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First Minister Arlene Foster welcomes Galgorm's newest tourism investment as guests are safely welcomed back.

First Minister Arlene Foster welcomes Galgorm's newest tourism investment as guests are safely welcomed back.

Northern Ireland’s premier luxury hotel and spa destination, Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort, has unveiled its new, dramatically enhanced Thermal Village and Spa provision, representing an investment of more than £2 million into the popular Resort’s tourism credentials.

Work on the expansion project commenced in March this year after closing its doors in line with government safety restrictions.

The newly-reopened Resort now boasts a suite of new attractions for spa guests, including a 10 metre infinity pool on the shores of the River Maine, a 200m2 Palm House relaxation area encompassing six heated loungers, and a brand new Salt Room for halotherapy experiences.

With over 90 per cent of its Thermal Village and Spa offering located outdoors, Galgorm has also installed two group hot tubs and saunas, three additional private hot tubs with waterfall views and six brand new riverside cabanas.

First Minister, Arlene Foster, welcomed Galgorm’s return and its continued tourism investment:

“A world leader for local tourism, Galgorm is undoubtedly a premier destination and, with more people choosing to vacation at home this summer, this investment into its award-winning spa facilities is timely and welcomed.

A major player in the local, national and international tourism industry, Galgorm has continually demonstrated their commitment to Northern Ireland, leading and innovating with the supported development of its team in skills and best practice training.

As our tourism and hospitality industry focuses on rebuilding, it is encouraging to see one of the best-known businesses continue to invest and innovate, bolstering the recovering economy and cementing its reputation as a world-class destination.”

The new Spa expansion project is the latest venture in Galgorm’s investment into the Resort. Over the last decade, the premier estate has undergone a £60 million transformation and there are further plans to invest an additional £20 million by 2025.

Colin Johnston, Galgorm Collection Managing Director, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome the First Minister to Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort to see the dramatic transformation of our Thermal Village & Spa and to experience first-hand all of the comprehensive safety and hygiene measures we have in place for the health and wellbeing of our team and guests.

As an internationally renowned luxury resort, we are continually seeking ways to enhance the guest experience, and with the closure of The Resort in March, we had the opportunity to further invest and expand.

In addition, and as a priority, we focused on implementing safety measures throughout the Resort and we are delighted to be among the first hotels in the UK to receive the coveted AA COVID Confident Mark for our commitment to safety.

It’s fantastic to see the Resort reopen for business and guests safely enjoying our new amenities and world-class facilities. For staycationers choosing a relaxing break at Galgorm, the experience really is unrivalled, and we look forward to welcoming existing and new guests through our doors this summer. We thank everyone for their continued support.

We are also delighted to announce that all existing jobs will be protected with the creation of 40 additional jobs throughout The Collection.”

In addition to the £2 million investment throughout The Resort, Galgorm Collection has recently completed the £2.5 million first phase at The Rabbit, formerly known as The Templeton.

For more information please visit

www.galgorm.com.

Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort has officially opened its doors to the Resort's newly refurbished and refreshed entertainment offering, McKendry's Lounge/Bar.

Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort has officially opened its doors to the Resort's newly refurbished entertainment offering, McKendry's Lounge Bar.

Formerly known as Gillies Bar & Grill, McKendry's is now a whiskey lover's haven, boasting an encyclopedic whiskey collection of over 300 blends from 21 countries, including a coveted limited-edition bottle of the most expensive Irish whiskey ever produced, "The Chosen".

The new whiskey lounge/bar reflects the warm ambience and atmosphere of an eclectic Irish pub and draws on its local heritage, harking back to the much-loved McKendry's bar of a bygone era, which served the local community from its premises in Broughshane Street, Ballymena before closing its doors.

Welcoming Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort's newest hospitality investment, Colin Johnston, Galgorm Collection Managing Director, said;

"We are delighted to welcome guests to our brand new lounge bar, McKendry's and showcase our extensive whiskey collection which we are proud to say is one of the most comprehensive in the island of Ireland.

The launch of McKendry's represents the latest investment by Galgorm into its Resort offering and reflects our ambition to continually innovate and push boundaries to affirm our position as a world-leading spa and golf resort. We look forward to welcoming guests, locals and visitors alike to experience the warm hospitality of McKendry's."

Offering guests the warm welcome synonymous with Galgorm, the new name perfectly connects the Resort with its strong local heritage. Much of the décor consists of historical items from the original McKendry's bar and provides guests with an authentic Irish bar experience.

As well as boasting some rare whiskeys and stocking the finest mixers, Galgorm has devised a new signature whiskey cocktail list to compliment its existing range of premium cocktails, wines, beers and spirits.

For a truly authentic taste, guests can also sample the Resort's first premium own-label "Galgorm Estate Gin", developed in partnership with Northern Ireland's newest artisan gin producer, Copeland Distillery, and drink in the fantastic new line up of live entertainment.

McKendry's Lounge/Bar is open 12:00pm - 01:00am Sunday to Friday and 12:00pm - late on Saturdays, with live entertainment every evening, including traditional Irish music every Tuesday and Thursday night.

With Spring just around the corner, we asked our Head of Spa Operations, Tara Moore, for her top tips for detoxing in time for the new season.

It is time to Detox into Spring! Here are my top tips for detoxing your mind, body and face now that Winter is finally coming to an end...

Mind

The best way to calm your busy mind is to stop and take a breath! Box breathing is a great technique to steady yourself when you feel anxious. Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Pure Essential Oil is the perfect product to use, take three beep breathes to really feel your stresses melting away, your mind clearing, and your spirits lifting.

Body

After a cold and busy winter, we all need some Inner Strength. Awaken your body with Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Bath & Shower Oil, then layer your skin with Inner Strength Body Cream. Your skin will feel nourished, whilst the powerful mind-decluttering clary sage, fortifying cardamom and focusing frankincense will be sure to put a spring in your step!

Face

The Winter months can dehydrate your skin thanks to the harsh weather and use of central heating, and now your skin needs a real boost to help it look fresh and glowing. A visit to our Skin Clinic, including a consultation using our specialist Skin Scanner, will tell you all you need to know about your skin, and the best way to target any issues you may have. The Hydration Booster Facial is perfect to replace hydration to the skin after the last few cold months, but our Skin Expert will guide you to the perfect treatment tailored to your skin type.

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!

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

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