THE award-winning Galgorm Resort & Spa near Ballymena has beaten off international rivals to be selected as host for this year's World Luxury Spa & Restaurant Awards, which take place in July.
It's the first time the high profile event will have been held anywhere in the UK or Ireland, having previously been hosted in destinations such as Qatar, Vietnam, South Africa and Thailand.
Winning Global Spa of the Year in 2017 put the resort - which is set on 163 acres of lush parkland - on the radar of the awards organisational committee, who tipped their hat in Galgorm's favour after a successful site visit to Northern Ireland at the end of 2017.
“We were blown away by the genuine hospitality of the staff, the sheer beauty of the grounds and surrounding nature, the incredible spa and thermal village and the range of dining and entertainment options available on site," said Joanna Evans, executive manager for the World Luxury Spa Awards.
"Ultimately it proved an easy choice for us on check-out that this was to be the resort to host our gala celebration on July 14."
Colin Johnston, Galgorm’s general manager, said: “2017 was a fantastic year for Galgorm in terms of achievements, which really enabled us to shine an international spotlight on the Resort and wider region.
"And we were completely blown away to have been announced as the 2018 host venue and are thrilled at having the opportunity to showcase on the global stage the amazing luxury spas and restaurants we have both here on the Ireland and throughout the UK.
"The awards themselves offer a fantastic international networking opportunity and we really look forward to welcoming the best in our industry from throughout the world to enjoy our renowned Irish hospitality this summer.”
