Ireland’s brand new luxury eco spa: The Salthouse Hotel

The Salthouse Hotel in County Antrim is a brand new spa that opened in 2019.Set in a magic location with impeccable style, that alone would be enough to recommend it. However, this is an eco spa hotel that takes the feel-good factor of environmentally friendly travel to a whole new level. Here’s what you need to know…

The eco spa hotel is entirely sustainable

Located on a gorgeous coastline, the proprietors and team at The Salthouse Hotel are really focused on maintaining their beautiful location, so everything they do is environmentally friendly. Everything is biodegradable, there’s no single use plastic, they have their own windmill to generate electricity, water comes from their own well and they have solar panels for heating. They actually have a negative carbon footprint, meaning they produce more energy than they use.

Their product line matches their eco friendly ethos

They use the VOYA skincare line in their spa treatments because not only is it made in Ireland and inspired by the sea, but it also has similarly environmentally friendly principles. Famously, the brand harvests seaweed from the Irish coast in Strandhill, Co. Sligo, freeze drying it and harnessing the plant’s healing alginate properties for skincare products and their signature seaweed baths. Not only are treatments beautiful, the brand is certified by the organic standards of both the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association and the Organic Soil Association. They are committed to preserving the seabeds using sustainable harvesting practices, products contain as much certified organic ingredients as possible (a minimum of 70%) and products are packaged using recycled, recyclable or biodegradable materials.

The seaweed baths are a must

The emphasis on the landscape is very much a part of the spa experience. The spa is relatively small and intimate, but its experiences have really been thought about. There are three treatment rooms and two hot tubs with sea views. However, a big emphasis is on the VOYA seaweed baths, which are also outdoors for something really unique. It’s very much about luxury wellbeing, the benefits of the seaweed and wellness with a little bit of indulgence.

It’s romantic as well as environmentally friendly

The sustainability of The Salthouse Hotel is matched only by its style which is contemporary, light, healing and peaceful, with an unmistakable sense of romance. Despite its modern style it really feels like somewhere cosy, that you can snuggle up and unwind surrounded by beautiful design and scenery.

A scenic location with plenty to do

We have made much so far of the beauty of the surroundings, and indeed, located right by the beach and the sea it is the perfect place to simply take in the view overlooking Ballycastle and Rathlin Island. It is a magical island off the coast with incredible wildlife including puffins, which can be seen around April. You can even see Scotland from the hotel! Then again, there are also brilliant golf courses close by and many guests are delighted to learn that the hotel is a mere 15 to 20 minutes from lots of the Game of Thrones attractions. There’s also a beautiful forest walk which they recommend and spa experiences are available into the evening.

Food is indulgent but sustainably sourced

Naturally a big part of being an eco spa hotel is ensuring that food is sustainably sourced. As a result you get a real taste of the region in the restaurant with details such as lots of seafood fresh from the pier in Ballycastle. Again, there are those impeccable coastal views, and there’s a stylish dining room which is really sumptuous, complete with a fireplace to nurse a coffee or cocktail in front of.