WITH its pretty timber-framed walls and stained-glass windows, even from the outside you can instantly tell The Old Inn is something special.
It’s been welcoming guests since 1614, but that doesn’t mean the hotel in the village of Crawfords-burn, Co Down, is stuck in a time warp.
Inside, it has been transformed into an oasis of modern luxury, and it has proved such a hit since it was bought by the Galgorm hotel group in 2021 that it was recently crowned the AA’s Hotel of the Year for Northern Ireland.
Now, with its stunning Treetop spa, it promises the ultimate romantic retreat – apt, because Narnia author CS Lewis chose it for his honeymoon in July 1958.
We stayed in one of the spacious junior suites, with a super-king bed and a stand-alone copper bath by the ornate bay window.
Antique furnishings maintain the 17th-century character, while the bathrooms are new and luxurious, with a marble sink and a vast rainfall shower.
The attention to detail really makes it stand out from other 4* hotels, with lavish toiletries, fluffy robes and slippers, a GHD hairdryer, and free soft drinks in the fridge as well as a Nespresso coffee machine and minibar.
We spent most of our stay unwinding in the Treetop spa, which is without doubt the star of the show.
Hotel guests get access from noon on the day of check-in until check-out.
Overlooking the Crawfordsburn Country Park and surrounded by greenery, this outdoor haven features a heated hydrotherapy pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.
Or you can also relax by a wood-fire stove in the cosy conservatory, taking in the forest views below, or indulge in a treatment such as a facial or massage.
But the best part is that you can order cocktails straight to the pool or your lounger.
On a Sunday morning, I was able to sweat out my multiple cocktails in the hotel’s new gym, which also offers various classes, including yoga.
As for food, the hotel’s charming 1614 Bar offers pub grub such as fish and chips and burgers.
For dinner, we headed into The Restaurant to try the a-la-carte menu.
It’s not cheap, but is excellent if you fancy splashing out.
To start, I had the white asparagus with shaved mushrooms, Irish coppa and truffled honey (£15), and for my main I had the monkfish with spring brassicas, mussels and buttermilk (£33) with a great bottle of white wine.
After dinner, we returned to the 1614 Bar for a nightcap or two with live music.
Breakfast is a continental buffet spread and guests can also order a la carte.
The hotel prides itself on its fresh food, so everything from fish to yoghurt at breakfast was local.
We then strolled through the park to Crawfordsburn beach.
A winding path takes you through woods, then the trees clear and you are on to the sweeping, sandy beach looking out over Belfast Lough.
You can see why CS Lewis chose this spot for his honeymoon – with stunning scenery on your doorstep and a warm welcome, it’s couples heaven.
GO: NORTHERN IRELAND
STAYING THERE: Rooms at The Old Inn start from £175 per night.
See theoldinn.com