By Michelle Norris
If you and your partner are in need of a relaxing get away to really indulge your senses, then the Culloden Estate and Spa in Northern Ireland could be just what the Doctor ordered.
So when my partner and I were invited to stay at the magnificent hotel over the summer, we were delighted to oblige. After all, who can say no to a little bit of five star pampering? But after our visit, it’s fair to say that we were both taken aback by what a truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience it was.
Making our way along the picturesque driveway up towards the wooded slopes of the Holywood hills was a breathtaking experience that I will never forget. The hotel itself – a traditional building originally created as an official Palace for the Bishops of Down – again left my heart racing.
Staying in the Craigavad Suite, which is located in the original Tower of the hotel, the room was filled with it’s own historical character. But what really gave the suite its wow factor was the stunning view. Overlooking the County Antrim Coastline, it was a pleasure to simply sit back, relax and watch the boats sail by.
To get the full relaxation experience, my partner and I were booked in for a Couples Massage at the Culloden’s newly refurbished Spa.
Entering the spa in our robes and slippers, we were taken through tranquil corridors to the first of two relaxation rooms – Dawn. After spending merely moments in the secluded circular room, it was as though we had entered another world, where the stresses of work and home life simply melted away.
Our therapist then took us into one of the spa’s eight modern treatment rooms. As a fairly new treatment at the Culloden Spa, the Couples Massage is a unique therapy where both you and your partner get the chance to try out massaging techniques you have learnt under the guidance of a therapist. We were allowed to choose our own oils, (which you are then given to take home with you) and then took it in turns on the massage table.
Once the hour long session was over, we were then taken to the second relaxation room – Dusk. Decorated in deep chocolate tones, we were able to relax for as long as we liked with a cool glass of water.
When it was time to leave the next morning, we both sadly said our goodbyes to the beautiful haven that we had come to call home. But I will certainly be bringing my partner back for another pampering visit.
Culloden Estate and Spa, Bangor Road, Belfast, BT18 0EX
Double Room: £60pp B&B
Couples Massage: £105
Tel: 028 9042 1066
www.hastinghotels.com