Where to Stay in Belfast: Culloden Estate and Spa

On our final night in Northern Ireland, we were fortunate to stay in the beautiful 5 star Culloden Estate and Spa situated high in the Holywood Hills, overlooking the Belfast Lough. This magnificent estate spans over 12 acres and was originally built in 1876 as an official Palace for the Bishops of Down and is now part of the Hasting Hotels group.

The atmosphere in the Culloden is one of prestige and elegance. From the moment I walked through the doors, I knew that this is exactly where I wanted to be shortly before Christmas, relaxing with a hot drink by the fireplace or taking long walks through the extensive and pristine grounds. Everywhere I looked, the decor and design was just so, beautifully thought out and stylish.

We were taken up to our room by the porter and I have to admit that neither Kat nor I were expecting a suite. We stayed in the Muirfield Suite and as you can see from the photos below, it was simply elegant.

The suite featured a large room with twin beds, fireplace, sofas and dining table, overlooking the grounds of the Culloden. The entrance featured spacious double wardrobes, luggage racks and lead off to a large bathroom with a bath and shower.

Special mention has to go to the bed. With Egyptian cotton linen and a Cloud Bed with deep pillow top layer, this was simply the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in. I felt like I was floating and I have to admit that all I wanted to do after breakfast the next morning was snuggle back into that bed.

The Culloden is what I like to think of as a destination hotel – it is the type of establishment that you visit for its own sake and not simply as a place to sleep. There is so much to do here if you’re looking for a nice, relaxing winter getaway and I have no doubt that it will be even more lovely during the summer months. Despite our relatively short stay, we enjoyed cocktails in the Crozier Lounge while listening to a live jazz trio, we took a walk around the grounds and drank in views of the County Antrim coastline, we spent a morning relaxing in the spa and we enjoyed a superb afternoon tea. Did we wish that our stay had been a little bit longer? Of course we did.

I will definitely return to the Culloden one day and I can’t wait to take Stephen there. Despite its luxury and opulence, the Culloden is surprisingly reasonable and they frequently offer packages and special offers which include meals and a full Irish breakfast.

Be sure to come back in February when I will take you on a tour of the grounds and gardens of the Culloden Estate.

Culloden Estate and Spa
Bangor Road, Holywood, Belfast, BT18 OEX
028 9042 1066
http://www.hastingshotels.com/culloden-estate-and-spa/

Room rate: from £165 for a double room, bed and breakfast.

We were guests of Hasting Hotels and Tourism Ireland during our stay in Belfast. As always, I promise to share sincere and honest opinions with my readers.