Culloden Estate & Spa – Belfast, Northern Ireland

Standing high on the slopes of the Holywood Hills, overlooking Belfast Lough and the County Antrim Coastline, the Culloden Estate & Spa was once a former palace for the Bishops of Down. All rooms and suites are palatial and elegant, furnished with deeply comfortable cloud beds; Garden Rooms are decorated with a rich, opulent palette while most Estate Rooms have high ceilings and original cornicing. The fine dining Vespers restaurant is world class, serving up modern Irish dishes such as braised Mourne lamb rump and Armagh apple crème brulee. Guests can also enjoy a Bridgerton-inspired afternoon tea in the Lough Bar and drink pints of Guinness in Cultra Inn, a traditional pub and bistro with a roaring log fire in winter and stunning estate views. There are bicycles to explore the 12 acres of secluded gardens and woodland, and the renovated ESPA Spa that has a vitality pool, tylarium and sauna (signature treatments include the Celtic Dream, a blissful full body ritual that uses Irish botanicals). A relaxing and scenic rural retreat just ten minutes’ drive from Belfast city centre.

Doubles from £300

+44 (0)28 9042 1066; hastingshotels.com