Culloden Estate and Spa Review – Tranquil Luxury in the Heart of Belfast
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Disclaimer: This was a press stay. I did not have to pay for accommodation or food. However, this account of my experience is honest, and my opinions are my own.
Looking for a luxurious escape that combines historical charm with modern elegance in Belfast? The Culloden Estate and Spa, Northern Ireland’s foremost 5-star hotel, is the perfect retreat.
The Culloden Estate and Spa is located in the picturesque suburb of Holywood. It is just five miles from Belfast city centre. The hotel stands on the forested slopes of the Holywood hills, overlooking Belfast Lough and the stunning County Antrim coastline. This former bishop’s palace is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and woodland. This provides a peaceful haven where you can escape the hectic pace of modern life. The location is ideal for exploring nearby attractions. These include the Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood Golf Club, and the North Down coastal path. Despite its tranquil setting, the estate is well-positioned for easy access to Belfast city. Cultra train station is just a two-minute walk from the hotel entrance.
The Culloden Estate and Spa has recently undergone a £600,000 renovation, refreshing its visual brand identity. The entire ground floor, including the grand staircase, has been re-carpeted. The Drawing Room now has a new colour scheme, furnishings, and a restored plaster ceiling. Fabrics and furnishings have been upgraded in The Lough Bar, and five of the suites feature newly refurbished luxury bathrooms. Improved pedestrian access and a new lighting scheme enhance the hotel’s and grounds’ appeal. From the moment you drive up the tree-lined avenue to the grand entrance, you are enveloped in an atmosphere of refined elegance.
With rich colours, patterns, and heavy fabrics, the hotel’s interior exudes modern yet timeless elegance. The lobby is a stunning blend of traditional and contemporary design. There are plush furnishings, chandeliers, and warm, welcoming staff ready to make your stay memorable. The Drawing Room is a cosy space for a quiet read. It has elegant decor, a fireplace, and large windows offering views of the gardens. The Lough Bar, with its stylish ambience, is perfect for a pre-dinner drink or a casual meal. For those seeking tranquillity, the gardens and outdoor terraces provide a serene setting to relax and unwind.
This was my first time staying at the Culloden Estate and Spa. I had a Garden Room overlooking the gorgeous gardens. This room is a perfect blend of classic elegance and modern luxury. It was a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring and walking.
The room is spacious and beautifully appointed, with a cloud bed, soft linens, and elegant furnishings. I adored how my feet sank into the plush carpet. The decor combines soothing colours with rich, deep accents. Large windows allow plenty of natural light to fill the room, offering breathtaking views of the gardens, and some rooms have views of the lough. The rooms are well equipped with a flat-screen TV with loads of channels, high-speed Wi-Fi, a tea and coffee-making station, an iron, a hairdryer and a safe. There are lots of plugs in practical locations – beside the mirror and the bed – and plenty of USB ports, too. The bathrooms are luxurious, featuring marble finishes, a powerful rain shower, and premium ESPA toiletries. Thoughtful touches, such as bathrobes, slippers, and a welcome platter of freshly baked chocolate chip muffins with frosting, enhance the sense of luxury.
Personally, I really rate hotels on how well I sleep. My room was pitch black, with not a peep of light. And the soundproofing was incredible. I didn’t hear a thing. I didn’t even hear other guests in the corridor or opening or closing the doors. These things matter to me when it comes to getting a restful night’s sleep. But what contributed to my nearly 11-hour uninterrupted sleep was the famous Hasting Hotels Cloud Bed.
This is one of the most comfortable beds I have ever snuggled into. Cloud Beds are made bespoke for Hastings Hotels by King Coil in Ireland and feature a deep pillow layer, hand-filled with blends of soft cushioning for that ‘floating on clouds’ experience. I certainly felt like I was sleeping on clouds. And I woke up well-rested and ready to turn over and sleep another 11 hours. I didn’t want to get up!
Vespers Restaurant at the Culloden Estate offers a fine dining experience that celebrates the best of local produce. The menu features a range of dishes crafted from the freshest ingredients, ensuring a delightful culinary journey. I call this place farm-to-fork dining. The elegant setting, with its high ceilings and grand windows, provides a perfect backdrop for a memorable meal.
For a more relaxed dining experience, the Cultra Inn, situated at the entrance of the hotel grounds, is the place to go for laid-back dining indoors and outdoors. The friendly atmosphere and hearty dishes make it a great spot for a casual meal.
I had dinner at the newly refurbished Lough Bar, which launched a new menu just that week. Thankfully, there was a big group of us eating together, so we all ordered something different and shared, so I got to try a lot of menu items. And, well, what can I say? Everything was so fresh and flavourful. We devoured every last bite. The standout dishes for me were the ham hock mac and cheese with brown butter bread crumb and the Kingsbury Wagy Denver steak with chimichurri. Both dishes melted in the mouth and left you wanting more.
As for the dessert, you have to try the epic s’more sundae with Biscoff, bourbon vanilla ice cream, chocolate fudge, and torched marshmallows. It is a distinctive mixture of textures—soft, crunchy—and temperatures—cold ice cream and warm, melty marshmallows. With flavours of cinnamon from the Biscoff, chocolate, vanilla, and char from the torched marshmallow, this dessert hits all the right notes and finishes the meal off on a high.
Afternoon tea at the Culloden Estate looks like a delightful experience that perfectly captures the essence of elegance and indulgence. I didn’t try the afternoon tea on this occasion, but I did see a lot of people enjoying it beside the fireplaces and in front of those magnificent windows. This traditional service features a selection of finely crafted sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of delicate pastries and cakes. Each bite showcases the skill and creativity of the hotel’s pastry chefs, using the finest local ingredients.
The Culloden Estate and Spa also has something to add extra sparkle to your stay: the Bollinger Champagne Garden! This charming alfresco extension transforms the lawn into a convivial space where friends and family can come together over champagne, cocktails, and culinary delights. This is a picture-perfect place to relax on the lawn, soaking up the seasonal scents, sounds, and scenery.
On the menu, you can order sharing charcuterie boards, crispy Irish chicken wings, and pork belly bites (these melted in the mouth and were so moreish). Make sure you leave room for the scrumptious, lip-smackingly good sticky toffee pudding, one of my favourite desserts.
The Bollinger Champagne Garden also features the cute Bollinger Bus and Bike and is open daily from 12 noon to 9 pm until September 2024. It is the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the sun when it does make an appearance. But even on an overcast day like I experienced, it was still great as there were heaters, and the champagne warmed me up from the inside out.
Breakfast at the Culloden Estate is a lavish affair, served in the light-filled surroundings of Vespers Restaurant. The menu offers a wide array of options to suit all tastes, from a traditional full Irish breakfast to lighter choices like fresh fruit, yoghurt, and granola.
However, I had the pleasure of trying out the new breakfast menu at the Cultra Inn. Nestled at the entrance of the Culloden Estate, the Cultra Inn is a charming, warm and cosy space that now serves a seasonal breakfast menu that showcases the very best of Irish producers. Like the other restaurants, the Cultra Inn embraces farm-to-fork dining, celebrating the rich flavours and fresh ingredients from local farms and artisans. As part of the revamp, energy-efficient kitchen equipment, fixtures and fittings have been installed throughout the Cultra Inn. Best of all, dogs are now welcome inside, and there are adorable doggie beds waiting for your furry friends.
Kickstart your morning with a spicy shakshuka or bagels or eggs benedict, all cooked to perfection. For a lighter option, try the house-made granola bowl with Irish yoghurt and a medley of nuts and fresh, seasonal fruits. I opted for the breakfast brioche with local pork and Armagh apple burger, cured bacon, fried egg, and tomato and red pepper chutney. It provided a taste of the region with every bite.
For those with a sweet tooth, the buttermilk pancakes drizzled with maple syrup and topped with berries, lemon compote, and cinnamon cream are a must. And don’t miss the freshly baked scones, served warm with local preserves, butter, and cream.
Pair your meal with a cup of freshly brewed locally roasted coffee or a selection of premium teas, and you have the perfect start to your day. The seasonal breakfast menu at the Cultra Inn promises a delicious meal and supports local farmers and producers, ensuring every dish is filled with the heart and soul of Northern Ireland.
The Culloden Estate & Spa has earned a spot on The Times’ list of the Best Luxury Spas to Book in 2023, a prestigious recognition that cements its reputation for excellence. Proudly, it’s the only property from Northern Ireland to make a list, standing shoulder to shoulder with top-tier facilities in London, Paris, and the Bahamas.
The Spa at the Culloden Estate is a true sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. There is a swimming pool that shimmers under a skylight, a Jacuzzi, a sauna, and a steam room, all designed to provide a serene and luxurious experience. You’ll also find a medi-spa where you can pamper yourself with a wide range of treatments, from soothing massages to revitalising facials. There are eight treatment suites and two pre and post-treatment relaxation rooms. The serene environment and professional, friendly staff create the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy yourself. I got to try out the new exfoliating nano-dermabrasion treatment, which left my skin feeling so soft and looking brand new. The gorgeous ESPA products smell and feel divine on the skin, and it is great to see this company promoting women’s wellness and menopause awareness with its range of products.
The Culloden Estate features a well-equipped fitness centre with a range of cardio and strength-training equipment. The gym is modern and well-maintained, providing everything you need for a good workout. It’s an excellent facility for those looking to keep up with their fitness routine while travelling. The hotel also offers a variety of classes at the Health Club, including aquafit, yogalates, and pilates. I got to try out a mat Pilates class and let’s just say I’m about as flexible as an ironing board.
When you have worked up an appetite, head to the Zest Spa Cafe for a healthy breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea and a selection of freshly squeezed juices, teas, coffees, and other refreshments.
The Culloden Estate and Spa is not just a luxurious retreat but also a haven for art enthusiasts. The hotel and its grounds are adorned with an impressive collection of art and sculptures that add to its refined ambience. Inside, you’ll find elegant paintings and exquisite artworks that complement the Victorian architecture, creating a sophisticated and cultured atmosphere. The gardens are equally enchanting, featuring beautifully crafted sculptures. Each piece gives guests a visual feast as they stroll through the lush grounds. This dedication to art and aesthetics elevates the Culloden Estate to a truly unique and inspiring destination.
Cons of Staying at the Culloden Estate and Spa
While the Culloden Estate and Spa offers a wonderful experience, there are a few minor drawbacks. The location, while tranquil, requires a short drive, train, bus or bike ride to reach the city centre. Additionally, the luxurious nature of the estate means that it comes at a premium price, which might be out of budget for some. You can check the prices on the Culloden Estate and Spa website.
Overall Experience at the Culloden Estate and Spa
My stay at the Culloden Estate and Spa was thoroughly relaxing and enjoyable. The combination of historical charm, modern luxury, and warm service made for a memorable visit. This hotel is ideal for travellers seeking a luxurious retreat in a serene setting. I highly recommend it!
Culloden Estate and Spa Review, the final word
The Culloden Estate and Spa in Belfast is a fantastic choice for those looking to immerse themselves in luxury while enjoying a peaceful and beautiful setting. With its comfortable rooms, outstanding dining options, exceptional service, Victorian architecture and opulent interiors, it exudes old-world charm with a warm welcome.
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