It marks the start of a multi-year development programme for the site
A luxury spa in Northern Ireland has revealed the opening date for its new forest extension as it wins top awards.
Galgorm Resort, located in Ballymena, is adding to its internationally acclaimed spa offering and will officially open the first phase of its new Forest Spa Garden on December 18. This marks the beginning of a multi-year development programme that will see subsequent phases unveiled annually through to 2029.
Connected to the Thermal Spa Village via a bespoke bridge over the River Maine, this nature-immersive retreat features four luxurious waterbed cabanas, private hot tubs, a sauna and a firepit, all nestled within the resort’s tranquil woodland. The Forest Spa Garden will be open to all day spa and overnight guests, further expanding the resort’s wellness experiences ahead of its wider investment programme.
READ MORE: How dining at selected NI hospitality venues this Christmas could help the homelessREAD MORE: How much Christmas Day lunch will cost you in Northern Ireland’s top hotels
The news comes as the luxury resort achieves international acclaim at an awards ceremony in Barcelona, where Galgorm was named Global Winner for Luxury Resort at the World Luxury Hotel Awards, and Global Winner for Luxury Golf Resort Spa at the World Luxury Spa Awards. At the Condé Nast Johansens Awards in London, Galgorm’s celebrated Thermal Spa Village was awarded Best Spa Weekend.
At the World Luxury Spa Awards, the resort also received the titles of Luxury Thermal Spa for Europe and Luxury Spa Resort for Northern Europe. At the World Luxury Hotel Awards, Galgorm was additionally recognised as the United Kingdom’s Leading Luxury Wedding Resort and Luxury Golf Resort.
The World Luxury Awards are voted for by international travellers and recognise excellence across the hotel and spa sectors. This year more than 300,000 travellers voted in the World Luxury Hotel Awards and over 250,000 in the World Luxury Spa Awards.
The Condé Nast Johansens Awards – from the leading reference guide for independent travellers – are widely regarded as a benchmark for independent luxury hotels and spas, with winners chosen by reader votes, guest reviews and expert reports. Galgorm’s global wins underline its ability to compete and succeed at the highest international level.
Colin Johnston, Chief Executive Officer of Galgorm Collection, said: “Winning two global awards at the World Luxury Awards, and Best Spa Weekend at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards is a moment of immense pride for everyone at Galgorm.
“These accolades reflect not only our commitment to excellence across every aspect of the resort, from our world-class spa to our golf and hospitality offerings, but also the extraordinary dedication and passion of our entire team. To be recognised on the international stage, competing with the very best in the world, is a testament to the hard work, talent, and vision that defines Galgorm.”
Galgorm has long been celebrated for its guest experience, extensive spa and wellness offerings, and world-class golf facilities. Its Thermal Spa Village, 550 acres of parkland, and diverse accommodation options – including luxurious rooms, cottages, forest dens, shepherd’s huts, log cabins and group residences – have cemented the resort’s status as a destination of choice for discerning guests from across the globe.
Referring to their new Forest Spa Garden development, Colin continued: “Our ongoing investment is driven by a desire to continually evolve what a luxury spa resort experience can be. From expanding our spa offering with the new Forest Spa Garden to enhancing our accommodation and facilities, we are shaping Galgorm for the future.
“These developments are not only about elevating guest wellbeing but also about contributing meaningfully to the local economy and ensuring Northern Ireland stands confidently among the world’s leading luxury destinations. We are committed to creating meaningful, memorable experiences that guests from across the globe return to again and again.”
These latest achievements arrive at a pivotal moment for Galgorm, as the resort continues to expand its facilities and enhance the guest experience through a long-term investment strategy.
Since 2008, Galgorm has invested over £80 million in its resort and spa facilities, with a further £30 million set to enhance the property by 2027.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter.
#Northern #Ireland #spa #reveals #opening #date #forest #extension #wins #top #awards
