Ballymena, United KingdomGalgorm
Galgorm
Riverside thermal estate
Galgorm Ballymena, United Kingdom
Renovated
2015
Price
$$$
Rated for
Wellness Resort SocialOutside the door
Riverside thermal estate
The estate functions as an open-air bathing village, where guests wander along the river between heated pools and forest saunas.
What it’s good at
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The main building, which looks like a stone castle, overlooks sprawling pastures.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
On a 163-acre country estate along the River Maine, outside Ballymena in County Antrim.
The rooms
Rooms keep to soft woodland tones, while the grounds hold timber cabins and riverside shepherd's huts with private hot tubs.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
A 20-metre indoor pool is lined with polished pebbles, and sunken vitality pools dot the outdoor timber decks.
The spa
Fifteen treatment rooms use ELEMIS rituals, and daybeds sit under the arched iron framework of the glasshouse conservatory.
The gym and riverside tubs
A two-floor fitness suite holds battle ropes and prowler sleds, and wood-fired tubs steam along the grassy riverbank.
At the table
The glass-walled Conservatory hosts afternoon tea beside the river, and Castle Kitchen serves smokehouse barbecue beneath vaulted timber beams.
How it began
Two Ballymena brothers bought the 1857 linen mill estate in 1991, opening it as a hotel seven years later.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.