The five-star Culloden Estate & Spa reopened its doors on 24th May, welcoming guests with an impressive selection of brand new experiences. I was fortunate enough to visit Belfast recently to experience some of the hotel’s new experiences – designed to enhance all that Northern Ireland has to offer. Hastings Hotels have been busy during lockdown, launching an art and sculpture festival in the hotel’s gardens exhibiting the works of Dali, Picasso and Banksy during the summer, introducing a brand new Bridgerton-themed afternoon tea and offering new luxury romance packages, to name a few. Drawing up to the mighty venue, one almost feels like a cast member of Bridgerton such is the air of grandeur that engulfs this new member of the highly esteemed Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) – recently crowned the ‘Best Hotel for Romance in the UK’ by the LLM Readers’ Travel Awards.

Hastings Hotels’ flagship property, the Culloden Estate & Spa is situated only five miles from Belfast City Centre, overlooking Belfast Lough, and features 98 bedrooms and suites. The views are magnificent, the food absolutely delicious and the staff are wonderful. But it’s the newly renovated spa that really captures the eye.

Spa Renovation and Private Clinic

Following a £750,000 renovation of all shared wellness spaces and treatment rooms, The Spa at the Culloden now boasts a new linear vitality pool that provides floor to ceiling views of the gardens and a very impressive Tylarium – a combination of a sauna and steam room; perfect little spot for some quiet, reflective time. The Spa now prides itself as one of the top spas in Ireland and the UK and has utilised the quieter time of Covid-19 to accelerate the refurbishment process. In light of this, the Spa at the Culloden is also introducing the new ‘ Holywood Private Clinic ’ a brand new, purpose built facility based at the Culloden Hotel MediSpa, comprised of one physio room, Glow Aesthetics, as well as The Holywood Private Clinic. The clinic offers a Private GP service, minor surgeries, laser/ IPL and advanced cosmetic treatments. Further wellness and mindfulness packages are soon to be released. Speaking of packages…

(Appointments at the ‘Holywood Private Clinic’ start from £90. For more information, visit www.hastingshotels.com/culloden-spa/holywood-private-clinic // www.holywoodprivateclinic.com)

Luxury Romance Packages

As an award-winning favourite with celebrity couples worldwide, The Culloden Estate & Spa is an idyllic location to enjoy a romantic break in Belfast’s gold coast. It has entertained A-list couples such as Victoria and David Beckham and Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas, to name a few. This year, the hotel is offering two fantastic new packages for couples to enjoy: the ‘Just the Two of Us’ package and the ‘Five-Star Romance package’, both including a luxurious stay, romantic breakfast and a candlelit
three-course dinner. The ‘Just the Two of Us’ package also includes a suite upgrade and couples spa treatment.

(The Five Star Romance from £175pp & Just the Two of Us packages starts from £575pp, for more information, visit www.hastingshotels.com/culloden-estate-and-spa/special-offers // 028 9042 1066)

Bridgerton Themed Afternoon Tea

Once suitably settled into their room, guests are cordially invited to dust off their hats, lace up their corsets and don their best attire to experience the splendour of high society at the Culloden Estate & Spa. In light of its reopening, the hotel launched a scandalously decadent Bridgerton Inspired Afternoon Tea with a delectable menu featuring delightful treats that the most upstanding households would undoubtedly approve. Stimulating guests’ tastebuds with an exquisite selection of finely cut sandwiches and warm freshly baked scones served with indulgent homemade jam and lashings of cream – the experience can also be enhanced with a glass or two of champagne.

(The ‘Bridgerton Afternoon Tea’ is priced at £35pp. For more information or to book, contact
sales@hastingshotels.com // 028 4372 1066 or visit hastingshotels.com)

Work at the Culloden’s Hotel Office

As if all of this wasn’t enough already, The Culloden Hotel has also launched a ‘Hotel Office’ day workation package to help those needing a much-needed break from home while working remotely. Available daily from 8.30 am until 5.30pm, working professionals can enjoy a luxurious bedroom with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a spacious desk, comfortable seating, tea and coffee facilities with a shortbread biscuit guaranteed. Complimentary car parking is also available on site.

(The ‘Hotel Office’ is available Monday to Friday in the Culloden Estate & Spa for £120 per day. Weekly rates are also available on request.)

Northern Ireland is an ideal staycation for any season, remaining somewhat undiscovered by the hordes of tourists flocking to other UK hotspots. Guests wishing to avoid flying can travel across to Northern Ireland by ferry.

For more information visit www.cullodenestateandspa.com