The Culloden Estate and Spa

Have you ever listened to an incredible composition, like Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, and feel goosebumps take over your body, or stared into a Rembrandt for just about long enough to feel yourself getting pulled into the painting? The two nights spent at the Culloden felt pretty damn close to one of these feelings, one breath taking moment after another! We were celebrating the missus’s milestone birthday and our milestone anniversary. From the moment, we walked through those revolving doors, we felt we slipped into a time capsule - where luxury met grandeur and exceptional service. “You’ll be in the Clock Tower Suite,” said the lovely lady at the reception. I hadn’t booked the Clock Tower suite, but I knew what it was. An upgrade. Not just a simple one step upgrade. This was several steps up. Jonathan took our luggage, and escorted us to our suite, all the while chatting to us as if we were long lost friends. To say that we were amazed by the Clock Tower suite, would be an understatement! We were simply blown away. Breath taken. It was a massive suite that overlooked the Belfast Harbour. “Think about this,” said Jonathan pointing at the water, before he left us to soak it all in, “someone back in April, 1912, was in this castle, in this very room, watching the world’s largest ship, the Titanic, sail by these very waters, never to return.” We let that sink in. No pun intended. We felt like royalty up there. We had a sofa set, a coffee machine, extra space to just chill and feel at home, a huge king sized bed, and a bathroom big enough to play cricket it. And I’m not exaggerating this! What spaciousness. What awesomeness. What luxury. There were red velvet cupcakes and a note waiting for us in our room. The note wished the missus on her birthday and our anniversary. It wasn’t just a generic note, the note felt like it was written by someone who knew us. There was a lovely personal touch to it. These gestures stand out and make you want to go back! Again and again! A lot of reviewers have written about the lawns and the art on there. But do you know that these lawns have made it to Northern Ireland Tourism’s official advert? Look it up. Throughout our stay, we were taken care of so beautifully that we didn’t feel like doing any of the touristy things we wanted to do. We felt like just spending the whole two days in the hotel itself. Chill in the pool, eat at the Lough Bar, have pints at the Cultra Inn, a cozy pub, detached from the main hotel building that you would need to get to while navigating through the estate lawns, admiring the art set up there. Sit by the fireplace in the drawing room with a book and a glass of wine, or enjoy someone playing the piano in the middle of the lobby, there’s so much to soak in. We had an amazing time there. We drove 5 hours from Cork in the Republic to get there, and believe me when I say, we’re going back for seconds, and then maybe thirds. Who knows, perhaps even fourths. I am quite certain, the mi

I attended for a facial, the therapist was codie, she was so friendly and welcoming. She gave me a booklet of which products she used and what's best for my skin. They even examined it under a special light to suit my needs. I met Judith at reception who was also so welcoming. They go all out to ensure you have a relaxing experience. The facilities are great, the steam room was out of order but it didnt stop me relaxing. I love the relaxation room after a treatment, where they have soothing music, flavoured tea and fresh water I will be back.

A birthday treat trip away for 3 days in Belfast with a view to seeing the Giants Causeway amongst other things. The hotel is very impressive , a beautiful building that is matched on the inside with impeccable decoration of furniture and art . Rooms full of comfy armchairs gives a friendly relaxing feel to the hotel . The staff are courteous and helpful . Our room was very nice but a poor nights sleep due to a noisy pipe triggered the perfect response to move us to a better room with a Louth view . We couldn’t fault the food , we ate at the Cultra Inn and the Lough Bar and had breakfast each day in Vespers . It was all very good . We used the spa which provided a pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna amongst the other usual spa facilities. It wasn’t busy and was very relaxing. The grounds are beautiful as well , adorned with outside garden sculptures that are quite intriguing….especially the donkey head outside the window we sat at in Vespers . It wasn’t perfect but it did all the things it should do absolutely right . Well done and thank you for a lovely stay .

Absolutely beautiful hotel. Views across the Lough are breathtaking and the grounds a treasure to explore. The vegan cooked breakfast was delicious and plenty of non diary options for drinks. The interior of the hotel is immaculately presented whilst retaining its charm and character. Thank you for such fabulous experience. We will be back.