the hydration but warming yourself up after that cold walk home from work!

If somewhere along the way, between sampling every festive sandwich and hot drink combination the high-street has to offer, you're considering getting a head start on your Christmas shopping, then we have just the guide for you...

The eagerly anticipated Christmas adverts have been released - vying for our attention and tugging at our heartstrings - marking the return of this most wonderful time of the year where spirits are high and shopping lists are growing by the day. 

If somewhere along the way, between sampling every festive sandwich and hot drink combination the high-street has to offer, you're considering getting a head start on your Christmas shopping, then we have just the news for you.

Remember last year? And the year before? When you solemnly swore you wouldn’t leave your shopping to Christmas-eve, frantically shopping the remnants of the supermarket shelves. If that rings a bell fear not, this is the year of the improved shopper and we’re making it easier than ever with a Gift For You along the way. Until 30th November, for every £100 of Gift Vouchers purchased online, you will receive a £10 Gift For You voucher free! 

If that isn’t enough, we’ve curated our 2018 Guide to Gifting, so whether you’re shopping for your mother, brother, husband, sister, colleague, cousin or other, you’ll need to look no further…

For The Luxury Lovers

Gifting can be tricky at the best of times and particularly so for those who enjoy the finer things in life. Watch their eyes light up as they receive a Galgorm Experience voucher to redeem against a curated selection of experiences. Starting at £100 with options covering indulgent dining, spa pampering, and the unmistakable Serenity Bathing, you can be sure you’re adding a little Galgorm sparkle this gift-giving season.

For The Foodie

Food is the universal language that brings people together and we only need to take Christmas time as the perfect example of this; families gathered around the table laden with foodie treasures. For the foodie in your life, we have designed the perfect experience vouchers to substitute the traditional cookbook gifting. Whet their appetite with one of our Gourmet Wine Evening vouchers entitling them to a cava and canapé reception followed by a sumptuous five-course dinner for two with a glass of wine to accompany each course. If a more casual affair is on the cards, a Dinner For Two voucher can be used in Fratelli Ristorante, Bar + Grill at Gillies or the latest member of our family; Castle Kitchen + Bar. 

For The Zen Seeker

We all have that one friend that miraculously appears to have it all together and they do so with grace and poise. How do they do it? And what IS their secret? Well, truth be told we all deserve a little R&R, a touch of tranquility, an escape from the frenzy of everyday life. With one of our Spa Gift Vouchers, your loved one will experience the utmost in relaxation and wellness. Choose from a Thermal Spa Village Experience or for an all-encompassing spa experience, the Day Spa Experience for One includes a rejuvenating 60-minute spa treatment. 

There’s no doubt Christmas can be an indulgent time of the year where tins of Celebrations are bought in bulk and prosecco available on tap. If your Secret Santa is more into fitness than fudge, the One Month Taster Membership will have their eyes lighting up with joy! The one-month membership to the award-winning Thermal Spa Village & Fitness facilities will allow the recipient to indulge in the taste of wellbeing that our exclusive Membership has to offer. Did someone say, New Year, New Me?

For The Ginnoisseur

“There’ll be much mistletoe-ing and gin will be flowing…” That’s how the Andy Williams classic goes, right?! For the juniper enthusiast in your life, forgo the bottle of artisan gin in favour of an experiential treat they can mark into their calendar. Make their Christmas dreams come true with a voucher for one of our bi-monthly Gin Evenings. Valid for two guests, this gin-ful gift entitles you to a selection of gin cocktails and samples from the distiller, matched with light bites from the Galgorm Kitchen alongside a masterclass from a gin expert. 

For The One Who Has It All

The one who has it all (and more). The arduous task often faced when we want to impress, but simply can’t pin down their particular style, or perhaps you simply do not know them all that well! This is where the humble monetary gift voucher comes into play. The flexibility of a monetary voucher makes it the ultimate gift for your recipient to spend however they wish, be it a romantic getaway with a partner or simply a well earned pamper break. 

Make the most of your spot on the nice list and ensure you purchase your vouchers before the 30th November to receive a free £10 Gift For You voucher for every £100 worth of vouchers purchased. 

View our range of Gift Vouchers here & let the gift-giving begin!

A hidden treasure trove of the Resort, the Gin library houses Ireland’s largest Gin collection.

A hidden treasure trove of the Resort, the Gin library houses Ireland’s largest Gin collection. As an intimate and luxurious setting to embark on a journey of discovering our favourite spirit, daily Gin Tasting is ideal for Resort residents and is the best pre-dinner activity to work up an appetite.

Be welcomed with a French 75, the crisp and fresh cocktail that became prominent during the prohibition era of 1920’s America, which acts the perfect invigorating palate cleanser. Because what’s a better mixer for alcohol than more alcohol?

Whilst sipping over your arrival cocktail, queue one of our encyclopaedic Gin bar team members to impart their pearls gin wisdom on the group.

Introducing the spirit from its infancy, embark on the fascinating journey right from the origins of the key ingredient juniper to the distillation then onto the manufacturing and production.

Explore two hand-picked gins; one locally distilled and one international. Become familiar with how the spirit is made, the perfect accompanying premium tonic and the best botanicals to complement the flavours.

Move through how the two different gins that have grown to life in their respective distilleries to household names within our plethora of 400+ gins.

So with pre-dinner drinks sorted, now it's time indulge in one of our onsite Restaurants!

Galgorm Resort & Spa has acquired the bar and restaurant at Galgorm Castle Golf Club marking the latest addition to their culinary portfolio

Galgorm Resort & Spa, Northern Ireland’s leading luxury hotel and wellness destination, confirmed that it has acquired the bar and restaurant at Galgorm Castle Golf Club. 

Representing an investment of £600k, the company has begun an extensive redevelopment and refurbishment exercise which will see the existing dining facilities expanded and upgraded to include a 150-seat restaurant as well as a 60-seat open-air balcony terrace providing unrivaled views across the Castle grounds and golf course.

The all-new restaurant is expected to open in early July and will see the creation of 50 new jobs across the food, beverage and front-of-house departments.  

Home to the NI Open 2018, Galgorm Castle Golf Club will attract some of the biggest names in golf this August and with the restaurant due to be open well ahead of the tournament, spectators will be treated to a food and beverage offering on par with some of the world’s leading courses. 

Galgorm Resort & Spa Acquire Bar and Restaurant at Galgorm Castle Golf Club

Colin Johnston, Galgorm General Manager, said;

“We are delighted to announce this acquisition as the latest addition to our portfolio. It is an exciting step in our expansion strategy and further strengthens the relationship we have with the team behind Galgorm Castle Golf Club.

“Galgorm is already recognised the world over as a luxury leisure destination – in 2017 we won the title of Global Spa of the Year which is an incredible endorsement. With championship grade golfing facilities on offer and home to the NI Open, the acquisition of the bar and restaurant further consolidates that reputation.” 

As well as supporting its world-class leisure proposition, the move represents a further strategic enhancement of the group’s award-winning culinary offering, adding to its impressive suite of Galgorm dining options, which includes the 3AA Rosette River Room Restaurant, Gillies Bar & Restaurant, and Fratelli’s and its Belfast-based restaurants Fratelli’s and Café Parisien.

Colin continued;

“We have paid acute attention to every detail of the new premises, from the interior design to the membership structure. We wanted to connect all aspects of the properties, creating a seamlessly integrated experience for guests with endless possibilities. 

“We have just finalised the details on a new partnership with The Country Garage BMW to offer guests a luxury BMW transfer service between the Resort and the new restaurant. We also have plans to offer a combined spa and golf membership providing a fully holistic approach to our guest’s leisure time.  

“The stunning refurbishment, which will be a mix of rustic charm and luxury touches, combined with the bespoke extras and sumptuous food offering, will add a distinct and valuable new dimension for guests at Galgorm and we can’t wait to get the doors open.”

Further major announcements regarding the acquisition, including the new name for the restaurant and the appointment of the Head Chef, will be revealed in due course.

Pancakes (Serves 4) 

What you will need:

- 135g self-raising flour

- 1 large egg

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 2 tablespoons caster sugar

- 130ml milk

- 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil, plus extra for cooking

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

Method

1. Whisk milk and egg together then whisk in the melted butter

2. Sift flour, salt, caster sugar and baking powder into a bowl

3. Add the milk and egg to the flour mixture and beat using a fork until smooth. Let the batter stand for a few minutes

4. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle with a knob of butter or oil.

5. When this is at medium heat, ladle ¼ cupful onto the pan

6 Wait bubble (around 2/3 minutes) then flip the pancake

7. Cook until both sides are golden

Toppings Suggestions 

• Crushed Hazelnut and Banana
• Blueberries and Strawberries
• Bacon and Maple Syrup
• Lemon and Sugar   

French Toast (Serves 4)

What you will need:

- 50 g Butter

- 25g Sugar

- 50ml Milk

- 8 slices Sourdough bread (approx ¾ inch thick)

- ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder

- Pinch of nutmeg

Method 

1) Mix together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.

2) Heat butter in a non-stick pan on a medium heat.

3) Dip bread in egg mixture.

4) Fry until golden brown on one side then flip to cook the other side.

5) Serve warm with topping of your choice.

Topping Suggestions

- Mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries and blackberries) and crème fraiche

- Maple syrup and chopped pecan nuts

- Strawberries and whipped cream

- Sliced banana and chopped hazelnut

- Roasted peaches and vanilla ice cream

- Mini marshmallows and hot chocolate sauce

With less than three weeks to go, it’s time to consider what treats you’re going to lay out for Santa Claus to keep him fueled for the busiest night of the year! Reports suggest that cookies are his weakness and to make your job easier, we have pulled together the perfect cookie recipe guaranteed to satisfy his sweet tooth

With less than three weeks to go, it’s time to consider what treats you’re going to lay out for Santa Claus to keep him fuelled for the busiest night of the year! Reports suggest that cookies are his weakness and to make your job easier, we have pulled together the perfect cookie recipe guaranteed to satisfy his sweet tooth. 

Ingredients

• 150g salted butter, softened
• 225g plain flour
• 80g light brown muscovado sugar
• 80g granulated sugar
• 2tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• half tsp bicarbonate of soda
• quarter tsp salt
• 200g plain chocolate chips
• Jar of Nutella/chocolate hazelnut spread
• Method

Method

1. Place butter, and sugars into a mixing bowl and beat until light and creamy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and egg and beat until combined
3. Sieve the flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt into the mixture and combine with a wooden spoon. Stir in your chocolate chips
4. Take a small amount of the cookie dough in your hands and flatten. Add half a teaspoon of Nutella to the center of the cookie dough
5. Take another small amount of the cookie dough, flatten and place on top of the cookie dough and Nutella mixture.
6. Seal the edge and roll into a ball
7. Place on a baking sheet lined with baking paper and bake at 170oC for 8-10minutes

*Recipe adapted from a BBC Good Food recipe 

Membership of the Thermal Village & Spa at Galgorm is perfect to begin your journey of optimal health and wellbeing in surroundings of beautifully understated luxury. We caught up with some of our memberships to find out what membership means to them...

Membership of the Thermal Village & Spa at Galgorm offers access to one of the finest luxury Spa Resorts in the UK & Ireland where a holistic approach to wellbeing is our core focus. Annual membership is perfect for local residents as well as those visiting the Resort on a regular basis. We caught up with a number of our members to find out what membership at Galgorm means to them.

"As a member what makes the Spa Village special to me is simple, the vision to continuously redefine your health and well-being experience and the excellent team of people who provide first class customer service. There is nothing better than a spa visit to relax and recover after a busy day whether with a little exercise, a therapy room or even a bit of both."

"I am nearing the end of my first year as a member of Galgorm Spa. It has been a great year.

From the moment you walk through the door to the Spa, you feel like you are escaping the real world for a while and have the luxury of all the fantastic facilities at your finger-tips while interacting with staff that are always friendly and professional. 

The facilities, including the gym, swimming pool, and thermal area have enabled me along with the personal trainer's guidance to improve my level of fitness and get back in shape.

The member’s social events are a treat on the calendar allowing you to get to know new people develop new friendships.

I would thoroughly recommend membership to the Spa" 

"I have been a member of Galgorm Spa for a number of years now. I find the tranquil environment, coupled with the luxurious facilities and surroundings, create the perfect setting for relaxation. It is the ideal place for catching up with friends over a coffee.

The thermal village, spa and swimming pool are state-of-the-art facilities which I thoroughly enjoy and use regularly. I also attend the fitness classes which are delivered by qualified instructors. In particular, I have found the Stretch Classes to be especially beneficial.

The staff are very attentive and friendly, contributing greatly to the overall ambiance of the Spa and provide a superb service to members."

"What being a member of “Galgorm Spa” means to me. From the minute you arrive the staff are always very pleasant and eager to assist. The Members’ Manager, Karen Clifford is extremely approachable and always goes out of her way to sort out any questions or queries I have ever had.

It is a great place to meet up and make new friends, as I have done.  You can either exercise or relax the choice is yours, from the gym, tennis courts, golf course or swimming pool. Alternatively just opt to have a snack in ‘Elements’, relax in the orangery, hot tubs, or steam rooms, the list goes on.

We have just had your annual Members night which is complimentary of Galgorm, it was a very enjoyable evening, a great opportunity to meet other members.

I would recommend Membership to everyone."

For more information or to begin your journey of optimal health & wellbeing, contact our Membership Executive here

The big man is making his list and checking it twice! Fear not though, we've had a word with Santa himself and arranged a very special treat for you early shoppers...

Red cup season has arrived and we can almost hear Bublé warming up his festive vocal chords in anticipation for the most wonderful time of the year! Oh yes, whether you like it or not, the big man is making his list and checking it twice! Fear not though, we’ve had a word with Santa himself and arranged a very special treat for you early shoppers…

We have all experienced gift fear at one point or another, the technical term for that feeling of disappointing our loved ones with yet another pair of novelty socks. This is where we step in! Banish the fear and guarantee gift joy with a Galgorm Gift Voucher, all while rewarding yourself.  For every £100 worth of Gift Vouchers purchased before the 30th November 2017, we are giving you a FREE £10 Gift Voucher to spend. If that isn’t enough, we’ve pulled together your ultimate Galgorm Gift Guide. 

For The Luxury Lovers

Gifting can be tricky at the best of times and particularly so for those who enjoy the finer things in life. Watch their eyes light up as they receive one of our Galgorm Experience vouchers to redeem against a curated selection of experiences. Starting at £95, you can be sure you’re adding a little Galgorm sparkle this gift-giving season

For The Foodie

Food is the universal language that brings people together and we only need to take Christmas time as the perfect example of this. For the foodies among us, we have designed the perfect experience voucher to substitute the traditional cookbook gifting. Whet their appetite with one of our Gourmet Wine Evening vouchers entitling them to a cava and canapé reception followed by a sumptuous five-course dinner for two with a glass of wine to accompany each course. 

For The Zen Seeker

We all have that one friend that miraculously appears to have it altogether and they do so with grace and poise. How do they do it? And what IS their secret? Well truth be told we all deserve a little R&R, a touch of tranquility, an escape from the frenzy of everyday life. With one of our Spa Gift Vouchers, your loved one will experience the utmost in relaxation and wellness either with a treatment from our extensive menu or by enjoying the award-winning Thermal Village for the afternoon.  

For The Ginnoisseur

“There’ll be much mistletoeing and gin will be flowing…” That’s how the Andy Williams classic goes, right?! For the juniper enthusiast in your life, make their Christmas dreams come true with a voucher for one of our bi-monthly Gin Evenings. Valid for two guests, this gin-ful gift entitles you to a selection of gin cocktails and samples from the distiller, matched with light bites from the 3AA Rosette River Room alongside a masterclass from a gin expert. 

For The One Who Has It All

The one who has it all (and more). The arduous task often faced when we want to impress, but simply can’t pin down their particular style, or perhaps you simply do not know them all that well! This is where the humble monetary gift voucher comes into play. The flexibility of a monetary voucher makes it the ultimate gift for your recipient to spend however they wish, be it a romantic getaway with a partner or simply a well earned pamper break. 

Make the most of your spot on the nice list and ensure you purchase your vouchers before the 30th November to receive a free £10 voucher for every £100 worth of vouchers purchased - #GiftLoveGuaranteed.

View our range of Gift Vouchers

here

Galgorm Resort & Spa are delighted to have been crowned Ireland's Luxury Spa Village at the World Luxury Spa & Restaurant Awards 2017.

World Luxury Spa & Restaurant Awards Honour 2017 Winners

Galgorm Resort & Spa are delighted to have been crowned Ireland's Luxury Spa Village at the World Luxury Spa & Restaurant Awards 2017.

The scene is set; it’s a warm, exotic summer’s evening in Vietnam, the sun begins to set over the bustling and intriguing city of Hanoi, excited participants gather at the event of the year, the event that will later that night honour them as the crème da la crème of the luxury wellness and fine dining industries. Champagne flows, canapés travel on beautifully decorated trays to guests, and the air of anticipation grows. Proudly hosted by the spectacular JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi, who with a red carpet welcome invite over 180 guests from more than 50 countries to a dazzling evening of luxury, glamour, and style.

“Over 100,000 votes brought our winners here tonight; 100,000 times the public voiced their opinion on who of the 1,000 entrants are deserving of these accolades. Tonight we honour the staff of these fine establishments, who through their immeasurable service delivery have brought success to the proud brands of which they are a part.” says Marna Lourens, Executive Manager for the World Luxury Spa Awards.

Setting the basis for service industry standards around the globe, the World Luxury Spa Awards and World Luxury Restaurant Awards pride themselves on providing true recognition to luxury spas and restaurants in their relevant categories during its annual voting phase. Votes are garnered through various marketing channels from guests, showcasing yet again the true value of service excellence.

“The most coveted award on the evening is our Global Spa and Global Restaurant of the Year awards. Each year the task to determine these top establishments begins after voting has closed and we announce to our winners if they have been successful. We are six senior managers who take weeks to decide, as voting is not the only criteria we look at to bestow this prestigious award. A multitude of factors come in to play; brand, location, overall guest satisfaction from online reviews, services and facilities, design, and even menu offerings whether spa or restaurant. It is important to look at each establishment as an individual as well, some are on an island, some are in cities or in a desert, it is not always possible to compare apples with apples when defining luxury. This year the focus was on unique design with a touch of classy elegance, and we were as such proud to award Global Spa of the Year to Harnn Heritage Spa at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort and Global Restaurant of the Year to Ithaa Undersea Restaurant at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Both of whom encompass the ethos of luxury and supreme service.” says Joanna Evans, Marketing Communications Manager for the World Luxury Awards.

The evening was as glamorous as one would expect from a JW Marriott brand hotel; a delectable 6- course fine dining menu adorned each table throughout the night and was paired with fine wines and champagne from Moët et Chandon. Entertainment fitting of the destination included a Dragon Dance, a Vietnamese based string quartet performance by Độc Cầm - Toxic Quartet, and a local Ao Dai Dance, all of which added to the evening’s Asian flair.

“The food tonight was exceptionally impressive and has been during our entire stay at the hotel. Executive Chef Brendon Partridge and his team receive full honours from the World Luxury Awards and all our guests for the tireless effort of crafting these delicious plates of exquisite foods we received this evening,” says Linda Cooper, Executive Manager for the World Luxury Restaurant Awards. “I am proud to know that the awards they themselves received tonight are so well deserved.” 

As proud hosts of Ireland's first MLX Quartz Bed, Catherine gives us the need to know details on the ancient Greek concept of psammo therapy...

As a digital marketer, the majority of my working days are spent behind a luminous screen scouring the internet. A fairly hazard-free role you could say, and to some extent would be correct. However, it is not entirely without its repercussions (and I’m not talking about the flurry of dog memes all vying for my attention in any one afternoon). Bad posture and neck strain come part and parcel of desk-based roles. An early morning stretch and limber up for the day ahead regularly results in the sort of cracks less akin to that of someone in their early twenties. That was of course until a friend had suggested a massage. Really? I thought to myself. It all seemed a little self-indulgent and perhaps not something I truly needed or could justify treating myself to for that matter. After some persuasion (quite frankly, not a lot), I stand corrected. My name is Catherine and I am a Spa convert.

Enter the MLX Quartz Treatment Bed. “What’s that?” I hear you proclaim. Much like myself, when I was introduced to the concept, I was instinctively intrigued by this term that my colleagues had spoken so highly of. Derived from the Greek concept of psammo therapy, or hot sand therapy, the MLX Quartz is the modern take on a century-old approach to delivering the utmost in physical and holistic relaxation. 

As it’s eponymously named component would suggest, Quartz beds are something of a luxury; a rare and restorative highway to relaxation. So with this in mind, once I had made my decision to book in for a full body massage, I knew I had to experience first hand for myself, just how truly special such treatments are. After all, Galgorm proudly house the first MLX Quartz Bed on the island of Ireland! 

Fast Forward to Tuesday…

Having completed my pre-treatment questionnaire and feeling refreshed following a lemon & ginger tea (made all the sweeter by the accompaniment of two luxurious truffles), I was soon introduced to my Therapist. Now, as a self-confessed spa amateur, I can’t help but confess to being somewhat apprehensive of the treatment. Oh, how wrong I was! Upon meeting my Spa Therapist, the wonderful Zoe, any preconceived ideas of awkwardness were swiftly dispelled.

Upon entering the treatment room I was firstly amazed by the treatment table which houses the alpha quartz sand. Instantly I knew this would be something of a luxury and with the scent of essential oils in the air, instant relaxation ensued. A quick chat with Zoe revealed the format of the treatment which would include singing bowls and poultice. Stay with me on this one…

Now, you may be wondering how comfortable laying on a bed of quartz sand can be and I am here to confirm that it is truly a dream. Once laying upon the protective polyurethane layer the warmth of the hot sand instantly relaxes as your therapist intricately moulds the quartz sand around your body in order to support the contours of your body. In my cosy, relaxed state I was immediately transported to a warmer climate, cocooned on a warm sandy beach (albeit minus the factor 50). If this state of relaxation was only the beginning I was surely in for a treat. 

Om-Believable 

As a firm believer in the powers of meditation in mindfulness, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the treatment incorporated elements throughout with the introduction of two singing bowls. An odd sensation to begin with; once placed on my back Zoe struck the bowls, instantaneously sending vibrations throughout my spine as well as the room, with a sensation quite unlike anything I had previously experienced. This signified the beginning of the treatment and proved the perfect precursor to ensure I was in the utmost relaxed of states. At this point I couldn’t help but contemplate how dubious I had been before arriving for my treatment, this was exactly the respite from everyday life that we all require from time to time - and with that thought, the massage began. 

Utilising the most luxurious of oils, Zoe began the massage with her hands before introducing the heated Poultice which sets this treatment apart from it’s traditional massage counterparts. The two poultice or ‘stemps’ as they are sometimes referred to contained quartz sand, kept in place with cloth and heated to the desired temperature. The sensation from heated poultice alleviating knots and soothing muscular pain was nothing short of restorative. With this tranquil combination of cocooned warmth achieved from the bed, targeted relief from the poultice and the calming practice of massage techniques, it was a particularly mean feat to stay awake. The journey of relaxation continued as the treatment progressed from top to toe, before maneuvering to repeat the techniques on my front. The experience then concluded with a repositioning of the bed to a zero gravity position to facilitate the scalp massage, evoking a deep state of relaxation - as though I could have been any more at ease with the world. 

Slowly and with as much grace as could be expected from my dream-like hazy state, once the treatment had concluded, I was greeted with fresh towels and an ice cold glass of water before chatting to my therapist who informed me that my suspicions were correct and my shoulders housed a plethora of tension - who knew! Having just spent 90 minutes in heated environment, I was advised to drink as much water as possible to stay hydrated throughout the evening. Guided to the relaxation area of The Spa at Galgorm and feeling as though I could take on the world, the icy delights continued with a refreshing sorbet to round off my mid-week escapism. 

If the thought of this serene treatment intrigues you, book yours now;

- 90 Minute Signature Ritual - £125 Midweek / £140 Weekends 

- 60 Minute Back Therapy - £90 Midweek / £95 Weekends 

Ahead of our upcoming Afternoon with Gemma’s Cakes & Sally’s Floral Studio, we have caught up with the lady behind the cakes, Gemma herself, to ask her some of your burning questions...

At Galgorm we have secured some of the best in the business to assist in bringing your dream wedding day to life! Think of it as our little black book of suppliers, or The People We Trust as we affectionately refer to them as. 

Ahead of our upcoming Afternoon with Gemma’s Cakes & Sally’s Floral Studio, we have caught up with the lady behind the cakes, Gemma herself, to ask her some of your burning questions. So sit back, relax (and grab some cake) as we get down to the tricky business of sponge, tiers and flavours! 

Introducing Gemma…

Hi readers! I’m very excited to be sitting down to write my first blog post for Galgorm. 2016 has been a fantastic year for Gemma’s Cakes and 2017 is shaping up to be an exciting time too with lots of exciting new things ahead. To get started, I would like to congratulate all you engaged couples and provide you with some tips and insight on getting your wedding cake organised for your special day! With my background as a Galgorm Wedding Planner, I have a wealth of experience in the industry and have a strong affinity with the Resort so you can rest assured you’re in safe hands when it comes to the tastiest element of wedding planning. 

Timing Is Everything

Now onto my advice; I know a lot of websites and magazine articles out there suggest that you book your cake at least 6 months before your wedding, however, my view is that once you have your date booked and your venue confirmed, you should go ahead and secure your date with your chosen baker. We have couples booking our services up to 2 years ahead! This is especially vital if you are having your wedding in June, July, August, September or around a holiday period e.g between Christmas and New Year, Easter, or Halloween. Availability at these times book up fast so you need to be on the ball. 

The Need To Know

Firstly, book in for a consultation with the supplier so you can get to know them and taste their cake. We hold free one to one tastings regularly and there is no obligation to book. Once you have designed your cake with your supplier, get a quotation and be clear on what you are getting for your money, for example, will they deliver to the hotel on the day? How many servings of cake will you get? Should you change your mind about design this can be reworked and a new price calculated up to a few weeks before the wedding if necessary. After all, we aim to make the process as easy, stress free and enjoyable for our couples as possible.

If you don't have time for an appointment or if you live/work abroad get to know your baker via email or over the phone and check out their reviews on Facebook, Google+ and third party websites from previous couples. 

Key Trends

With regards to what's trending in 2017, I would say expect to see more fabulous buttercream cakes finished with fresh flowers, effortlessly chic and elegant.  Rustic Naked and Semi-Naked designs, Marble cakes, gold sequins and laser cut toppers will also be very popular and of course we all still love our lace & sugar flowers.  Another trend that's definitely in the mix is Art Deco/Gatsby so expect to see a few geometric designs too! 

Where To Find Gemma

Telephone -

07866808973

Email - gemma@gemmas-cakes.co.uk 

Facebook -

Gemma's Cakes 

Or alternatively, why not join us for "An Afternoon with Gemma's Cakes & Sally's Floral Studio" at Galgorm Resort & Spa on Sunday 26th February 2017 from 2pm-4pm in The Four Seasons Suite where Gemma will be giving a short presentation followed by cake tasting.  You will also get the opportunity to chat with Gemma on the day. To register your interest for this event, please contact the Wedding Team

here