In pictures: New luxury development at Galgorm Resort & Spa

Cllr Billy Ashe, Mid & East Antrim Chief Executive Anne Donaghy, Beth Grennan of GalgormResort & Spa and Lord Lieutenant of Antrim Joan Christie who attended last week's expansion launch at Galgorm Resort & Spa. INBT 41-110JC

The landmark £11million expansion, which was officially opened on Tuesday by Tourism NI Chair Terence Brannigan, includes the creation of the unique Thermal Spa Village plus an additional 48 deluxe guestrooms and suites bringing the overall room offering to 122.

The development brings the total investment at the Resort to over £35 million over the past 10 years.

Speaking at the launch of the new state-of-the-art expansion, Managing Director Paul Smyth said the significant investment reinforces Galgorm Resort and Spa’s commitment to providing an unrivalled customer experience and to enhancing the tourism infrastructure in Northern Ireland.

The magnificent setting of the new expansion at Galgorm Resort & Spa. INBT 41-108JC

He said: “This project was undertaken to create a world-class addition to the already outstanding guest facilities here. This latest chapter in the Galgorm story is a testament to the drive and vision of the team not just at Galgorm Resort and Spa, but also to Martin and Hamilton and the 100-strong construction team, and our architects Douglas Wallace who all worked together bring the development to life.

“We are grateful to the support of Invest NI who worked with us in making our vision a reality, the continued support of First Trust Bank and also to Tourism NI for their ongoing work in showcasing the excellence of our tourism offering across Ireland, Great Britain and beyond,” he said.

The Ballymena based venue has forged a reputation as one of the UK and Ireland’s leading spa destinations since it first opened in 1998.

This stunning new facility includes 75,000 square feet of luxurious Thermal Spa experiences, the first of its kind in the UK & Ireland, use of which is complimentary to all guests staying within the hotel.

Paula Dixon of Invest N.I., Brian Gillen of First Trust Bank and Janice Gault from the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation who attended the unveiling of the multi-million expansion at Galgorm Resort & Spa. INBT 41-109JC

Idyllically located on the banks of the River Maine, guests will enjoy the tranquillity of nature and experience pure relaxation with an extensive selection of riverside hot tubs, indoor and outdoor heated pools, steam rooms and saunas.

The additional 48 Deluxe guestrooms and suites are generously proportioned and all come complete with their own relaxing seating area for in-room relaxation. The jewel in the crown is the breathtaking Signature Suite, 1,300 square feet of pure luxury.

Terence Brannigan, says the expansion will enhance Northern Irelands’ reputation as a must-visit destination.

“The vision, passion and commitment shown by the team at Galgorm Resort and Spa is reinforcing the message that Northern Ireland is competing on a global scale, and we look forward to welcoming the many thousands of visitors it will no doubt attract,” he stated.

Mayor of Mid & East Antrim Cllr Billy Ashe and Deputy Mayor Cllr Timothy Gaston who attended last week's launch of the £11m expansion at Galgorm Resort & Spa. INBT 41-107JC

Tullymore House Group, which owns and operates Galgorm Resort and Spa, is also developing the Bedford Hotel in a £12.5 million project at the iconic Scottish Mutual Building in Belfast and last year the Group opened Fratelli Restaurant in Great Victoria Street.