THE Salthouse, a luxury 24-bedroom eco hotel in Ballycastle, officially opens for business today - just a fortnight away from the 148th Open at Royal Portrush.
It represents a significant £5 million investment in the complex, which will feature an exclusive hotel and luxurious spa.
Run by husband and wife team Nigel and Joann McGarrity and their son and daughter Carl and Emma, the Salthouse is one of the most sustainable and ‘smartest’ hotels in Ireland and Europe.
Located on the same site as seven existing, self-catering chalets on the Dunamallaght Road, the Salthouse (www.thesalthousehotel.com) has a unique atmosphere which is designed to connect guests to the outdoors.
Both its interior and the exterior embrace its stunning location and successfully mix tradition and nature by using materials associated with the region, namely salt.
Nigel McGarrity says: “We're thrilled to be open for business. We're looking forward to welcoming a wide range of visitors from across Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Great Britain, Europe and USA.
"In total, £5 million has been invested to create a unique luxurious, exclusive eco-hotel set in a beautifully landscaped site, with seven self-catering chalets sharing the breath-taking setting.
"An onsite wind turbine and solar panels have been integrated into the design and the energy that they generate will power the hotel. We are beyond carbon neutral. We also have a 'no single use' plastics policy and the water that services The Salthouse is from its very own borehole."
He adds: "All of our rooms are SMART, so guests have total control of important features such as lighting, heating and entertainment. This means they can tailor the environment to their own specific needs. A considered design also means that every room has a walk-in shower and boasts views over the countryside, sea or charming central terrace.”
Carl McGarrity said: “Food and drink is a key part of an escape. The Salthouse bar and restaurant offers ocean view dining, while our menus embrace the essence of our location using the finest, locally sourced ingredients such as freshly caught seafood direct from the pier.
“And for guests seeking to de-stress, our spa is serenity personified. A sauna, steam room, treatment rooms and two outdoor hot tubs with an ocean view are designed for intense relaxation.”
Property developer and partner Denis McHenry added: “With tourist numbers on the rise in the area, we’re confident the Salthouse will bring significant benefits both to visitors and the local community, alike. We would also like to thank Invest NI for their support.
“A number of experts collaborated on the design and during the construction phase. Fifty skilled craftspeople worked full-time to ensure the end result was a sustainable hotel complex. Eco-friendly hotels are all about style, luxury and an authentic escape. Embracing sustainability at every level, this build took green to the next level, from the structural build to the water that guests will consume.”
