Business

Galgorm plans £20m spend to double room numbers

Aerial shot of the Galgorm Resort and Thermal Spa
Aerial shot of the Galgorm Resort and Thermal Spa Aerial shot of the Galgorm Resort and Thermal Spa

THE Galgorm resort near Ballymena plans to invest £20 million over the next five years to double its room numbers and help maintain its position as one of the world’s most iconic spa retreats.

Resort owners the Hill brothers have already ploughed £60 million into the Galgorm in the last decade, transforming it into a world-class international tourism destination.

The latest cash injection will see the estate expand its accommodation from 75 rooms and suites to 147, and extending its award-winning thermal spa village across three acres.

Colin Johnston, managing director of operators Galgorm Collection, said: “Over the past decade our continued focus on investment and innovation has seen Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort undergo a dramatic transformation.

“The significant growth achieved year-on-year is testament not only to our commitment to investing in our product, but also to the dedication of our fantastic staff, in whom we heavily invest to ensure the delivery of excellence across all our offerings,

“We're proud of what we've achieved in a competitive global marketplace, driving a premium, quality product for discerning visitors who rate luxury, location and service when choosing a destination.”

In recent years the Resort has undergone an upgrade of its standard guest rooms, investing £400,000 in refurbishing its accommodation to superior grade rooms. It has also expanded its accommodation by investing in new lodges and launching its exclusive Red Oaks Residence.

Its flagship McKendry’s Bar & Lounge (formerly known as Gillies Bar) underwent an £800,000 refurbishment ahead of re-opening last month (it features one of the largest collections of whiskey in Ireland).

Galgorm Spa also expanded its offering last year with a £1 million investment in its Serenity Gardens to include a new palm house while more relaxation areas, saunas and hot tubs have been installed to accommodate growing numbers of spa visitors.