Galgorm celebrates global success as resort announces opening date for new Forest Spa Garden

Victoria Brown, Director of Marketing at Galgorm Collection and Tara Moore, Head of Spa Operations at Galgorm accept the award for Best Spa Weekend at the Condé Nast Johansens in London.

Galgorm, Northern Ireland’s premier luxury resort, has secured a series of major international accolades at the World Luxury Awards and the Condé Nast Johansens Awards, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s leading spa and hospitality destinations.

The global recognition comes as the resort confirms the opening date of its highly anticipated Forest Spa Garden, set to welcome guests from 18 December 2025.

At a ceremony in Barcelona, 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.

The resort continued its winning streak in London at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards, where its acclaimed Thermal Spa Village was awarded Best Spa Weekend.

Further honours at the World Luxury Spa Awards included Luxury Thermal Spa for Europe and Luxury Spa Resort for Northern Europe, while the World Luxury Hotel Awards also recognised Galgorm as the United Kingdom’s Leading Luxury Wedding Resort and Luxury Golf Resort.

Megan Wright, Director of Revenue and Sales at Galgorm Collection accepts the award for Luxury Resort Global Winner at the World Luxury Hotel Awards held in Barcelona.

These international successes reflect both the resort’s exceptional standards and Northern Ireland’s growing profile on the global tourism stage.

More than 300,000 travellers voted in this year’s World Luxury Hotel Awards and over 250,000 participated in the World Luxury Spa Awards, underscoring the significance of Galgorm’s wins. The Condé Nast Johansens Awards, regarded as a benchmark for independent luxury hotels and spas, are shaped by reader votes, guest reviews and expert assessments.

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.”

New Forest Spa Garden to open this December

As the resort builds on its international achievements, Galgorm is preparing to unveil the first phase of its new Forest Spa Garden on 18 December 2025. This nature-immersive extension to its renowned Thermal Spa Village marks the beginning of a multi-year development programme running until 2029.

Accessible by a bespoke bridge over the River Maine, the Forest Spa Garden will feature luxurious waterbed cabanas, private hot tubs, a sauna, and a firepit nestled within tranquil woodland. The new area will be open to all day spa and overnight guests, further enhancing the resort’s wellness offering.

The new development complements Galgorm’s extensive facilities across its 550 acres of parkland, including luxury rooms, cottages, forest dens, shepherd’s huts, log cabins and large group residences.

Situated just 30 minutes from Belfast and 2.5 hours from Dublin, the resort has also secured AA 5-star status, while its Gillies restaurant holds an AA Rosette for culinary excellence.

Colin Johnston added:

“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.”

Continuing investment and long-term growth

Galgorm’s latest achievements come at a pivotal moment as the resort advances a significant long-term investment strategy. Since 2008, more than £80 million has been invested in its resort and spa facilities, with a further £30 million planned by 2027.

The resort’s commitment to sustainability and staff experience has been recognised through official ‘Great Place to Work’ certification and dual Gold awards from Green Tourism, contributing to its reputation as a world-class international destination.