Hospitality in good health as Galgorm Collection and Duality Healthcare partner on innovative staff healthcare initiative in £250,000 investment 

Industry leader invests in employee wellbeing with Duality’s new corporate healthcare initiative

Galgorm Collection, Northern Ireland’s premier group of luxury hotels, bars and restaurants, has announced the launch of a corporate healthcare membership scheme for its team, delivered in partnership with Northern Ireland’s leading private primary care provider Duality Healthcare, and representing a significant investment by Galgorm Collection of £250,000 over the next five years.

The innovate initiative delivered for Galgorm Collection by Duality Healthcare, and which provides individuals, families and businesses with a host of healthcare services including instant access to private GP care across Northern Ireland, is part of Galgorm Collection’s ongoing efforts to enhance benefits and support for its team.  It will provide convenient and confidential healthcare to help employees with their health and wellbeing needs.

Demonstrating its commitment to employee care, Galgorm Collection is offering Duality’s corporate healthcare offering to all personnel with over one year of service across all the hospitality group’s properties, including Galgorm, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, The Old Inn Crawfordsburn, Parisien, Fratelli Belfast, and the newly acquired Galgorm Castle Estate and Roe Park Resort. 

John McEvoy, Executive Chairman of Duality Healthcare, commented;

"We’re thrilled to partner with Galgorm Collection to deliver this tailored corporate healthcare offering, ensuring that employees have timely access to medical care and advice. The service offers flexible appointments, including virtual consultations and in-person visits, an annual medical, and a host of other vital healthcare services, giving staff the convenience and discretion to address their healthcare needs without delay. 

Our corporate healthcare memberships include comprehensive support for preventative health measures, chronic condition management, and personalised medical advice, ensuring that employees across all industries receive truly proactive care. 

This initiative underscores Galgorm Collection’s forward-thinking and compassionate approach to supporting employee health and wellbeing in the workplace and sets an inspiring example for all businesses across Northern Ireland to provide much-needed primary healthcare cover for their employees, and we look forward to working with them as they roll out the programme across all their properties."

The new Duality Healthcare initiative at Galgorm Collection adds to the suite of industry-leading benefits already offered to its staff. Employees with over one year of service also receive comprehensive private healthcare through Vitality Health, alongside free confidential counselling services provided by Spectrum Life, to support mental health and wellbeing.

Employees also enjoy an increased holiday allowance after a year of service, as well as complimentary access to Galgorm’s Thermal Spa Village, discounts on a range of spa treatments, golf memberships at Galgorm Golf Club, free dining opportunities with a paying guest at several of the Collection’s restaurants, and access to fitness suite facilities.

Additionally the Collection rewards and recognises its team members through an Employee of the Week scheme, a referral incentive bonus if their recommended candidate is hired, and a complimentary stay voucher upon successful completion of their probation period.  

Galgorm Collection is committed to fostering career growth and professional development, offering in-house and external training in areas such as Mental Health, First Aid, Food Hygiene, and Wines and Spirits, and also runs several apprenticeship schemes in partnership with Northern Regional College and Belfast Metropolitan College.  

Laura Millar, Associate Director of Human Resources at Galgorm Collection, said;

“At Galgorm Collection, we place the highest value on our team members, and this investment in their wellbeing reflects our commitment to providing exceptional care for our staff. 

By partnering with Duality Healthcare’s award-winning team, we’re ensuring that our employees can access professional medical advice and support when they need it most - across any of Duality Healthcare’s clinics in Northern Ireland.

This is just one of the many ways we aim to set the standard for employee benefits and support in the hospitality industry, and to foster a workplace culture that prioritises health, happiness and personal development. 

We believe that by taking care of our people, we empower them to deliver the outstanding service and experiences that our guests have come to expect from Galgorm Collection.”

With a workforce of approximately 1,100 employees, Galgorm Collection continues to lead the way in creating a positive and supportive working environment. The launch of this innovative corporate healthcare offering for its staff is the latest milestone in the commitment Galgorm Collection made in 2021 to roll out an enhanced programme of progressive benefits for its team members. 

In 2023 the hospitality business was the first on the island of Ireland to achieve Great Place to Work certification, based on exceptional employee experiences.

For more information about career opportunities at Galgorm Collection, visit

https://www.galgormcollection.com/work-with-us.html

Portavogie Prawn & Chilli Pasta

Serves 2

• 150g peeled Portavogie prawn meat
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 red chilli, de-seeded & finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely sliced
• 2 tablespoon chopped flat leaf parsley
• 200g linguini

1) Heat the olive oil in the pan and fry the garlic and chilli over low heat for 2 minutes. Turn up the heat (be careful not to burn the garlic) add the prawns and cook for 2 minutes, until the prawns are pink.

2) Cook the Linguini in a large pan of boiling salted water until al dente. Using tongs, remove the pasta from the boiling water and add it to the frying pan with the prawns, along with 3 tbsp of the cooking water. Toss together and cook over a low heat for about 2 minutes.

3) Place the pasta between the serving bowls. Top with Parmesan and chopped parsley.

At Galgorm, Northern Ireland’s globally renowned resort, we understand that true luxury lies not only in relaxation but also in nurturing the vitality that sustains us. This World Wellness Weekend, we are focusing on one of its key pillars: Movement and Vitality. This pillar reminds us that the energy we exude stems from how we care for both our bodies and minds. Movement is essential for well-being, and vitality is the feeling of being truly alive—both can transform the way we experience life.

The Importance of Movement

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s tempting to come home after a busy day and simply unwind. But while rest has its place, staying physically active is key to maintaining not just physical fitness but also mental clarity and emotional balance. Movement should become as routine as sitting down for lunch or dinner—a daily ritual that you look forward to.

To ensure that movement becomes a seamless part of your lifestyle, choose activities that bring you joy. This way, you’ll return to them regularly, embedding movement into your daily routine with ease.

Ideas for Incorporating Movement into Your Day:

• Early Risers: Start your day with some yoga. There’s nothing quite like welcoming the morning with a gentle yet energising flow, setting the tone for the rest of the day. By starting early, you’re less likely to cancel it as your schedule fills up.
• Midday Boost: Make the most of your lunch break with a brisk walk. Whether it’s a walking meeting, a stroll with your dog, or simply an opportunity to clear your mind, adding movement to the middle of your day boosts productivity and mood. Why not set a step goal and challenge a colleague or friend to a little friendly competition?
• Group Workouts: If you struggle with motivation, consider joining a group workout. When you commit to an activity with others, you’re far less likely to back out. The collective energy of a group can be incredibly motivating, helping you push through and reach your fitness goals.

Vitality: The Key to Feeling Truly Alive

While movement helps us stay physically healthy, vitality is the essence of feeling alive and vibrant. It encompasses emotional and mental well-being, and it’s just as important as exercise. Nourishing your vitality ensures that you are not just surviving but thriving.

 Ways to Cultivate Vitality:

• Mindful Meditation: Taking time to centre yourself through mindful meditation can do wonders for your mental clarity. These moments of stillness allow your mind to reset, bringing a sense of calm and balance to your day.

• Healthy Eating: A well-balanced diet is the foundation of good health. Choose nourishing foods that make you feel good from the inside out, energising you to fully embrace the day.

• Prioritise Sleep: Sleep is often overlooked, but it is crucial for your body’s ability to rest, repair, and rejuvenate. Ensuring you get enough quality sleep each night is one of the most luxurious gifts you can give yourself. A well-rested body and mind allow you to move through life with more energy, clarity, and joy.

By incorporating regular movement and nurturing your vitality, you can experience life at its fullest. Let Galgorm be your sanctuary, a place where you can rejuvenate and restore your sense of wellness, both physically and emotionally.

Marinated Heritage Tomato Salad, Ewings Smoked Salmon, Torn Sourdough, Fennel, Mint Pesto

Serves 2

• 100g smoked salmon
• 200g mixed ripe heritage tomatoes, sliced into even sizes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
• 1 bulb fennel, finley sliced
• 100g sourdough, torn and lightly toasted
• 80g fresh mint
• 50g toasted pinenuts (keep 1 teaspoon back for garnish)
• 1 garlic clove
• 125ml olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Edible herbs and flowers

1) Place the tomato pieces into a bowl and coat with the oilive oil, sherry vinegar and season with sea salt, black pepper and half a teaspoon of caster sugar. Allow to marinade at room temperature for one hour before eating.

2) To make the pesto, place all ingredients into a food blender and blitz until smooth. This can be placed into a refrigerator in a sealed container until needed.

3) Slice the smoked salmon into ribbons and finely slice the fennel on a mandolin.

4) To serve put a spoonful of pesto in a bowl and toss the shaved fennel in pesto, layer up all the ingredients, and finish with the remaining toasted pine nuts, herbs and flowers.

Galgorm, Northern Ireland’s globally renowned luxury hotel and wellness destination, has been chosen to host one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality award ceremonies, the World Luxury Awards 2024.

The glittering grand gala is set to attract over 200 guests including VIPs, luxury hotel, spa and restaurant owners from countries across the globe, along with international media.

Galgorm is privileged to have been selected as the European host venue for the Awards on 19 October 2024, with a second ceremony taking place in Ayana Resort & Spa in Bali on 16 October.

This is only the second time the awards have been held in the UK or Ireland with organisers choosing to return once more to the Galgorm venue after it successfully hosted the event in 2018.

John McGrillen, CEO of Tourism NI, said:

“We are delighted to see the return of the World Luxury Awards to Galgorm Resort this year following the success of the event in 2018.

“Having the opportunity to welcome more than 200 luxury hospitality owners to Northern Ireland allows the destination to truly showcase internationally its sustainable, inclusive and innovative year-round, world-class tourism offering.”

Established in 2006, the Awards are accepted as the pinnacle of achievement for the luxury hospitality sector worldwide. Covering hotel, spa, restaurant and travel categories, they stand to reward and congratulate those which have excelled in their offering as voted by guests, travellers and industry players alike. Accolades are presented to winners on a country, regional, continent and global basis. 

Speaking about the honour of hosting the ceremony, Colin Johnston, Galgorm Managing Director said;

“This is truly a wonderful glamorous event celebrating best in class for the sector and we are very proud that the World Luxury Awards team have selected our venue as one of the two host locations this year.

“We could not be more thrilled to welcome the crème de la crème of the global hospitality industry to Northern Ireland and Galgorm.

“We are fully committed to enhancing the tourism infrastructure in Northern Ireland by delivering world-class facilities and providing an unrivalled customer experience to attract large events such as the World Luxury Awards. With the support of our loyal suppliers and partners we are excited to showcase our amazing produce, service and entertainment offering and we will ensure every guest receives an exceptional Northern Irish experience during their visit."

Joanna Macdonald, Events Manager from the World Luxury Awards said:

“We are so excited to return to Galgorm in 2024 as our host for the Awards. We know that a magnificent event is guaranteed at this sensational, venue and we have no doubt each guest will receive a true, warm Irish welcome.

“Hosting an event of this stature is no small feat, every detail needs to be considered and every task and request undertaken with care. We chose Galgorm because we knew their highly professional team will deliver on our requirements and we know that the evening will be thoroughly enjoyed by all.”

The Awards are now open for entries @

www.theworldluxuryawards.com

-Ends-

For further media information, please contact LK Communications:

Nikki Larkin or Kayleigh Tinney

General Office: 028 9042 7004

nikki@lkcommunications.co.uk

kayleigh@lkcommunications.co.uk

Notes for Editors

IMPORTANT DATES TO DIARISE

Voting Season:                                              2 August – 23 August

Voting Interim Results:                               28 August

Gala Ceremony Booking Link:                   28 August (you will have the choice of which event you wish to attend)

Gala Ceremony Booking Deadline:           25 September

Final Results:                                                 21 October

To register and enter:

https://www.theworldluxuryawards.com/

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!

Vitamin C – the hero product has become a much talked about ingredient for skin health over the last year and I certainly am on board with using it, the use of this will help transform your skin as it fights off free radicals formed by UV radiation.  

Vitamin C – the hero product has become a much talked about ingredient for skin health over the last year and I certainly am on board with using it, the use of this will help transform your skin as it fights off free radicals formed by UV radiation. I hope I have answered some of your questions and I cannot recommend enough to try at least one product, you will be hooked!

What can vitamin C do for our skin?

Vitamin C works as an antioxidant, so in simple terms, an antioxidant helps to prevent or reduce damage to our cells. Application of Vitamin C to the skin helps to keep it healthy and glowing!

Are there different types of vitamin C?

There are 6 types so something for everyone!

• Ascorbic Acid - this is the most effective form of Vitamin C to penetrate the skin.
• Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate - this is a little different as when you apply the product to the skin it then converts to Ascorbic Acid thus making it less active however this will make it less irritating
• Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate -  this would be the most hydrating and soothing of them all so particularly good for sensitive skin
• Sodium Ascorbate - this falls under mineral salts so and this form is the sodium salt of ascorbic acid, it also converts to this when applied to the skin so again this is a lot gentler
• Calcium Ascorbate - this helps the skin to heal and helps with fine lines and age spots
• Ascorbyl Palmitate - this is both boosting and brightening, this is non-irritating so excellent for those skins that need a little bit of soothing

Is it an active ingredient - how should it be kept and is there a shelf life to it? Will it lose its potency?

It is indeed an active ingredient so should be stored correctly to ensure you get the very best from its brilliance – buy if you can in a dark glass bottle and store in a cool room, always double-check that the lid is on correctly…. It is too good to waste!

How do I apply the products – I’ve heard it’s thin to thick?

Indeed, the rule of thumb is thinnest product to thickest so if applying Vitamin C Serum apply your moisturiser afterwards.

Should I apply vitamin C once or twice a day?

In general vitamin C products should be applied in the morning before heading out for the day, when UV radiation is at its highest however always, always, always add an SPF in all seasons, just because you can’t see the sun doesn’t mean it isn’t getting through to the skin so don’t waste all that hard work of looking after your skin and then not protecting!

Can any skin type get the benefits – should any skin type be cautious?

If you are hyper-sensitive you may have a mild reaction to Vitamin C, however, there are four ingredients you should not mix with Vitamin C

• Benzoyl peroxide is used as a treatment for mild to moderate acne, when combined this will actually oxidize the Vitamin C
• Retinoids contain anti-ageing compounds that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and boost collagen production. Combining retinol with Vitamin C is a recipe for peeling, redness, and irritation. If you do want to use retinol it is best to use the Vitamin C in the morning and Retinol at night (an SPF is a MUST for use of Retinol)
• Niacinamide takes out all the good properties of Vitamin C and makes it into a substance that can cause redness and trigger breakouts.
• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants that can totally transform your skin game, they are all acidic ingredients so may irritate the skin so it would be best to alternate between them and Vitamin C

Are there any side effects when using it?

Some people may experience, itching, tingling when applying, redness, or mild skin irritation. If you do remove straight and leave for a few days, stay away from anything else with active ingredients using perhaps a gentle cleanser or moisturiser

What’s the easiest way to incorporate it?

I would apply a small amount of Vitamin C Serum to cleansed skin in the morning followed by your SPF to see how your skin feels

Is it like retinol where you need to build up a tolerance?

I would recommend starting off in the morning and if no irritation start to introduce in the evening if you do have hyper-sensitive skin perhaps start with every other day and see how your skin reacts

Should I use SPF after using products with vitamin C?

Vitamin C helps to fight free radicals so applying another layer of SPF will ensure your skin is protected and will help with the visible signs of ageing….. keep those wrinkles away! The two products that I highly recommend – IMAGE Vital C hydrating anti-ageing serum IMAGE PREVENTION+ daily matte moisturiser SPF 32+

Shop from Galgorm Resort Shop now!

As Summer approaches and we begin to tentatively take the first steps from our Winter hibernation, it’s time to shake up our skincare regimes and to make sure the products we’re using will protect our skin from the sun and its harmful rays. To demystify and debunk the jargon around SPF, we have enlisted the help of our Skin Expert, Zoe to answer your most commonly asked questions.

We have long heard of the importance of SPF in protecting our skin, but what is it and why do we need it?

As Summer approaches and we begin to tentatively take the first steps from our Winter hibernation, it’s time to shake up our skincare regimes and to make sure the products we’re using will protect our skin from the sun and its harmful rays. To demystify and debunk the jargon around SPF, we have enlisted the help of our Skin Expert, Zoe to answer your most commonly asked questions.

Why do we need to use a broad-spectrum SPF daily in our skin routine?

Did you know that 90% of skin aging comes from the UV rays of the sun? Exposure to the sun causes premature skin aging. The sun contains powerful UVA (responsible for ageing) and UVB (responsible for skin burning) rays that reach deep into our skin and start to break down our cell processes, meaning our skin begins to change and age rapidly. These rays are around all day, all year round, regardless of the weather outside, so do not be fooled by the rain or the cloud. The Sun’s rays penetrate through all elements to reach the earth’s surface, therefore reaching us. By protecting our skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, your skin will receive protection from both the UVA and UVB rays, allowing it to function properly and also ensuring those lovely products that we apply everyday are getting the optimum chance within the skin as they do not get broken down by the UV rays.

Is SPF in makeup enough?

SPF that is within our makeup, is a bonus to us, but alone, it is not enough!

The beauty industry is overflowing with products such as foundations and primers that contain SPF, however they really are not enough to protect the skin from damage. Something important to know and remember is that the term ‘SPF’ only refers to protection from UVB rays, we know that the SPF within makeup will help to protect us against burning, yes! However, there is no UVA protection present from the makeup. UVA rays are our ageing rays and they reach into the deeper layers of the skin where our cell function is. If we alter or damage our skin cell function, we are going to end up with poorly performing skin.

What is the difference in mineral and chemical SPF?

A chemical sunscreen acts like a sponge, absorbing the rays, which can sometimes be a little too much for a sensitive skin as it can tend to heat the skin up slightly. Whereas, a mineral sunscreen reflects the sun’s rays away from the skin.

Can my laptop and other electronic devices damage my skin?

Another important point to take into consideration are the infra-red rays that our skin is exposed to daily. We don’t usually think about these, but at the end of the day, this is still light on the skin.  Infra-red light actually reaches deeper into the skin than UV rays. Like UVA rays, it also reaches down into the dermal layer of the skin where wrinkles are formed and causes extensive collagen and elastin breakdown.  These harmful rays come from all our electronic devices, such as laptops and phones.

Zoe’s favourite Broad Spectrum SPF

My favourite SPF to use is the Ultra Facial Defence SPF 50, by SkinCeuticals. This product protects against UVA and UVB rays in an ultra-light lotion, which is moisturising to the skin and easily absorbed.

What is an antioxidant and why do I need one?

SPF may help fight the effects of the sun’s rays, however and SPF won’t fight off other aggressors of the environment around us. An antioxidant is the ultimate protecting from free radicals and environmental stress. Our bodies naturally produce free radicals, but they can also come from exposure to environmental factors like UV rays, pollution, cigarette smoke and other chemicals. With the use of an antioxidant in our skincare routine we can fight the effects of free radical damage and oxidative stress.

If you’ve ever seen a sliced apple turn brown, you’ve witnessed the process of oxidation, which is caused by free radicals. Imagine what is happening inside our skin, this is why it is important to use an antioxidant to fight this oxidisation.

How often and when do I use one an antioxidant?

You should use your antioxidant every morning. We do not need to use on at night time as we are usually pressing pause on our day, resting in bed where we are not surrounded my environmental aggressors.

Apply in the morning, after your cleansing routine, before you apply any other serums, moisturisers and SPF.

Zoe’s favourite antioxidant

Vitamin C is one of the most studied antioxidants in the industry. Dr Sheldon Pinnell, the founder of SkinCeuticals devoted 10 years of his dermatology research into the effects and benefits that Vitamin C has on the skin. This is why all of SkinCeuticals antioxidants do contain Vitamin C. It not only has the ability to fade dark spots, boost collagen and elastin production in the skin, but it also helps to boost the levels of Vitamin E within our skin. Overtime, with sun exposure the Vitamin E in our skin depletes, however application of Vitamin C can help to replenish the Vitamin E that has been lost, therefore leading to a brighter, moisturised skin.

My ultimate favourite is our C E Ferulic, by SkinCeuticals. This is pretty perfect for most skin types, but especially those who are concerned with aging. Not only are you getting the environmental protection, you are getting the extra moisture levels and firming from the Vitamin E and C present, you are also getting the anti-inflammatory effect on a sensitive or reactive skin from the ferulic acid in this antioxidant. It leaves your skin absolutely glowing from inside out!

Zoe's pick of skincare saviours can be purchased online at 

Galgorm Resort Shop.

Aromatherapy Associates understand the importance of a restorative night's sleep for our wellbeing. During these challenging times, it is more important than ever we do everything we can to keep our bodies as healthy as possible - and the best place to start is our sleep. 

Aromatherapy Associates understand the importance of a restorative night’s sleep for our wellbeing.

Sleep is such a key pillar in our health, that it formed our very first Aromatherapy Associates blend, born 35 years ago in our founder Geraldine Howard’s own kitchen: Deep Relax. Geraldine specially created this blend for an unparalleled sleep experience, using a unique and therapeutic palette of essential oils to deeply relax our mind and body. Allowing our body to rest has the power to stabilise our mood, energise us and fuel our resilience.

During these challenging times, it is more important than ever we do everything we can to keep our bodies as healthy as possible — and the best place to start is our sleep.

How Can Sleep Support a Healthy Immune System?

Sleep is essential for the optimal functioning of our immune system.

“Contrary to popular belief, our brain and body don’t shut down during sleep; they both work hard during the night, performing important tasks that recuperate and restore our physical and mental functioning, and producing cells that respond to viral threats. It is these very cells that play a critical role in our body’s immune response” Dr Neil Stanley, Chairman of the British Sleep Society and a sleep expert for over 38 years.

Getting sufficient hours of high-quality sleep enables a well-balanced immune defence, helping us come back stronger with whatever our days have in store.

Sleep Rituals to Strengthen Immunity

Sleep is just like anything else in the body – it is a natural state and has to be prioritised and taken care of to function well.

Making sure your body has a chance to rest and recover from the day is important for your immune system to function at full strength.

“To ensure you fall asleep with ease and wake up feeling rejuvenated, there are three vital things to consider”, Dr Neil Stanley recommends.

A Quiet Mind

An important thing for getting to sleep is to go to bed when you are sleepy, as opposed to forcing it. Feeling tired is the result of 1) being the right time for you to sleep, according to your internal circadian clock and 2) how long you have been awake.

What is our ‘circadian rhythm’?

Circadian rhythms are 24-hour cycles that are part of the body’s internal clock, running in the background to carry out essential functions and processes. One of the most important and well-known circadian rhythms is the sleep-wake cycle. Your circadian rhythm helps control your daily schedule for sleep and wakefulness.

In order to achieve a quiet mind and a relaxed body, it is helpful to establish a regular, relaxing, bedtime routine. You need to put the cares and worries of the day to bed a long before you get into bed.

Routine

A bedtime routine signals to the body that it is time for sleep. You should endeavour to spend at least 30 minutes winding down before bed.

For the best chance to sleep well, you should follow a ritual to relax both the body and mind. Our work with Dr Tara Swart, a doctor of neuroscience and Senior Lecturer at MIT, suggests that adopting an aromatherapy ritual will rewire the brain to associate that time, smell and practice with a specific feeling.

Start with clearing your thoughts and let the body rest, soaking in a warm bath. Slow down by pouring one capful of Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil into hands to warm the oil. Slowly breathe in the therapeutic aromas & massage onto torso before stepping into the bath. Follow with our rich Nourishing Body Treatment and finish your ritual by spraying our Sleep Mist onto pillows & pyjamas before tucking in for an undisturbed night.

Fixed Times

One of the other, most powerful changes you can make to your sleep is to have a fixed wake-up time each day. As mentioned above, the body and brain starts to prepare to wake up approx. 90 minutes before you physically wake. The body and brain crave rhythm, so if you get into the habit of waking up at the same time each day, this means that you are far more likely to wake feeling good because the body and brain know when to be ready to start the day. Living as far as possible in harmony with your body clock will ensure good health and good sleep.

Hello, 2021! We’ve been waiting for you…

As we wave a not-so-fond farewell to the year that was 2020, the forecast of brighter days and even brighter skin is very much on the horizon. 2020 was the year of staying indoors, wearing masks and more than likely eating and possibly drinking a little more than usual, all of which have had an impact on our skin, leaving our complexion looking and feeling a little lacklustre. Common problem winter skin concerns have been exacerbated to include dehydration, acne, sensitivity and more.

Hello, 2021! We’ve been waiting for you…

As we wave a not-so-fond farewell to the year that was 2020, the forecast of brighter days and even brighter skin is very much on the horizon. 2020 was the year of staying indoors, wearing masks and more than likely eating and possibly drinking a little more than usual, all of which have had an impact on our skin, leaving our complexion looking and feeling a little lacklustre. Common problem winter skin concerns have been exacerbated to include dehydration, acne, sensitivity and more.

This begs the question; how can we get achieve skin equilibrium this Winter? Well, this has always been a big task as we constantly move from the outdoors to indoors and not to mention the central heating, wind chills and rain we have to contend with. While it may seem daunting, we can turn this around with the right products and skincare regime to target problem skin concerns.  

The first rule is not to overcomplicate things. Skincare routines should first and foremost be simple and easy to follow. Sometimes we’re told to use 10 different creams depending on the time of day and how many times a week which can get very confusing. Get back to basics and start looking after your skin with an edit of key products that can be used for optimal results, beginning with a Cleanser, Antioxidant Serum, Moisturiser, SPF and add in a hydrating mask and Retinol a few times a week.

Winter-weary skin craves hydration, renewal, exfoliation and moisturisation and we’ve pulled together our recommendations available from The Spa at Galgorm.

Using

IMAGE Vitamin C Hydrating Cleanser

Retinol is the word on every beauty-obsessive’s lips but, what exactly is it I hear you ask? Retinol is a type of retinoid that can help to treat skin concerns, improve overall skin texture and appearance by increasing the rate of skin cells turnover. It is the perfect product to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (we love it!). Winter is the perfect season to introduce a retinol into your skincare regime as there is less sunshine which in turn gives your skin it’s much-needed time to heal itself. Introducing retinol should be done slowly and gradually, with a lower grade retinol and SPF is an absolute must to ensure complete protection from sunlight.

Up next is the IMAGE Vitamin C Repair Cream which will quench dryness whilst soothing and comforting irritated skin. Ceramides help to prevent the evaporation of moisture by forming a protective barrier on the skin, while vitamins nourish, and hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture.

One skin concern that has become more and more common as the months go on is maskne – acne caused by mask wearing. I know I have certainly noticed changes to my skin after wearing a mask, especially around the cheeks and jawline. Combining a good skincare regime alongside regular treatments will help to target those areas, particularly a Dermalux LED session available at The Spa at Galgorm. A visit to The Skin Clinic will see one of our Skin Experts examine your skin concerns and recommend a course of treatments and product recommendations to begin your journey to optimal skin health. 

To celebrate the launch of our online store, we’re offering 20% off

IMAGE Ormedic Balancing Anti-Oxidant Serum

So, what are you waiting for? Let 2021 be the year of the glow with our tips on streamlining your skincare line-up.

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.

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!