As a spa lover, I’m surprised this wasn’t on my radar until fairly recently, and its charming, intimate, and quiet luxury will ensure I definitely return again.
When it comes to luxurious spa breaks in Northern Ireland, there are always a few places that are on the tip of everyone’s tongue, the Galgorm Resort, Ballymena, The Merchant, The Rabbit Hotel, Templepatrick, Lough Erne, Enniskillen, the Culloden and the Slieve Donard, to name but a few.
But one wasn’t on my radar until fairly recently, and its charming, intimate, and quiet luxury will ensure I definitely return again.
The Old Inn has long been a staple destination for food and events in the coastal village of Crawfordsburn. Having been crowned the AA Hotel of the Year 2025, it has since evolved into a luxury spa experience under the Galgorm Collection.
While its “big sister” resort in Ballymena offers vast, sprawling luxury, which I am a fan of, The Old Inn offers a more intimate, less crowded alternative that still has the same high standards we’ve come to expect from the hospitality group. It really is the perfect setting for those seeking a tranquil, more personal experience.
We were kindly invited down to experience their Coastal Calm retreat, which, for busy parents, was the perfect Sunday morning escape. You get access to the Treetop Spa from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm as well as the choice of two 30-minute bespoke treatments followed by a Spa lunch in the restaurant.
The Treetop Spa is aptly named, perched above the beautiful Crawfordsburn Country Park. The outdoor facilities at Spa aren’t huge, but they have everything you need: a large hydrotherapy pool, a hot tub, a sauna, a steam room, some cosy cabanas perfect for lounging, and a really cosy Conservatory for relaxing, featuring heated marble loungers and a cosy log burner.
From the minute you enter the changing rooms, it’s clear it has the same bougee standards we’ve come to expect with Galgorm properties. I loved how all amenities were covered in the spa: Dyson hairdryers and a tray of hair, body, and hygiene products for use if you forgot your own. They’ve really thought of everything!
I opted for the Elemis mini facial and back, neck and shoulder massage. My therapist really helped me relax and worked on the areas of my back and neck that I am prone to tightness. Afterwards, she talked me through the products she used and the areas of my skin I had concerns with, and gave me some great advice. I walked out of my treatment after an hour, literally floating. It felt amazing to just switch off and enjoy a quiet Sunday morning.
Afterwards, I joined my husband in the Conservatory for a tasty crumble and yoghurt compote, the perfect refreshing treat after your treatment.
I honestly could have sat there all day, just sitting amongst the trees and listening to the log fire crackling. But it was time to get freshened up and head for our lunch; all that relaxation made us hungry.
We were shown into the Old Inn Restaurant, which was bustling on a busy Sunday afternoon with tables of families enjoying Sunday Roasts together, while others enjoyed Afternoon Tea.
We were treated to a choice of Prosecco or No-secco if you preferred, and then shown our menu. There were lots of options filled with local produce, Portavogie Prawns to classic chicken wings, but neither my husband nor I could pass up the Minute steak and frites, cooked pink, and it was melt-in-your-mouth, fantastic.
Feeling chilled out and content, we headed home to collect our little darlings from their grandparents. For those looking for a luxury spa journey without feeling overwhelmed by the size or large crowds, The Old Inn, for me, is Northern Ireland’s best-kept secret for a quiet, character-filled escape.
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