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Spring at the rabbit The Rabbit Hotel

News

19/02/2024

Blossom into springtime with a luxury rest and recharge at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat


The birds are singing, the mornings are brighter and there’s a grand old stretch in the evenings. All that can mean just one thing – Spring has sprung at last.

 

With those feel-good vibes in the air, it’s the perfect time for an indulgent rest and recharge to set you up for the action-packed months ahead. The Rabbit Hotel and Retreat, located in the heart of Co Antrim and just a short drive from Belfast International Airport, has all the options you need for some well-deserved “me-time” to blow away those winter cobwebs and put a spring firmly back in your step.

The stunning lakeside retreat and open-air spa are the icing on the cake for the standout location’s show-stopping facilities. Perfect for overnight guests and day spa visitors, the options are endless for a dreamy Springtime reset.

Hop to It

Discover the very best The Rabbit has to offer with seasonal ‘Hop to It’ stay, and help yourself spring into Springtime. Relax and unwind with a trip to the spa, indulge in its incredible outdoor facilities and immerse yourself in the Roman bath before taking the chance to cleanse body and mind with a Duo Clay Ritual or upgrade to the brand-new Botanical Bath private bathing experience. After a day of indulgence, catch up with some much-needed ZZZs in your snug and cosy guestroom. With access to The Spa from midday on your day of check-in until you check out, keep the relaxation up on day two – but don’t forget your breakfast. From £185 per room.

 

Embrace your Springtime Glow

Enjoy a day spa retreat at The Rabbit for that all-important seasonal reset. With access from 8am, the stunning retreat offers the perfect backdrop for a day of indulgence. Explore first-class facilities like the Roman bath, Swedish sauna, salt chamber, hot tubs and heated pebble beach, before a 60-minute Spring Glow treatment to include Back Scrub or Massage with Brightening Facial – not to mention a delicious one-course Spa Lunch. And to make sure your new-found glow keeps on giving, the Spring Glow package, from £110 per person, also comes with a £20 retail credit to use for spa products on the day.

 

Go big with The Full Works

Truly indulge with The Full Works package at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, and come away refreshed for the season. As well as full access to The Spa, including the Roman bath, heated pebble beach and hot tubs, indulge even more with a private Duo Clay Ritual and a 60-minute spa treatment of your choice. Make your way to The Restaurant for a fabulous three-course evening meal, before a night of true relaxation in The Rabbit’s top-class accommodation. Finish it all off the next day with a delicious breakfast, and another trip to The Spa before heading back to the real world with a spring in your step. From £475 per room, it will be a Spring Break to remember. Guests can also enhance their stay or day spa package with a 60-minute lakeside botanical bathing experience.

Ac The Rabbit Hotel

Weddings

28/08/2023

Aobhinn & Connor


THE HAPPY COUPLE

Tell us a little about how you met & talk us through the proposal

Connor and I met in April 2012. I was living in Australia at the time, and I came home for a friend’s wedding. Connor had become friends with all our mutual friends while I had been living away. We met on Good Friday in Filthy McNasty’s. Connor hadn’t intended on being out as he had been out the night before and had a football match the next morning. However, upon getting to know me he decided to stay and later that night we had our first cheeky kiss. Unfortunately, I went back to Australia, but we kept in contact while I was away. Fast forward to August 2012 and I booked Connor a one way ticket to Melbourne to come join me. We then moved back home to Belfast in 2013. Connor took me to NYC in Jan 2017 as a 30th Birthday present. One night he decided to take me on a midnight walk in Central Park. When we got there, it was -4 degrees the ground was covered in snow and ice. We came to a bank by the lake in central park, the water was completely frozen over. Connor asked me to grab a stone to break the ice and as I turned round there was the big eejit on his knee with a ring and asked me to marry him. I initially laughed until he said “Hurry up my knees cold” and of course I said yes!!

YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY

Ceremony

We had a beautiful Humanist Ceremony with our amazing Celebrant Ciara Turley in the stunning Boat House ceremony room in the grounds of The Rabbit Hotel. We couldn’t recommend our celebrant enough Ciara is truly one beautiful lady and she made the whole ceremony so special and personalised. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. The Boat House was just the most stunning location for our ceremony too, so cosy and beautifully decorated.

What made you choose The Loft to host your day?

When we finally decided to book our wedding and search for the perfect venue The Loft was top of our list. From initial contact the staff couldn’t be more accommodating from trying to schedule in a viewing time that would suit us and even on our first visit to The Loft. When we seen the space we just knew it was the perfect space for us. The room was so beautifully decorated that we didn’t need to do anything to it, this took that whole stress away from us. The wedding package they offered just had everything that we wanted to be included. The location of the venue was also perfect as it was close enough to Belfast and the airport for our guests to easily travel to and from. The whole place was just completely our vibe.

Favourite memory of your Wedding

The ceremony was highlight for us it was such an emotional and special moment that we got to share with all our closest friends and family. Also the food at the reception was absolutely outstanding, we’ve had so many comments from our guests about how good the food was. We also loved the attention to detail and help the staff gave us on our day from start to finish. Our hands were never empty without a drink! Special mention to Claire and Chloe who literally couldn’t have done anymore for us thank you so so much you girls are complete angels!

SHOUT OUT TO THE DREAM TEAM

Wedding Stationery

Wedding Sign by Courtney Rush, Crush Art

Cake

Claire @ Lily Pink Bakery

Flowers

All Seasons Belfast

Entertainment

Rachel Toman, Band was The Hallions, DJ was Conor Harding

Photographer

Laura Curran

Videographer

Bobkin Film

Favours

Glowsticks and mini disco balls

Wedding Dress & Accessories

Archive 12 designer Bonbride Veil and earrings Blue Meadow Bridal

Bridesmaid’s Dresses

Silk Fred

Groomswear

Red Groomswear Belfast

THE GLAM SQUAD

Makeup

Hunibex

Hair

Judith McKay (Andrew Mulvenna)

Gptw The Rabbit Hotel

News

16/05/2023

Galgorm Collection awarded Great Place to Work!


NI’s award-winning collection of luxury hotels and restaurants becomes first hospitality group on the island of Ireland to achieve official certification based on exceptional employee experience.

Major Northern Ireland employer Galgorm Collection has become the first hospitality group on the island of Ireland to achieve official Great Place to Work certification across its entire portfolio of award-winning luxury hotels and restaurants.

The prestigious endorsement by Great Place to Work, a global authority on workplace culture and wellbeing, was awarded following an extensive independent employee survey which engaged Galgorm Collection’s workforce of around 1,000 team members.

Employees voted across all six properties - including the globally renowned Galgorm, AA Hotel of the Year The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat in Templepatrick, Ireland’s Blue Book recommended property The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, and its collection of restaurants Fratelli and Parisien in Belfast city centre - and concluded that their workplace is a great place to work.

The only hotel group on the island of Ireland to achieve the exceptional standard, the distinguished certification rewards outstanding employers who demonstrate a high-trust, ‘people-first’ workplace and cultivate a culture which embodies values such as credibility, fairness, respect, camaraderie, honesty and pride.

Laura Millar, HR Associate Director at Galgorm Collection said:

“What makes this accreditation so important to us is that it’s based on authentic employee feedback which is rigorously analysed using data-driven methodology and can be confident that staff feel trusted, valued and supported in their roles and enjoy the many benefits of working with the region’s premier hospitality group. Our success has always depended on our great people. From chefs to bar tenders, spa therapists and managers, to facilities staff, housekeepers, drivers and night porters, our people are what makes us famous for our warm welcome and unforgettable hospitality experience. Through our dedicated People Strategy, we work hard to ensure we offer the most competitive benefits and lead in the development of skills, training and career development opportunities.”

Based solely on rigorous and validated employee feedback gathered by Great Place to Work – the global authority on workplace culture – the accreditation signifies that employees have a consistently positive experience in the workplace.

“At the heart of every organisation are its people, and looking after their wellbeing should be a priority for every employer,” Great Place to Work managing director Benedict Gautrey said. “We know when employees feel genuinely contented and at ease within their roles, they are much more engaged and productive, which leads to better results for everyone.”

A major local employer, Galgorm Collection has dramatically scaled up its hospitality footprint and workforce over the last decade following a £90 million investment into the ongoing expansion and refurbishment of its flagship property Galgorm, with its latest investment project aiming to add new accommodation types and spa facilities by 2027.

Since 2020, Galgorm Collection has acquired and opened two major new hotels, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat in Templepatrick and The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, growing its workforce by 30%.

“Galgorm Collection’s award-winning customer excellence and reputation for first-class hospitality is down to the dedication, skills and professionalism of our team and that’s why we continually invest in our workplace culture, training and development and in enhancing career prospects for everyone to make this a great place to work. We’re thrilled that our team voted with their feet to endorse what we do, and we are grateful for the superb work they deliver for our customers and the group every day,” Galgorm Collection managing director Colin Johnston said.

As an officially certified Great Place to Work, Galgorm Collection will automatically be entered into the prestigious Best Workplaces ™ list which recognises organisations which demonstrate an effective management culture that focuses on the individual, their strengths and potential. All of this promotes innovation in the company and their associated economic success.

With sustainability at the heart of its business, Galgorm Collection last year announced a commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030, with a bid to become the first premier hospitality group on the island of Ireland to go fully green.

A year earlier, Galgorm Collection has also committed to the rollout of an enhanced benefits package for all eligible team members, including a £1 million investment into premium private health care cover over the next five years as part of its ongoing commitment to investing in its people.

In March 2021, Galgorm Collection announced 180 new roles across its range of hotels and restaurants to meet anticipated post-pandemic demand and announced its investment of more than £5m in annual wages in creating the new roles.

For more information on current roles available across Galgorm Collection, and to apply, visit galgorm.com/work-with-us.html

Cocktail of the month The Rabbit Hotel

Recipes

19/04/2023

Cocktail of the Month


Cocktails in the garden weather has arrived! Enjoy our delicious Mad Hatters Martini cocktail for you to make at home with friends or family, or to relax and enjoy some 'me time'.

This cocktail will be served in a coupe glass, add ice to the glass and set it to the side to chill whilst you make your cocktail.

Add to your shaker:

  • 15ml Mathieu Teisseire Vanilla Syrup
  • 15ml Passion Fruit Puree
  • 75ml Pineapple Juice
  • 15ml Lime Juice
  • 35ml Grey Goose White Peach Essence & Rosemary Essence Vodka
  • 15ml Apricot Brandy

Add ice & shake

Remove the ice, double strain & serve! Option to add edible flowers to garnish.

Germaine de capuccini The Rabbit Hotel

Events

22/02/2024

About European-leading skincare brand, Germaine de Capuccini


Leading European skincare brand Germaine de Capuccini has been responsible for some of the most important breakthroughs in skincare technology and remains, to this day, one of the world’s most important skincare brands, holding true to its original values of professionalism, quality, innovation, and integrity. The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat are proud to be the only spa on the island of Ireland to stock Germaine de Capuccini, as they celebrate their 60th anniversary this year!

 

As part of Galgorm Collection’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat are delighted to stock a skincare brand with environmental care engrained in their philosophy, making for the perfect match with the shared goal of taking action to make more sustainable conscious decisions, all whilst ensuring guests have a world-class experience when they visit. Whether this is through their supply chain, staff, or customers, Germaine de Capuccini make it their mission to operate in a way that is friendly toward our planet, all whilst sharing expertise on the importance of caring for your skin. As part of the CO2zero project, Germaine was certified as the first professional skincare company committed to compensating and reducing CO2 emissions.

 

With big anniversary celebrations this year, we want to share some of the Germaine treatments and products that are firm favourites among spa goers across the world.

 

All Germaine therapies begin with a warm touch protocol to allow you to switch off before your treatment begins, to allow you to gain the maximum benefit from each treatment, and finish with a gentle awaken protocol with aromas of orange blossom and vanilla hops. Germaine’s Baobab range is a restorative and rejuvenating treatment using ethnically sourced ingredients such as baobab seeds which are a superfood food rich in omega 3 and vitamin C. All sold in The Spa at The Rabbit, there are four homecare products to continue your spa therapy at home, including their top-selling revitalising hair serum, which helps to nourish and treat the hair and can be used as heat protection.

 

Hypnotic heat therapy is another treatment and a great destress therapy. It includes a facial massage with the UK number one best-selling product which is the Pure Rosehip Oil. Always cruelty free, Germaine de Capuccini has a range of vegan-friendly treatments. The stone massage is a unique treatment, encompassing the power of semi-precious crystals, obsidian, and onyx, healing the mind, body, and soul. Taken from the volcanic lands of Mexico, Obsidian Stone creates negative ions that help to rebalance the positive ions caused by pollution, poor diet, and stress. Negative ions are an essential element of health, they increase oxygen flow to the brain giving increased mental and physical energy. White Onyx is a naturally dense stone that cools the body and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

 

Germaine de Capuccini’s Vitamin C body cream contains an exclusive patent formula (HLG) With a high hydrating and nourishing power and made up of Hyaluronic Acid, Lysine, and Glutamic Acid, this compound nourishes skin cells and allows a sustained release of the active ingredients, thus undertaking an overall anti-aging action.

 

To learn more about Germaine de Capuccini and hear from skin experts, as well as a delicious dinner in The Rabbit restaurant, followed by relaxation in the iconic Spa, join us for a fun interactive evening on Thursday 21st March from 5pm.


Hayley and alan The Rabbit Hotel

Weddings

26/09/2023

Hayley & Alan


The Happy Couple

Tell us a little about how you met & talk us through the proposal

Alan and I met when I was 18 and Alan was 21 but were friends long before then with mutual friends. We booked to go to Las Vegas & Mexico in August 2020 but due to lockdown our trip was cancelled so we ended up doing a long weekend at the most amazing Air BnB on the Red Lion Road in October 2020, on the Saturday we went out to do some of the walking trails at Gosford Forest Park and just as we approached the castle, Alan got down on one knee and I cried my heart out before eventually saying yes… The engagement bubble was fab!

Your Day, Your Way

Ceremony

We had our wedding ceremony in The Boathouse, it is such a beautiful space for a ceremony. We wanted a religious ceremony but also wanted to keep everything in the one place due to family travelling from near and far so we were so thankful to be able to do this at The Rabbit.

What made you choose The Loft to host your day?

We wanted a venue that would give us the WOW factor. We decided to do a viewing at The Rabbit and we're so glad we did as the minute we walked in, we had that WOW we'd been waiting for, we booked and paid our deposit within the week!

Favourite memory of you wedding day

We honestly has the best day so picking one favourite memory is difficult, but I definitely think it was the alone time with eachother over a pint of outcider before being introduced into The Loft as Mr & Mrs Russell. 

SHOUT OUT TO THE DREAM TEAM

Wedding Stationery

Hayley designed all of their save the dates, invites, table cards, wedding programmes, sweetie bags & individual packets of tissues. Welcome & order of the day signs were made by the fabulous Little Barn Designs NI

Cake

Sugar Lane Artisan

Flowers

Family Friend

Entertainment Rachel Toman for drinks reception & The Collective Wedding Band for evening entertainment

Photographer

Agnieszka Marsh Photography.

Videographer

Friend Steve Earley

Favours

Done by the couple themselves! Alan & his granny make fudge every year at Christmas so they decided to do this as their favours!

Wedding Dress & Accessories

Wedding dress from Wedding Box in Newtownards Shoes & accessories from Shein.

Bridesmaid’s Dresses

Wedding Box in Newtownards

Groomswear

Focus Menswear in Bangor

THE GLAM SQUAD

Makeup

Emma Scott Makeup Artist

Hair

Ashlee & Courtney from SAKS Newtownards

Food The Rabbit Hotel

Recipes

15/05/2023

Key Lime Pie


Ingredients for the Shortcrust Pastry:

• 220g plain flour

• 115g butter cut into small cubes

• Pinch of salt

• 50g icing sugar

• 2 egg yolks

• 2tbsp ice cold water

METHOD

Add flour, butter, salt and icing sugar to a mixing bowl and rub together until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add eggs and water and work together to form a pliable dough. Wrap in cling film and rest in the fridge for 30 mins. Preheat oven to 180/160 fan assisted/ Gas Mark 4. Roll out dough to line a 9inch tart tin and trim the excess. Poke a few holes in the base with a fork then cover with greaseproof paper and place baking beads/rice/beans on top. Bake for 15 mins then remove beans and paper and bake for a further 5 minutes.

Ingredients for the filling:

• 1 x 397g tin of condensed milk

• 3 medium egg yolks

• Finely grated zest and juice of 4 limes

METHOD

Place 3 egg yolks in an electric mixing bowl and beat on high for 1 minute. Add condensed milk and beat for 3 minutes. Add juice and zest and whisk for 1 minute. Add filling to cooled pastry case and bake at 160 for 15 minutes. Cool and chill for 3 hours then serve with fresh cream, ice cream or fruit coulis. Toasted coconut also works well with the pie.

Happy cooking The Rabbit Hotel

Recipes

17/04/2023

Happy Cooking!


Cook with us! Head Chef Donna Hughes has put together a delicious Marinated Rainbow Trout with Succotash and Salsa Verde recipe, perfect for cooking at home to wow dinner guests or for a date night.

(Serves 4)

INGREDIENTS:

4 FILLETS RAINBOW TROUT

100ML OLIVE OIL PLUS 2 TBSP MORE FOR COOKING

SUCCOTASH:

1 LEMON SLICED

2TSP GARLIC PUREE

½ RED ONION ROUGHLY DICED

400G SWEETCORN

200G CANNELINI BEANS

200G RED KIDNEY BEANS

200G BROAD BEANS

12 CHERRY TOMATOES HALVED

12 BABY POTATOES BOILED AND HALVED

1 SMALL PACKET OF DILL

LEMON JUICE

SALT AND PEPPER

SALSA VERDE:

½ SMALL PACK TARRAGON

1 SMALL PACK FLAT LEAF PARSLEY

2 GARLIC CLOVES

2TSP DIJON MUSTARD

3 TBSP SMALL CAPERS

150ML EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

1TBSP SHERRY VINEGAR

METHOD:

MARINADE THE TROUT FILLETS OVERNIGHT WITH THE OLIVE OIL AND SLICED LEMON.

FOR THE SALSA VERDE:

FINELY CHOP THE HERBS AND GARLIC. ADD THE MUSTARD AND CAPERS AND COMBINE WELL. STIR IN THE OLIVE OIL. ADD THE SHERRY VINEGAR AND SEASON TO TASTE

FOR THE SUCCOTASH:

SWEAT THE RED ONION AND GARLIC PUREE IN 1 TBSP OIL THEN ADD THE CHERRY TOMATOES AND COOK UNTIL SOFT. ADD THE SWEETCORN, POTATOES AND BEANS AND HEAT THROUGH SLOWLY (CANNED BEANS WORK WELL FOR THIS DISH)

HEAT 1 TSP OIL IN A LARGE PAN. REMOVE THE TROUT FILLETS FROM THE MARINADE, SEASON AND PLACE SKIN SIDE DOWN IN THE PAN. FRY THE FILLETS FOR 1-2 MINUTES ON EACH SIDE UNTIL THEY ARE FULLY COOKED AND THE SKIN IS CRISPY.

ONCE THE SUCCOTASH IS HEATED ADD 1 TBSP CHOPPED DILL AND A SPLASH OF LEMON JUICE AND SEASON TO TASTE.

DIVIDE THE SUCCOTASH BETWEEN 4 BOWLS AND PLACE THE TROUT FILLETS ON TOP.

DRESS WITH THE SALSA VERDE AND SERVE.

 

Happy Cooking!

Debra and nathan The Rabbit Hotel

Weddings

01/05/2023

Debra & Nathan


The Happy Couple

We met in a nightclub in Belfast back in 2014 through our friends. After months of dating Nathan asked me to be his girlfriend and I panicked and said no, then changed my mind a week later and said yes (lol)! Who would have thought we would be married 9 years later. We went to Finnlough for an overnight in September 2021 and Nathan proposed that evening after dinner with candles, rose petals, bubbly and lots of photos of us and our daughter displayed. It was just perfect!

Favourite memory of your wedding day

It’s hard to choose one specific memory as the whole day was literally just amazing, which was mainly down to The Loft wedding planners and the staff who were so attentive. The food was also out of this world! Walking up the aisle surrounded by our nearest and dearest with Nathan waiting at the top was a big highlight for me. Also my first dance with my dad, he made a slideshow of photos from I was a child and went to a recording studio and sang a song which got recorded to play over the slideshow, it had everyone in tears!

SHOUT OUT TO THE DREAM TEAM

Wedding stationary

Ryan Patrick design

Cake 

Connie Thompson Cake Design

Flowers

Blooming Events NI

Entertainment

Matty Rea

DJ Magiggs

Cars

Star Car Hire

Photographer

Pop Photography NI

Videographer

Take Two Studio

Favours

Debra & Nathan did bookie dockets for the races & a donation to  sands charity

Wedding dress

Eden bridal

Bridesmaids dresses

Eden bridal

Groomswear

Red Belfast

THE GLAM SQUAD

Makeup

Emma swift @ Studio 8

Hair

Lynda Crawford @ Looloos Cabin

Roman bath The Rabbit Hotel

News

18/04/2023

Sweet Escapes


5 Reasons to Visit The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat this Summer!

A sweet escape awaits at The Rabbit. Awarded Best Hotel in Northern Ireland in the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards in 2022, we're a popular spot for those seeking a unique getaway, due to our show-stopping spa, luxurious treatments, quirky guestrooms and delicious dining, not to mention the resident pup Florence! 

1. THE SPA 

Experience the ritual of outdoor bathing in the stylish, mood enhancing spa at The Rabbit, boasting a mix of sophisticated luxury and Bohemian glam. With a 2-metre disco ball perched above the Roman bath, get those Insta-worthy snaps, whilst you sip on cocktails from the Beach Bar and boogie to the chilled party playlist as it sets the tone for your most memorable spa experience yet. For relaxing and rejuvenation take to the heated pebble beach and hot tubs to soak up the views. Discover the beauty of halotherapy in the salt chamber & detoxify your body and mind in the Swedish sauna and steam room. 

Chef The Rabbit Hotel

Recipes

21/06/2023

BBQ tips by chef Declan Donnolly


Explore The Rabbit chef Declan Donnolly's top tips on a successful BBQ to impress family & friends this Summer!

1. The best tip for a good BBQ is all in the preparation. Marinating your meat and poultry in advance (maybe that morning, or the day before) gives a more in depth flavour.

2. Different types of coals provide a better smoke depending on the meat. I would use a medium heat to slowly cook your meat, because if it’s too hot you can end up with too much char before the meat is fully cooked.

3. Basting every now and again adds even more flavour and it’s a great idea to use a bunch of fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary as your basting brush.

4. Don't forget, a good BBQ also relies on the side dishes. Baked potatoes wrapped in foil cooked perfectly, a sweetcorn salsa or potato salad is a tasty option and buttered corn on the cob is also a great addition.

Why not add our delicious Sangria?

Ingredients:

  • 100ml of White wine
  • 25ml of orange syrup
  • 25ml of passion fruit liqueur
  • 15ml of lime
  • Orange bitters

Method:

  • This cocktail will be served in a wine glass, add ice to the glass and set it to the side
  • Start adding all the ingredients in the glass and add some orange bitters on the top
  • Add any fruit that are on season such as strawberries or oranges
  • Finish your cocktail with couple of straws & an edible flower (optional)

Enjoy!

Rachel and richard The Rabbit Hotel

Weddings

04/08/2023

Rachel & Richard


The Happy Couple

Tell us a little about how you met & talk us through the proposal

We met at work in 2015 and officially started “going out” in February 2016. We bought our house together in Portrush in 2018, survived a pandemic and got a puppy (Jax, a Soft Coated Irish Wheaten Terrier) before getting engaged in June 2021. It was the evening before my 28th birthday and we went for a walk with Jax as we normally do, although Roo said we were going for a picnic for my birthday which was the reason for the large backpack he was carrying. We walked along Whiterocks beach and up to the bench that overlooks the coast alongside the fifth green at Royal Portrush Golf Club (Roo has been a member since he was child and I have followed many rounds of golf here)! Roo set out an M&S picnic and a bottle of champagne (which I thought was a bit much as it wasn’t a big birthday, but I wasn’t complaining)! When I was mid breadstick and hummus, I looked round to see Roo down on one knee as the sun started to set, Jax was sitting beside him totally oblivious as to what was going on! Restaurants and bars had only just opened again after lockdown the weekend prior so we were able to celebrate properly in the weeks after!

Your Day, Your Way

Ceremony

We had our ceremony onsite in The Boat House, very fitting as Roo is a volunteer RNLI crew member. A friend of ours conducted the ceremony which added a lovely personal touch and put us at ease. We knew we wanted a short ceremony as we were keen to make the most of the day with all our guests.

What made you choose The Loft to host your day?

The venue is just stunning, we were already sold on the venue before viewing it just from pictures alone, but the team were also so helpful and lovely which was a bonus. We knew we wanted a venue with accommodation onsite but didn’t want a typical hotel or function room style wedding. The Loft was just perfect, and the banquet tables and décor of the room sold it for us, everything was just so easy too. Shoutout to our lovely wedding planner, Claire Graham, for her help on the lead up!

Favourite memory of your Wedding

Spending time with our friends and family! We also loved to be able to stay at the venue for 3 nights, getting ready there that morning and having a day two BBQ with some time to relax in the Spa too. We can’t wait to go back again.

Shout Out to the Dream Team 

Wedding Stationery

We did online wedding invites through Greenvelope

Cake

Angel Cake Bakery

Flowers

Pixie and Piper Flowers NI

Entertainment

Aria String Quartet for ceremony and drinks reception, Anna’s Number were our band & Darran Wallace from Northern Lights Event Hire was our DJ. Take 3 performed at our day two.

Photographer

LIT Photography NI

Videographer

Forever Endeavour Films

Wedding Dress & Accessories

Pippa Bridal, Rainbow Club, Lily & Roo and Astrid and Miu

Bridesmaid’s Dresses

Six Stories

Groomswear

McCalls of Lisburn

THE GLAM SQUAD

Makeup

Sian Sutherland

Nails

Holly from The Beauty Bar, Coleraine

Hair

My friend Chloe and her colleague (also Chloe!) from Chloe’s Hair Studio, Coleraine

Nb The Rabbit Hotel

Weddings

15/09/2023

Nicole & Brian


THE HAPPY COUPLE

Tell us a little about how you met & talk us through the proposal

We were high school sweethearts, we met in second year before hitting it off in third year. We got engaged on our second trip to Paris after we both fell in love with the city first time round. Brian proposed with a sunrise breakfast overlooking the Eiffel Tower, followed by a private river seine boat trip, and ending with a romantic dinner at a beautiful restaurant watching the twinkling lights of the Eiffel tower above us. A day we will always remember.

YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY

Ceremony

We had our ceremony in the beautiful Boathouse. We dreamt of a relaxing, personal ceremony and that is exactly what we got due to this wonderful space and the amazing Chloe Cairns (@chloecairns.thecelebrant).

What made you choose The Loft to host your day?

The venue search was very short for us, I found The Loft on social media while on night duty. Brian woke up to a number of text messages at 4am, “I’ve found our venue”. A viewing was made for that weekend and as soon as we walked into The Loft we both knew it was perfect for us. It was exactly what we wanted from a venue, it ticked all our boxes. The Wedding team at The Rabbit made the process so easy and enjoyable and were always on hand to offer their help and advice and guide you through the process.

Favourite memory of your Wedding

We have so many wonderful memories from our wedding day but one of our favourites has to be having our wee dog at our ceremony. When we found out that The Rabbit was a dog friendly hotel it was the cherry on top. They were more than happy for her to part of our special day and were so accommodating in making this happen. She ran up the aisle towards us when we were pronounced as husband and wife which made for some amazing photos that we will have forever. It meant so much to us and it topped of an amazing ceremony.

SHOUT OUT TO THE DREAM TEAM

Celebrant

Chloe Cairns @chloecairns.thecelebrant

Cake

Phoebe Carson @cakesbypheebs

Flowers

Anna & Jonny @bloomingeventsni

Entertainment

The Nooks @thenooksmusic

Photographer

Andrew Mckenna @amck_photo

Videographer

Matthew Irvine @irvineweddingfilm

Wedding Dress & Accessories

@ivyandwhitebride

Bridesmaid’s Dresses

@la_mariee_bridesmaids_

Groomswear

Freddie hatchet @freddiehatchet

THE GLAM SQUAD

Makeup

@lynziolovely

Hair

@sineadwilliams_bridalhair

Clay ritual The Rabbit Hotel

News

16/05/2023

What is a Clay Ritual?


Enjoy a private duo clay ritual as part of your accommodation experience 

1. What is a clay ritual?

Available as part of your accommodation experience at The Rabbit, a clay ritual is a fun, interactive spa experience designed to energise, hydrate & detoxify the body and mind. There is no therapist required for this detoxifying treatment, making it the perfect spa experience for the first-time spa-goer. Beginning with an application of mineral rich clay, cover the body from tip to toe before the room fills with steam allowing the clay to absorb and draw out impurities. Shower off the clay to reveal skin that’s positively cleansed, hydrated, and super soft. Enjoy a duo clay ritual with your significant other or have some fun with a friend whilst soaking up the beautiful views across the lake.

2. What are the benefits of clay rituals?

The clay is very rich in minerals and has an abundance of nutrients that will draws out all impurities from the skin. The clay and steam together will help cleanse and hydrate the skin, leaving it super soft! Circulation is also improved with this treatment, as the heat and steam encourage blood flow around the body. As well as treating the skin, the clay ritual experience will also relax the mind and reduce stress. Get ready to slide into calm, you deserve the break.

3. Is the clay ritual suitable for all skin types?

Yes absolutely. The clay ritual is suitable for all skin types.

4. How long would you recommend keeping the clay on before rinsing?

You will apply the smooth, warm clay, which deeply absorbs into your skin. As the room begins to fill with steam your pores open, allowing the clay to naturally absorb and draw out impurities leaving your skin feeling smoother and nourished. Don’t worry about making a mess, have fun applying the clay before allowing the steam to activate its nourishing properties. We recommend leaving the clay on for 15 minutes before washing it off.

5. Can you use The Spa after having a clay ritual?

Of course! We encourage you to take some time to enjoy our facilities in The Spa after your clay ritual treatment. From the Roman bath, heated pebble beach, hot tubs, salt cave, steam room, sauna, and if you’re brave enough, the cold-water bucket, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Galgorm
Day Spa Booking