Famous for its raw and rugged coastline, awe-inspiring landscapes and buzzing towns and cities, Northern Ireland has it all. But what of its spas? From the sprawling riverside Galgorm, set in 450 acres of parkland, to the cool and bohemian Rabbit Hotel, where a Roman bath comes complete with giant glitterball, Northern Ireland more than delivers. That’s another big green tick from the Spa Spies.
Galgorm
Best for: spa days that last from sunrise to sunset
Set in 450 acres of lush parkland with the River Maine meandering through it, Galgorm is a spa-lovers’ paradise. Just 30 minutes from Belfast, it’s easy to reach yet feels a world away. The showstopper is the Thermal Spa Village - the first of its kind in Ireland - three acres of wellness with three spa gardens to explore: the Alpine, Riverside and Walled Gardens. Don your robe and dip between hot tubs, vitality pools, a swimming pool, plunge pool and riverside bathing tubs (book ahead). Balance the heat of saunas, steam rooms and a Celtic Sauna Master-led infusion ritual (the UK Aufguss Champion, no less) with the chill of the snow cabin. Indoors, expect even more: an aroma grotto, Hammam, mud room, Laconium, Orangerie to name but a few.
The Spa at Dunluce Lodge
Best for: sea gazers and wild swimmers
Tucked beside the fourth fairway of Royal Portrush Golf Club, Dunluce Lodge is Northern Ireland’s newest five-star hotel - and the only one on the Causeway Coast. The intimate spa has just four treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge and sweeping Atlantic views. Expect luxury product brands (Natura Bissé, Seabody, Kloris), signature therapies such as Soothed by the Sea (£160pp), and couples’ treatments designed around your needs. You’ll also find a boutique thermal suite, steam room and gym. Beyond the spa you can get your wellness fix with a spot of wild swimming, Reiki, Yoga and sunset walks on the beach.
Lough Erne Resort
Best for: Thai massage lovers
With its five-star hotel, two championship golf courses, self-catering accommodation, 3 AA Rosette restaurant, lakeside water sports and a spa, Lough Erne Resort has all the ingredients for an Irish break. The Thai Spa is the place to go for Asian-inspired therapies - including traditional Thai massage - as well as luxury ESPA treatments. Each spa journey begins with a session in the spa’s Crystal Aroma Steam Room, Light Therapy Sauna and Tropical Rain Shower; post-treatment relaxation takes place in the Sabai Sabai Room (for light relaxation) or the Deep Sleep (for snoozing).
The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat
Best for: spa-ing in style
Cool, quirky and effortlessly stylish, The Rabbit in Templepatrick is the fun-loving sister to Galgorm - just 10 minutes from Belfast International Airport. Expect laid-back Balearic vibes with a chilled party playlist; here Roman bath meets disco chic (yes, there's a giant glitterball above the pool). Facilities tick every box: hot tubs, Swedish sauna, aroma steam room, salt room, chill-out lounge, private botanical baths and even a heated pebble beach overlooking the lake. Order a cocktail to your lounger via QR code at the Beach Bar or dine in your robe at The Palm House.
Roe Valley Resort
Best for: quiet contemplation
Taking full advantage of its position on the wild and dramatic coastline of the Inishowen Peninsula, and just 17 minutes from Derry airport, Roe Valley Resort combines countryside charm with contemporary comfort. Take a dip in the sunlit pool with garden views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, or unwind in the Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. The star of the show is the aqua meditation chamber: a softly lit, colour-shifting, multisensory space that encourages calm, clarity and contemplation. Couples will love the dedicated suite for side-by-side treatments and some well-earned TLC.
Slieve Donard Resort & Spa
Best for: epic views
Set in the seaside town of Newcastle, with the Mourne Mountains rising behind it, Slieve Donard is one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic spa hotels. Visitors can see a windswept slither of Irish beach on one side and an immaculate golf course on the other. The 20-metre gold-flecked mosaic pool - with its full-height glass - affords yet more views: green soaring mountains rise from an inky sea. Thermal experiences include an Amethyst steam room, rock sauna and several drench showers. Eight treatment rooms offer ESPA holistic therapies - try the Celtic Journey using local sea salt, or the Bamboo Joint Release for deep tension relief.
Lusty Beg Spa
Best for: an Island escape
Despite the rather curious name, Lusty Beg Island is a peaceful lakeside retreat set deep in the Fermanagh Lakelands. Accessible only by boat, the resort’s self-catering lodges and cottages are scattered through woodland, making it an ideal escape into nature. The Island Spa – shrouded in natural beauty – uses organic and wholesome products in its treatments; the seaweed for its baths, facials and wraps is locally harvested. Italian skincare brand Comfort Zone takes care of the treatments. Book the Lake Side Tub for a soak under the sky, followed by time in the sauna or a nap in the spa’s quiet garden. The Lodge is the place to go for lunch – everything here is made to order; even the burgers are made from scratch.
Treetop Spa at The Old Inn
Best for: getting your green fix
Nature lovers will adore Treetop Spa which, as the name suggests, is perched above the canopy of Crawfordsburn Country Park in Bangor. This hidden gem is part of Ireland’s second-oldest hotel, The Old Inn and open to both residents and day spa guests. Facilities include an outdoor heated pool, sunken hot tub, sauna, steam room, experience shower and a cabana for all-day lounging. Inside, The Conservatory offers a cosy space to relax with marble loungers and a glowing stove. Cocktails can be ordered via QR code and delivered straight to the heated outside pool.
Culloden Estate & Spa
Best for: countryside spa-ing
Overlooking Belfast Lough and framed by the rolling hills of County Down, Culloden Estate & Spa is as grand as it is tranquil. Set within 12 acres of secluded gardens and woodlands, this former bishop’s palace delivers five-star luxury with a deeply restorative edge. Swim in the ambient pool or soak in the vitality pool with massage jets. The eucalyptus steam room, sauna and experience showers form a soothing thermal journey, while treatments from Elemis, Aromatherapy Associates and Ground Wellbeing cater to every mood. Try the Serenity Ritual for a full-body, soul-soothing escape.
Scarlet Spy
4th September 2025
Spy Likes:
Nature-inspired spas, cold water plunges, sound baths, deep tissue massage, delicious food.
Spy Dislikes:
Thin walls in treatment rooms, lounger hoggers, soggy robes, bright lights.