The Spa at Dunluce Lodge

“An intimate woodland spa beside Royal Portrush, where the pace is slow and the focus on deeply personal, restorative treatments”

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Tucked among ancient woodland, Dunluce Lodge is a private retreat on Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast – a bold, expansive area of crashing waves, towering cliffs and huge Atlantic skies. Sitting beside the fairways of Royal Portrush Golf Club - and within sight of the Atlantic - the property has 35 stunning suites, a restaurant and bar (the Lodge), a library, a private dining room and a wine vault.

You’ll find The Spa at Dunluce Lodge – a separate building amongst the trees - a short walk from the hotel. Day visitors can park right up outside free of charge.

WHAT’S ON OFFER?

The spa’s reception draws heavily on the surrounding landscape with deep green tones complemented by crystal accents and original watercolour paintings inspired by the coast. A small retail area tempts with Natura Bissé, Seabody and Kloris products.

We received a warm welcome from Ashley, who offered us a heated towel to warm our hands followed by a cup of honey tea. Ashley then ran us through a detailed consultation so that our treatments could be personalised.

The changing suite is well maintained and thoughtfully equipped. Lockers contain robes, towels and flip-flops; showers are stocked with Natura Bissé products. There’s also a vanity area with hairdryers and plenty of fresh towels available throughout. A spacious steam room is available here, too, for use before or after treatments.

For guests who prefer to stay active, the gym is bright and well equipped with Matrix machines. There is also a programme of bookable wellness sessions that can be arranged in advance, including yoga, Pilates, breathwork, sound healing and guided beach walks along the Causeway Coast. Wild sea swimming sessions are also available.

We loved the relaxation room with its daybeds facing large windows overlooking the landscape. Choose a book from the spa library, help yourself to seasonal fruit salad and settle in.

TREATMENT TALK

We tried the Soothed by the Sea Ritual (90 minutes, £160), the spa’s signature treatment inspired by the surrounding coastline.

My therapist, Pamela, met me in the relaxation area and led me through to one of four treatment rooms with windows framing the putting green and Atlantic coast. She began with a detailed consultation before explaining how the treatment would unfold.

The concept centres on the therapeutic influence of the sea, combining massage, sound and breathwork to encourage deep relaxation. Aromatherapy oils are paired with guided breathing, while Koshi water chimes and resonant sound bowls are used during quieter moments.

The treatment began with a slow, rhythmic back massage using wave-like movements. Pressure was adjusted throughout, working carefully through areas of tension.

Turning over, Pamela popped a crystal eye mask over my eyes and began the facial element of the treatment, using marine-based bioactive ingredients designed to nourish and hydrate the skin. A Sensate calming device was then placed on my heart chakra while I rested quietly on the bed.

Afterwards, Pamela provided a muscle-warming gel to help extend the benefits of the massage before handing me a note with personalised wellness tips — a thoughtful piece of aftercare.

FOOD FACTS

Spa guests can dine in the hotel’s lounge or bar before or after treatments or choose a table by the windows or terrace overlooking the fairways.

The spa lunch menu offers a balanced selection of lighter dishes, including salads, small plates and desserts, alongside soft drinks, wine, cocktails and coffee.

We chose the crispy goat’s cheese salad with baby beetroot, candied walnut and pomegranate molasses – a fresh and well-balanced dish, with sweetness from the molasses complementing the tangy cheese.

For dessert we tried a light and refreshing soya bavarois with seasonal fruit, maple, pecan and blackcurrant sorbet.

For dinner there are several options including the all-day lounge menu, the main restaurant or in-room dining. We browsed a menu of local, seasonal dishes in the comfort of our suite. Despite being tempted by the Carlingford Oyster dish, the Flax-fed beef fillet and the Baked Alaska, we opted for Ewing’s smoked haddock and salmon chowder, served with Northern Irish butter and warm stout soda bread. Rich, comforting and packed with flavour, this standout dish felt like a proper taste of the region.

SWEET STAY?

Staying overnight, we found our way back to Dunluce Lodge to check into The Portrush Suite, with its wide views across the golf course and Atlantic beyond. Use the binoculars provided to zoom in on the view (a nice touch).

The suite itself boasted a king-size bed dressed in Egyptian cottons, a deep bath positioned beside shuttered windows, and a separate bathroom with underfloor heating and full-size Natura Bissé products. A complimentary minibar stocked with local soft drinks and snacks is also provided.

For a more secluded stay, The Stookan — a private annex within the grounds — offers additional privacy away from the main hotel.

WE LOVED

Our treatment: Pamela delivered the Soothed by the Sea Ritual with skill - the combination of massage, breathwork and sound therapy created a noticeably deeper level of relaxation than a typical spa treatment.

The exclusivity: facilities are reserved for each guest, ensuring they never have to compete for space or wait for facilities.

The food: locally-sourced ingredients and thoughtful cooking stood out throughout our stay — from the fresh lunch dishes to the comforting chowder served in the evening.


WHAT BUBBLE RATING DID YOU AWARD THIS SPA?

We awarded The Spa at Dunluce Lodge a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 5 Bubbles for its highly personalised service, excellent treatment delivery and sense of calm within one of the UK’s most dramatic coastal settings.