If you and your partner are looking for enchanting and relaxing baby moon ideas, you’ll find them right here, in Northern Ireland.
Your baby moon starts here
It’s a time to spoil yourselves and Northern Ireland’s spas are calling. At the 163-acre Galgorm (4*), the Thermal Village and Serenity Garden make relaxation effortless, just the way it should be. While the River Room is the perfect setting for a romantic dinner for two.
Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, has golden beaches on one side and Royal County Down Golf Club on the other. Inside, exquisite cloud beds make every night a dream and, in the award-winning spa, the views from the infinity pool go on forever. And that’s probably how long you’ll want to stay.
Just 10 minutes from Belfast, the palatial Culloden Hotel and Spa seems a world away. A former Bishop’s Palace, it sits in 12 acres of stunning gardens and woodland. Super-luxurious bedrooms and a beautifully appointed Spa area make it a wonderful place to unwind. A pamper – before the pampers come along.
A cottage or two (for a soon-to-be-three)
There’s nothing more romantic than a cottage hideaway and Royal Hillsborough’s Arthur Street Guest Cottage (4*) is one of the cutest, in its village of chiming church bells. Original wooden floors, beams and open fireplaces give Larchfield Estate Cottages in County Down their unique character. And, with a 600-acre garden of silent forests and peaceful riverbanks, it’s luxury indoors and out here.
Not too far away, Bay Tree Cottage Self Catering cleverly blends New England style and stonewall cottage. Calm, refreshing and supremely comfortable, bedrooms are light and airy, with breakfasts lovingly cooked by owner Susan.
Holiday romance in the city
Historic Derry-Londonderry is home to some fantastic escapes. Go for all out penthouse glamour on the 7th Floor of The City Hotel Derry (4*), five minutes’ walk from the city walls. Well, if you can’t indulge yourself now, when can you?
Of course, every romantic getaway needs a romantic dinner. So book yourself in to The Wig and Gown Champagne Bar and Restaurant or foodie-favourite, Browns in Town. And, as this is a city made for walking, take a stroll around or join a city walking tour. There’s lots to see (yes, shops too) and great opportunities for romantic hand-holding.
Castles in the air
The enchanting Ballygally Castle Hotel (4*), at the tip of the Causeway Coastal Route, has views all the way across the Irish Sea and is a great base for exploring the Giant’s Causeway. Try to get there for sunset – one of the most beautiful and romantic sights you’ll ever see. A definite memory-making moment.
Though we’ll bet you can’t help falling in love with the stunning Killeavy Castle Estate (4*) at Slieve Gullion either. It’s got it all - a Grade A listed castle, the modern comfort of a converted mill and coach house, a self-catering Gate Lodge. And a spa.
A baby break in Belfast
No trip to Belfast is complete without taking in the superb Titanic Belfast attraction. The luxurious Merchant Hotel (5*), with its roof-top hot tub and stunning views is close by. As are the imaginatively appointed Fitzwilliam Hotel (5*) and the bold and quirky Malmaison (4*). You’ve shopping centres on your doorstep and the nearby Lisburn Road for independent designers. JoJo Maman Bébé is just one. Just saying.
For dinner, make it very special at the riverside Michelin-starred OX restaurant. Or go bistro, with a New York vibe, at local favourite James St.
Seeing stars. And a baby moon.
Lough Erne Resort (5*) has everything you could wish for in a lakeside setting – stunning views and places to explore, the championship Faldo Golf Course and an inviting Thai Spa for when your day is done. The Catalina restaurant is known for its exceptionally fine dining, transforming seasonal local produce into show-stopping classic and contemporary dishes. (Though, you should know, Lough Erne’s Blissful Babymoon package includes a special ‘Cravings’ room service menu too.)
A special time in a special place. That’s what Northern Ireland promises. Not only for baby-mooners, but for every one of you who comes to visit. Hope to see you soon.