*This is not a sponsored post, nor have I been approached to write about my visit. I was visiting as a guest of the hotel and I’ve written about it because I absolutely loved it*

I recently took a trip to Galgorm Resort & Spa for a gin tasting evening with Shortcross Gin. The resort is in Ballymena in Co. Antrim and set in over 160 acres of parkland with the River Maine flowing through it.

The most striking part of the hotel is the Thermal Village & Spa which is the first of its kind in Ireland. It includes everything from an indoor pool to an orangery, hydrotherapy pool, steam room and sauna.  Outdoors it has a heated swimming pool and hot tubs nestled along the banks of the River Maine. If it takes  your fancy you can also indulge in any number of specialised spa treatments.

For the food lovers there are three different restaurants to choose from. The first is The River Room with chef Jonnie Boyd which is one of only four restaurants in Northern Ireland to be awarded three AA Rosettes for culinary expertise.  The second is Gillies Bar & Grill which offers classic brassiere dishes, a grill selection and Asian inspired creations. The third is Fratelli Ristorante Pizzeria & Bar offering contemporary Italian dishes including wood fire oven pizzas. In addition to the restaurants there is also a Champagne and Gin bar in The Conservatory with a choice of over 250 different gins where they regularly host gin and wine themed evenings.

Galgorm has some really nice touches to make your stay as comfortable as possible. The grounds are perfect for an outdoor stroll and each room has a box of complimentary treats from local suppliers including Graces Irish shortbread biscuits. There are also robes for use in the Thermal Village and a turn down service which leaves water by your bed and a mint on your pillow.  My stay was extremely comfortable and despite the fact that the weather included snow, it didn’t stop guests enjoying the outdoor hot tubs and pool. Take a look at the pictures below from my visit and decide yourself if they are enticing.