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The River Bann Retreat

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Photo gallery for The River Bann Retreat

Sauna
Property video
Exterior
Miscellaneous
Terrace/patio

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Spa
  • Parking included

Explore the area

View in a map
Fisherman’s Walk, Ballymacombs Rd, Ballymena, Northern Ireland, BT44 8JX
  • Place, Heaney Brewery
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Ahoghill Park
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Seamus Heaney HomePlace
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Airport, Belfast (BFS-Belfast Intl.)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room

Individually decorated, individually furnished, desk, laptop workspace

Room

  • Sleeps 6

View all photos for Room

Individually decorated, individually furnished, desk, laptop workspace

Room

  • Sleeps 5

View all photos for Room

Individually decorated, individually furnished, desk, laptop workspace

Room

  • Sleeps 5

View all photos for Deluxe Cabin, 1 Bedroom (Lodge 2)

Separate bathtub and shower, jetted bath, rainfall showerhead

Deluxe Cabin, 1 Bedroom (Lodge 2)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • River view
  • 41 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Luxury Cabin, 2 Bedrooms (Lodge 1)

Separate bathtub and shower, jetted bath, rainfall showerhead

Luxury Cabin, 2 Bedrooms (Lodge 1)

  • 46 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Superior Cabin, 1 Bedroom (Lodge 3)

Separate bathtub and shower, jetted bath, rainfall showerhead

Superior Cabin, 1 Bedroom (Lodge 3)

  • 40 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Romantic Cabin, 1 Bedroom (Lodge 4)

Separate bathtub and shower, jetted bath, rainfall showerhead

Romantic Cabin, 1 Bedroom (Lodge 4)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 40 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Family Cabin, 1 Bedroom (Lodge 5)

Separate bathtub and shower, jetted bath, rainfall showerhead

Family Cabin, 1 Bedroom (Lodge 5)

  • 41 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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The price is €289
includes taxes & fees
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About this property

The River Bann Retreat

This smoke-free lodge features a full-service spa, a sauna and a hot tub. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include spa services, express check-in and express check-out.
The River Bann Retreat offers 5 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature private plunge pools and outdoor private hot tubs. Rooms open to furnished patios. This individually decorated and furnished accommodation has separate dining areas and includes fireplaces and dining tables. 44-inch Smart televisions come with cable channels.

Bathrooms include a separate bath and shower with in-room jetted baths and a rainfall showerhead. Bathrooms are also outfitted with bathrobes, slippers and designer toiletries. Business-friendly amenities include offices, desks and desk chairs.

Recreational amenities at the lodge include a hot tub and a sauna.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the lodge's full-service spa, Wellness garden. The spa is equipped with a sauna and a hot tub. The spa is open selected days.
During your stay at The River Bann Retreat, you'll be close to Heaney Brewery. Enjoy features like free WiFi in public areas and free self-parking, plus a full-service spa.
  • Free Wi-Fi in some public areas
  • Free self-parking
  • Indulge in a treatment at the full-service spa
  • Amenities include a terrace and co-working space
  • On-site recreation includes a sauna, hiking/biking trails and a playground
  • 7 minutes by car from Heaney Brewery and 9 minutes from Seamus Heaney HomePlace
The River Bann Retreat offers its guests a full-service spa, a hot tub, and a sauna. Public spaces have free WiFi. Spa services, a terrace, and a garden are also featured at the luxury The River Bann Retreat. Self parking is free.

This 5-star Ballymena lodge is smoke free.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Couples/private dining
  • Private picnics

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals
  • Bicycle storage
  • Bicycle tours
  • Fishing
  • Full-service spa
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Hot tub
  • Mountain biking
  • Playground
  • Rowing/canoeing
  • Sauna

Family friendly

  • Dining table
  • Playground
  • Private plunge pool
  • Separate in-room dining area
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • Guidebooks
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Proposal/romance packages

Business services

  • Coworking space

Outdoors

  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Spa open select days

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • No lift
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-width doorways

More

  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Dressing gowns
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 44-inch smart TV with cable channels
  • Private plunge pool

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Dining table
  • Electric kettle
  • Freezer
  • Restaurant dining guides
  • Separate dining area
  • Tea bags/instant coffee
  • Toaster

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Fireplace
  • Heated floor
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Laptop workspace
  • Mobile key entry
  • Office
  • Separate sitting area
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests planning to arrive outside normal check-in hours will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and an access code; access will be through a private entrance
Prior to arrival, you must complete online registration via a secure link
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Access code, private entrance

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Firewood fee: GBP 10 per accommodation per night

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit/debit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit and outdoor lighting
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property does not have a front desk. Prior to arrival, guests must complete online registration with the property via a secure link. Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours will receive an email before arrival with check-in information and an access code. Guests can access their accommodation through a private entrance.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

The River Bann Retreat Lodge
The River Bann Retreat Ballymena
The River Bann Retreat Lodge Ballymena

The River Bann Retreat Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 11 out of 19 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 19 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 19 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 19 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 19 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suzana

Beautiful spot, what does the room everything for
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The accommodation was very comfortable, clean, and quiet. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Steven

Accomodation great but but it comes up short on privacy.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Caroline

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was lovely had what you need. It was quite cold but the weather was appalling therefore no fault of the room but I did get up at 3am and have to override the thermostat to put the radiator on. I would suggest thicker better quality towels for a 5 star rating but overall. Friendly helpful staff and spotless. Would come again and recommend to friends.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Superb

Second time staying here, can not fault the place one bit
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

5 star retreat

Took the children away for an overnighter. We all enjoyed every minute of it. Beautiful space and of course the hottub was amazing!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lauren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A little bit of heaven

We had a lovely couple of nights here. I was travelling with a toddler and wanted somewhere she could play outside safely. Plus the hot tub was a massive bonus and we both enjoyed a bit of relaxation time in there. The lodge was clean and comfy and had everything we could want. We will be staying here again next time we come over.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Simon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We were only there for 1 day but it was so relaxing for the 4 of us in our group, we feel rested and recharged, ready for the week ahead. I had emailed a request to the owners the day before we were due to arrive, the owners reply was prompt and they accomadated our request as much as possible. Thank you for a great stay.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Getaway Experience

Great wee getaway for a couple however do not arrive an hour or 2 early thinking you can check in because you can’t. Do arrive to whatever check in time is. Not much privacy around as people are looking in. Shame the wall is front-facing opposite the hottub looking out towards the beautiful scenery as there was a lovely sunset as you would expect every night at summer term.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

David

Modern and clean and set in a beautiful location. The lodges are well presented but small. Sleeps 6 but only one two seater sofa so the only option is to sit at the dining table or lay on the bed which is not ideal. Kitchen area is poor. Never seen accommodation like this with no oven, we bought food to cook and had to bin it.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Misrepresentation of the number of rooms

From the start, we had a bad experience with River Bann Retreat. The communication was very poor- I had to chase them to respond to emails and you can’t reach them on the phone. Our main complaint is that Lodge 1 is advertised as a 2 bedroom lodge. It in fact has only 1 bedroom, with a bed and a sofa bed in the living room /kitchen area. Our guests had to go home because it wasn’t as described. The kitchen area is not well equipped. Very defensive staff when our issue was raised about the misrepresentation of the rooms. Do not recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Rules not listed, and management hard to contact.

Nice to look at, and really modern compared to some others. However, had to wait over 11 days to get a reply from the owners regarding the booking after trying 3 different methods of contact. Phone calls and emails were never returned. Place was generally clean but the cutlery provided was filthy and there were some dead insects stuck to the roller blind at the patio doors to the rear. Also think it’s mad that the rules aren’t listed on the website or in the booking information for both the pod and hot tub - especially the 11pm cut off time. The necessity to shower is understandable for hygiene between hot tub usage, but the time constraints paired with the fact that every passer-by riverside has a clear view of you, as the only prevention is a stapled pair of curtains to one side, makes the price so unjustifiable. Again, lovely pod but could be so much better for the price.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Helen

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Reece

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jackie

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ben

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Carly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023