Travel review: The Culloden Estate and Spa

The five star Culloden Estate and Spa lives up to its reputation of being one of the top hotels in the country.

I went for a one night break, and it was the perfect way to beat the January blues, a Saturday escape to pure luxury.

Only a short trip from Belfast, the Culloden was originally built as an official Palace for the Bishops of Down. It stands in 12 acres of beautiful secluded gardens and woodland.

Even while driving into the grounds of the hotel, I knew the experience was going to be something special. I was greeted by Sarah at reception, who provided me with some background about the hotel, and I was booked in for dinner later that evening. 

The hotel is absolutely spectacular, but it was the little touches by the ever attentive staff that made the stay extra special.

Before being taken to my room, the concierge gave a quick tour of the reception floor of the hotel, including the Mitre Restaurant, where I would be dining later. I was taken back by the stunning views from the hotel, and the extensive grounds were beautiful even on a dull January afternoon.

I stayed in the Blackwood Suite, and was greeted by an assiette of desserts and a welcome card from the hotel management.

The suite itself was outstanding. Spacious, full of light and beautifully decorated. It was complete luxury. The same stunning views of the Lough and lawns greeted me from the suite window, it really is something you would find on a postcard.

The suite was huge, with a king size bed, a spacious bathroom and an area to relax.

The highlight of the trip was without a doubt, dinner in the Mitre restaurant. Everything about my dining experience was exquisite. The staff were attentive, knowledgeable and friendly, and the food, I honestly think it was one of the best meals of my life.

The menu designed by Executive Head Chef Paul McKnight was simply stunning. The restaurant staff were able to recommend wine that would go with my dinner choices. The red wine was absolutely excellent and complimented my meal.

The amuse-bouche was a mackerel pate. Mackerel wouldn’t usually be my fish of choice, but this was so full of flavour, it was excellent.

For starter, I opted for ham hock with pickled cauliflower and sourdough. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was so full of flavour and the ham was tender and full of flavour.

The main course. Well, what can I say. I am a meat lover, so I chose the Carnbrooke fillet of beef, cheek with smoked onion. The fillet of beef was out of this world. Cooked to absolute perfection - the blue side of rare - it melted in my mouth with an explosion of flavours. I can safely say I have never tasted beef like it.

Instead of a dessert, I opted for an Irish coffee before I made my way to the fireside for a glass of wine. Everyone seemed to have the same idea after dinner, cosy up beside the fire and enjoy an after dinner drink. The decadent decor and cosy surroundings, you could almost doze off beside the fire!

I had the long drive back to Derry ahead of me on Sunday morning, so I decided to relax in the room for the morning. I took full advantage of the option to have a cooked breakfast brought to the suite. Once again, the food was outstanding!

Although I didn’t get a chance to visit the spa - which I heard fantastic reports about - there is no doubt that I will be making a return visit to the Culloden. The location, the building and grounds, the food and the staff, it is all pure class.

I left early on Sunday afternoon with a smile on my face, fully relaxed! My only regret is that I had only booked for one night.