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The River Bann Retreat

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Sauna - The River Bann Retreat (Ballymena)
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Individually decorated, individually furnished, desk, laptop workspace - The River Bann Retreat (Ballymena)
Luxury
5.0 star property
8.6

Excellent

Riverside lodge with private spa

Tranquil outdoor hot tubs offer a private sanctuary amid suburban countryside. After soaking, guests can retreat to individually decorated lodges with cozy fireplaces and heated floors. The garden and terrace create perfect spaces for enjoying summer sunsets with family.

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Parking included

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

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

Separate tub and shower, jetted tub, 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

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

Separate tub and shower, jetted tub, 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 tub and shower, jetted tub, 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 tub and shower, jetted tub, 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 tub and shower, jetted tub, rainfall showerhead

Family Cabin, 1 Bedroom (Lodge 5)

  • 41 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Located in Ballymena, The River Bann Retreat is in the suburbs. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Sperrins and Antrim Coast and Glens, while Seamus Heaney HomePlace and ECOS Environmental Centre are cultural highlights. Seven Towers Leisure Centre and Greenvale Leisure Centre are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and hiking/biking trails. Visit our Ballymena travel guide
View more Lodges in Ballymena
Map
Fisherman’s Walk, Ballymacombs Rd, Ballymena, Northern Ireland, BT44 8JX

What's nearby

  • Heaney Brewery
    7 min drive - 4.6 miles
  • Seamus Heaney HomePlace
    10 min drive - 6.8 miles
  • Ahoghill Park
    12 min drive - 8.3 miles
  • Tober Park
    13 min drive - 8.5 miles
  • Lough Beg
    15 min drive - 7.7 miles

Getting around

  • Cullybackey Station
    18 min drive
  • Belfast International Airport (BFS)
    43 min drive

Restaurants

  • Cosy Corner Bar
    11 min drive
  • The Wild Duck
    10 min walk
  • Fratelli
    14 min drive
  • Frydays
    11 min walk
  • Gillies
    14 min drive

About this property

The River Bann Retreat

Luxury lodge in a rural location
Take advantage of a terrace, a firepit, and a garden at The River Bann Retreat. Active travelers can enjoy rowing/canoeing, fishing, and mountain biking at this lodge. For some rest and relaxation, visit the sauna or the hot tub. Free WiFi in public areas and a playground are available to all guests.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Free self parking
  • Bike rentals, express check-out, and express check-in
  • Smoke-free premises, outdoor furniture, and bicycle tour information
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and offer comforts such as private outdoor hot tubs and private plunge pools, as well as perks like fireplaces and heated floors.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Free tea bags/instant coffee and electric kettles
  • Jetted tubs, rainfall showers, and designer toiletries
  • 44-inch Smart TVs with cable channels
  • Private fenced yards, wardrobes/closets, and heated floors

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

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

Food and drink

  • Couples/private dining
  • Private picnics

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals
  • Bicycle storage
  • Bicycle tours
  • Fishing
  • 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

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 elevator
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-width doorways

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Designer toiletries
  • 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 available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

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

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests planning to arrive outside of 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

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

Optional extras

  • Firewood fee: GBP 10 per accommodation per night

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

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, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation

Property is also known as

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

Frequently asked questions

Is The River Bann Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The River Bann Retreat?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The River Bann Retreat?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The River Bann Retreat located?

Situated in the suburbs, this luxury lodge is within 6 mi (10 km) of Heaney Brewery, Seamus Heaney HomePlace, and Ahoghill Park. Tober Park and Gracehill Village Old School Museum are also within 9 mi (15 km).

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Reviews

The River Bann Retreat Reviews

8.6

Excellent

9.0

Cleanliness

10

Amenities

8.8

Staff & service

9.4

Property conditions & facilities
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

Reviews

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

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 traveler

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

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

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

8/10 Good

Steven

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

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

Verified traveler

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

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

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 traveler

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 traveler

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