Galgorm bolsters luxury offering with £3M investment in Forest Spa Garden & guestroom refurbishments

Emma Garrett, Galgorm Spa Operations Manager, and Colin Johnston, Galgorm Collection Managing Director.

Northern Ireland’s leading luxury hotel and spa resort, Galgorm, has announced a transformative £3 million investment to elevate its world-renowned hospitality experience.

The project includes a comprehensive refurbishment of guestrooms and the introduction of a nature-inspired Forest Spa Garden, set to open in autumn 2025.

These developments underscore Galgorm’s commitment to enhancing its acclaimed Thermal Spa Village and supporting the growth of Northern Ireland’s tourism sector.

The £2 million guestroom refurbishment programme has already transformed six Junior Suites, now featuring private hot tubs on balconies overlooking the scenic River Maine.

Emma Garrett, Galgorm Spa Operations Manager, and Colin Johnston, Galgorm Collection Managing Director.

Additionally, 45 Superior Rooms are undergoing upgrades, with completion expected by July 2025.

These renovations blend contemporary luxury with Galgorm’s signature timeless aesthetic, offering guests enhanced comfort and an elevated in-room spa experience.

Colin Johnston, Managing Director of the Galgorm Collection, said:

“These investments allow us to push boundaries in creating exceptional guest experiences. The junior suites’ private balcony hot tubs offer guests a spa retreat within their own room, while the Forest Spa Garden introduces an entirely new way to relax and reconnect with nature.

“Our guests both from home and overseas can expect even more from Galgorm, and this latest chapter reflects our vision for world-class hospitality here in Northern Ireland.”

The £1 million Forest Spa Garden, located across the River Maine from the existing Thermal Spa Village, will provide a serene, nature-immersive retreat within the resort’s woodland.

Emma Garrett, Galgorm Spa Operations Manager, and Colin Johnston, Galgorm Collection Managing Director.

The garden will feature four luxurious relax cabanas, three private hot tubs, a sauna, and tranquil forest walkways, connected to the main spa via a bespoke bridge.

This new facility will be accessible to all overnight and day spa guests, with a particular focus on those staying in Galgorm’s recently launched Forest Dens.

The Forest Dens, celebrated in The Irish Independent’s Fab 50 list of Ireland’s best places to stay in 2025, offer an eco-friendly, luxurious escape. Nestled under a canopy of trees, each Den includes a private garden terrace, outdoor shower, wood-fired bath, and private sauna, providing the ultimate secluded retreat.

The Forest Spa Garden ensures these guests enjoy seamless access to Galgorm’s premium spa facilities, combining convenience with unparalleled luxury.

This investment forms part of Galgorm’s ambitious £40 million expansion strategy through 2027, aimed at futureproofing Northern Ireland’s tourism and hospitality industry.

Emma Garrett, Galgorm Spa Operations Manager, and Colin Johnston, Galgorm Collection Managing Director.

Since 2010, the resort— the flagship of the Galgorm Collection—has seen over £60 million in investments. The group recently expanded its portfolio with the £28 million acquisition of Galgorm Castle Estate in Ballymena and Roe Valley Resort in Limavady,

committing an additional £22 million to enhance these properties over the next five years.

The Galgorm Collection also operates The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat in Templepatrick, opened in 2019 for £15 million, and The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn, acquired in 2021 and enhanced with a £2.5 million Treetop Spa and upgraded facilities.

“As international travel continues to rebound and domestic tourism flourishes, our focus remains on delivering premium, experience-led hospitality across our entire property portfolio,” Johnston added.

“We_are proud to contribute to the vibrancy of Northern Ireland’s tourism offering and look forward to welcoming even more guests from domestic and overseas markets to experience everything Galgorm has to offer.”

Galgorm’s Thermal Spa Village continues to garner global acclaim, recently winning Best Spa Experience 2025 at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards, Best Luxury Golf Resort Spa at the 2024 World Luxury Awards, and Best Luxury Riverside Resort in Northern Europe at the 2023 World Spa & Wellness Awards.

These accolades highlight Galgorm’s position as a leader in luxury hospitality and wellness.

Guests can book a stay in the eco-friendly Forest Dens at Galgorm’s accommodation page. To experience the refurbished Superior Rooms, visit Galgorm’s Superior Room page, or for the luxurious Junior Suites with hot tubs, book at Galgorm’s Junior Suite page.

With its latest developments, Galgorm continues to set the standard for luxury and wellness in Northern Ireland, offering guests an unforgettable blend of nature, comfort, and world-class hospitality.