Galgorm Resort’s latest addition is just the tonic for the winter blues

October has to be the dullest month in the year; grey and dreary, it’s that inbetween period of the last days of summer before the cool crispness of winter can kick in.

In a bid to shake of the pre-winter blues, the opportunity to try out the new Thermal Spa Village at Galgorm Resort & Spa couldn’t have come at more perfect time.

My partner and I were booked in to enjoy a morning at the state-of-the-art complex, and while I went off to enjoy a blissful treatment, he took the time to explore the new additions to the spa.

Officially opened last month following an £11 million extension providing 48 deluxe rooms and suites and a unique indoor and outdoor Thermal Spa Village, the new spa additions include an extensive selection of riverside hot tubs, indoor and outdoor heated pools, steam rooms and saunas - all with stunning views over the River Maine.

While Himself went off to find the new Snow Cabin, my therapist Zoe talked me through the treatment I would be having.

I had opted for the Maine Massage, a 55 minute full body treatment aimed at easing tension and calming the mind.

Zoe began by working out all the knots in my shoulders, applying firm pressure to release them.

Using Galgorm’s signature massage oil, Zoe then moved onto my arms, and then legs, again applying firm pressure to stretch out the muscles.

She then moved onto the neck and head area, gently applying pressure, while I tried not to fall asleep.

Following my treatment, Zoe brought me a welcome glass of water and a strawberry sorbet to revitalise ahead of the next part of my Galgorm experience.

Meeting up again with my partner, we were brought outdoors to the new Celtic Sauna Ritual experience.

When you think of a sauna, you think of sitting in a darkened room, with lots of heat, but the Celtic Sauna at Galgorm has floor to ceiling windows overlooking the river.

And while there is heat, there is also music to accompany the sauna master Jack while he presents a choreographed routine using a a towel to circulate hot air and essential oil aromas throughout the room.

The ritual continues in the River House, where Jack took us through a series of breathing exercises as part of the relaxation process.

We were then brought over to The Orangery relaxation room, a stunningly serene room with swing seats and recliner beds, ahead of the next part of our package.

After what seemed like only a few minutes - that’s the thing about the Spa, you lose all track of time - we were brought down to one of the new two-person log-fired riverside tubs, with complimentary champagne and chocolates.

Surprisingly for an October day, it was mild and dry but I think even if it was raining or snowing, it would not take away from the experience at all - in fact I think it might even be fun to be cosily ensconced in the hot tub with snow falling around.

With free rein to peruse the spa facilities afterwards, we then retired for a magificent lunch in the Resort’s Gillies Bar & Grill restaurant.

It’s clear why Galgorm Resort has won so many prestigious awards - including most recently the AA Hotel of the Year and the Irish Tatler ‘Best Resort Spa of the Year’- and with the latest addition of the Spa Village, it looks set to win even more.

My advice - make a day of it!