Stunned guests at the luxury Co Antrim hotel – which received its AA five-star status just last week – were ushered into the car park during a downpour at around 6.30am on Tuesday.
Guests were later offered a number of perks to make up for the inconvenience.
Video footage shows many drenched occupants still wearing their white dressing robes in the grounds of the hotel which has the slogan “make it memorable” on its website.
One resident who filmed the incident said guests were not made aware of why they had been ordered to leave and had still not been briefed upon checkout.
“There was not a staff member in sight to explain anything, and it was in the rain,” she told the Belfast Telegraph.
She also said that upon leaving the building, one woman fainted and an ambulance was called.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service has confirmed that it received a 999 call at 7.05am on Tuesday “following reports of an incident in the Cullybackey area”.
“NIAS dispatched one emergency ambulance to the scene,” said a spokesperson.
“Following assessment and initial treatment at scene, one patient has been taken to the Antrim Area Hospital by ambulance.”
Part of the outdoor spa at Galgorm Resort & Spa
A letter later issued to all guests’ rooms from the hotel manager has been seen by this newspaper.
“Dear Valued Guest,” it states.
“I would like to extend my sincerest apologies for the disruption caused by the early morning fire alarm evacuation today.
“While the safety of our guests is always our top priority, we fully appreciate how unsettling and inconvenient this unexpected event must have been during your stay.
“Please be assured that we deeply regret the disturbance.”
The hotel sought to soften the blow by offering perks to all those who had been at the venue which bills itself as “the perfect location to relax”.
Galgorm Resort & Spa outside Ballymena
News Catch Up – Monday 29th September
“To thank you for your patience and understanding, all guests affected by this morning’s incident are welcome to enjoy a late check-out until 1:00PM,” the letter continued.
“Along with continued access to the Thermal Spa Village after departure.”
If that wasn’t enough to win guests over, the hotel went one step further by offering another “gesture of goodwill”.
“I would also like to offer you a complimentary overnight stay with bed and breakfast on a future date of your choosing (subject to availability)…” the letter concluded.
“We truly value your support and look forward to welcoming you back for the relaxing and seamless experience you expect and deserve.”
The PSNI and Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service said that they did not attend the scene and have no matching reports in relation to the matter.
The Galgorm has been contacted for comment.