Hydrate & Plump by Germaine de Capucinni

Best place to stay in Northern Ireland’ confirms December opening date for new accommodation which will create 14 new jobs.

The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat in County Antrim has invested £2.5 million to expand its stylish guestrooms to enhance the property’s awarding winning facilities.

The boutique hotel, named as the ‘Best Place to Stay’ in Northern Ireland for 2024 by The Times and Sunday Times, unveiled the detailed internal and external plans for 17 new guestrooms, at an exclusive behind the scenes visit by the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Councillor Neil Kelly.

The stylish new guestrooms, which are part of a new courtyard of accommodation, will blend seamlessly into the hotel’s picturesque grounds, complementing The Rabbit’s existing 33 guestrooms and offering an elevated guest experience that is sure to impress.

The opening of the 17 new bedrooms, scheduled to welcome their first guests from 6 December, will result in 14 additional jobs, bringing The Rabbit’s total workforce to 150.

Tiarnan O’Neill, Galgorm Collection Group Finance Director said:

“It was a privilege to welcome The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly to be among the first to see the plans for the 17 new bedrooms currently in development at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat. “

This £2.5 million investment underscores our commitment to continuously evolve and elevate our guest experience, while also creating valuable job opportunities for the local area. We’re proud to contribute to the regional economy and boost tourism in the area, attracting visitors from across the island and beyond to experience the very best that Northern Ireland has to offer.”

The bedrooms in the new-build accommodation extension will each come with all the luxurious amenities and mod-cons synonymous with stays at The Rabbit, including Dyson hairdryers, retro Swan kettles, Bluetooth speakers and for the one ‘Luxe’ room that complements the 16 other ‘Comfy’ rooms, an indulgent free-standing bath.

The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, purchased in 2019 by Galgorm Collection, has to date received a £12 million facelift – including the addition of a spa, treatment rooms and wedding ceremony space, refurbishment of the bar and restaurant, enhancement of existing bedrooms, and an upgrade of wedding and event spaces.

The Mayor commented:

“I warmly welcome the jobs announcement and accommodation expansion plans shared today by The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, which highlight their unwavering commitment to providing employment opportunities in our borough, and to elevating the hospitality experience for both visitors and locals alike.

“The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat has consistently demonstrated strong leadership in the hospitality industry within Antrim and Newtownabbey, and we look forward to seeing the latest development come to completion in December.”

Perhaps best recognised by the iconic disco ball which hangs above its alluring Roman bath, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, situated just 20 minutes from Belfast and 10 minutes from Belfast International Airport, is perched over a stunning lake in the picturesque village of Templepatrick, and offers a range of unique spa amenities including the only man-made heated pebble beach on the island of Ireland, as well as a series of hot tubs, Swedish sauna, salt room, exclusive spa treatments and unique botanical bathing experiences.

Its restaurant has been officially recognised for its food and dining excellence, achieving an AA rosette for culinary excellence, whilst The Rabbit’s Spa was awarded Recommended Spa at the 2023 AA Hotel Spa Awards.

Lynsey Gordon, Associate Director at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, commented:

“The hotel has been the subject of significant investment since its acquisition by Galgorm Collection in 2019 and we are incredibly proud of the dramatic transformation that has been realised across the site.

“The extensive redevelopment – a result of our team’s talents, dedication and efforts coupled with the unwavering support of our guests – has seen the hotel rightfully recognised both nationally and internationally as offering an outstanding experience to guests.

“As we continue to further progress our planned redevelopment works, we’re pleased to now be able to share our latest expansion plans which will significantly enhance this unique property. With proposals agreed and contractors on site, I’m delighted to confirm that our 17 new bedrooms will be available to book from the 6thDecember 2024 and we look forward to welcoming our first guests just in time for the festive season.”

To celebrate the launch of the new guestrooms, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat is offering its exclusive "Ready to Retreat" package. Guests can enjoy an overnight stay in one of the new comfy rooms, access to the spa from 12 noon, a private duo clay ritual, breakfast, and a complimentary bottle of Prosecco, all from just £200 per room. Valid from 6th December until end of February.

Book now at rabbithotel.com.

Switch to off mode this Summer at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat

Venture deeper into the heart of County Antrim and discover The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, just a short 10-minute drive from Belfast International Airport. Named by The Times and Sunday Times, as ‘2024 Northern Ireland Hotel of the Year’ in its prestigious roundup of ‘Best Places to Stay’, The Rabbit is nestled in the charming village of Templepatrick and overlooking a picturesque lake, this sanctuary offers the perfect vantage point to admire the vibrant blooms of summer. Boasting premier spa facilities, including the island of Ireland's only man-made heated beach, guests—whether staying overnight or visiting for a day of relaxation—can fully embrace the essence of the season while lounging by the outdoor pool, adorned with a captivating overhanging disco ball, and soaking in the tranquil ambience that surrounds The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat.

Hop to it this summer | From £190 per room

Discover the very best The Rabbit has to offer with the seasonal 'Hop to It' stay and immerse yourself in the joys of summer. Relax and unwind with a visit to the spa, where you can luxuriate in its magnificent outdoor facilities and lounge in the Roman bath. Treat yourself to a Duo Clay Ritual to cleanse both body and mind or opt for the brand-new Botanical Bath private bathing experience for an extra touch of indulgence. After a day of pampering, retreat to your snug and cosy guestroom for a restful night's sleep. With access to The Spa from midday on your day of check-in until you check out, continue your relaxation into day two — but don't forget to enjoy your breakfast. This summer escape, starting from just £190 per room, promises pure bliss and rejuvenation.

Experience ‘The Full Works’ this summer | From £495 per room

Truly indulge with The Full Works package at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat and emerge refreshed and rejuvenated for the summer season. Enjoy full access to The Spa's luxurious amenities, including the Roman bath, heated pebble beach, and hot tub, allowing you to unwind in ultimate comfort. Elevate your experience with a private Duo Clay Ritual and indulge in a 60-minute spa treatment of your choice. Delight your taste buds with a fabulous seasonal three-course evening meal at The Rabbit Restaurant, followed by a night of pure relaxation in the hotel’s exquisite accommodation. Wake up and refuel with a delicious breakfast before immersing yourself in another day of bliss at The Spa. With prices starting from £495 per room, this Summer Getaway promises to be an unforgettable retreat. Additionally, guests can enhance their stay or day spa package with a 60-minute lakeside botanical bathing experience. For those who wish to treat themselves to a mid-week getaway, The Rabbit’s Midweek Moments Summer Package is not to be missed. From £280 based on two people sharing, enjoy an overnight stay in a Scandi-inspired guestroom, full access to the spa, as well as a private 60-minute Botanical Baths experience and a summer cocktail to cheers to a fabulous evening.

Day Spa in style this summer | From £79 per person

Experience a blissful summer day spa retreat at The Rabbit for the ultimate seasonal refresh. With a number of special packages on offer to meet your needs, these grant full access to the spa facilities, with treatment and dining options also available. The Lakeside Zen experience, starting from £79pp, offers visitors spa access from 8am, for a slow and relaxing start to the morning, before enjoying lunch in the Palm House. For those who prefer to catch the sun set over the Co Antrim hills, indulge in dinner in The Rabbit Restaurant before making your way to the spa at 6:00pm with the Sunset Spa Package, from £79pp. Experience the ultimate summer indulgence and leave feeling ready to embrace the busy summer season ahead. If you've booked some time off this summer and want to fill your diary with a little relaxation, treat yourself to a mid-week spa day from £125pp. Sure to leave you feeling refreshed, enjoy our hot outdoor spa along with a treatment designed to give you a lovely glow with a full body exfoliation followed by a tranquil facial massage infused with rosehip oil giving that plump to the skin. 

EXPLORE SUMMER

1. The Décor  

Northern Ireland’s most iconic wedding venue, The Loft is an exclusive-use venue offering an environment of unabridged luxury. Come see for yourself! 

2. Social Dining Experience

Enjoy your first meal as newlyweds with up to 140 of your family and friends gathered in this one-of-a-kind setting. A unique feasting menu celebrates the joining of two families through a social dining experience.

3. Personal and Heartfelt Service

The Loft’s team of wedding planning experts are proud to do things differently, with all the character and charm of a luxurious wedding setting, couples can expect heartfelt personal service paired with a relaxed, easy-going atmosphere. 

4. The Food

Enjoy a unique twist on a traditional wedding feast. Think sharing boards, dinner served from the pantry and delicious desserts. 

5. On-site Ceremonies

Walking down the aisle is one of the most important moments of your big day. Our beautifully intimate Boathouse Ceremony room sits lakeside and reflects the rustic charm and natural warmth of the Loft. Hosting your nearest and dearest, this elegant setting is the perfect space to say your I Do’s. Licensed for civil ceremonies, partnerships, blessings, and renewals of vows. 

6. Unique Enhancements  

The Loft’s enhancement features are perfect for those wishing to step it up a notch. From a grazing table and canapes to a candy, gin, or cigar & whiskey cart and more, make the day yours. 

7. The Showstopping Spa at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat

Exuding a mix of sophisticated luxury and Bohemian glam, The Spa promises luxurious facilities, laid-back Balearic vibes and a chilled party playlist to match, making it the perfect spot for post-wedding celebrations. If you want to celebrate day two in style, enjoy a dinner in the cosy surrounds of The Restaurant, or BBQ after a day of lounging around The Spa or pool party for an unforgettable night– keep the good times going with endless options available.

Galgorm Rewards employs digital tech to elevate the guest experience into 2024 and beyond with an unrivalled rewards programme across its entire portfolio.

Galgorm Collection, renowned for its legacy in luxury hospitality, has officially launched a new, groundbreaking loyalty initiative, Galgorm Rewards.

As the first of its kind for a Northern Irish independent hospitality group, this programme encompasses the Galgorm Collection portfolio; Galgorm, the Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, The Old Inn, and the esteemed Fratelli and Parisien restaurants in Belfast.

Creating endless opportunities to save, the new ‘Galgorm Rewards’ programme redefines guest experiences, creating a seamless and rewarding journey across all properties, enabling registered visitors and guests to unlock real value and new possibilities when they redeem their points for a variety of Galgorm Collection reward vouchers which they can use themselves.

Designed with simplicity in mind, the loyalty programme is complimentary to join, meaning every visit now comes with the added allure of earning points towards exclusive rewards. Guests can start to enjoy the benefits when they register, with 1 point gained for every £1 spent across any of its hotels or venues. Rewards span across all properties and can vary from either a pampering spa day to an exquisite dining experience, or a serene retreat.

Effective immediately, the new loyalty programme means visitors and guests can check their balance and redeem their Galgorm Rewards at any time. The App is available to download at the Apple App Store and through Google Play.

Elaine Kelly, Project and Systems Manager at Galgorm Collection, said, "At Galgorm Collection, we believe that every guest should be treated to a remarkable and memorable experience. Galgorm Rewards is our way of thanking our valued guests by adding an extra layer of joy to their visits. It's our gift—a token of appreciation for choosing us. The groundbreaking initiative is safe, simple and easy to use so that our guests can enjoy more of what they like most.

As the region’s first independent hotel group to introduce a digital loyalty reward scheme, our newest innovation underpins our reputation as a future-focused market leader committed to delivering hospitality excellence in every area.”

The new initiative marks the latest in a series of major milestones across the entire Galgorm Collection.

In December, Galgorm was named as the best UK Spa at the AA Hotel Spa awards, with its thermal village gaining the award due to its exceptional and exemplary spa standards and outstanding wellness experiences. It also won an unprecedented six awards at the prestigious 2023 World Luxury Awards hosted in Athens and secured the Best Destination Spa 2024 title at the recent Conde Nast Johansens Awards in London.

One of its newest properties, the Old Inn in Crawfordsburn, a historic landmark exuding timeless sophistication, became its latest venue to secure AA 4 Star Silver rating and a prestigious AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence. Since being acquired by Galgorm Collection in 2021, The Old Inn has already achieved a listing within Ireland’s Blue Book 2023 and was also named in the Irish Independent’s ‘FAB 50’ Top Stays in Ireland 2022.

“At Galgorm Collection, we listen to the needs of our guests and then innovate to ensure their experience is the best it can be – and there is plenty to enjoy,” Galgorm Collection Group Marketing Manager Victoria Brown said. “As we continue our focus on innovation, pushing the boundaries in loyalty and service, our new Galgorm Rewards programme marks an important milestone in our growth and in enhancing our guests’ overall experience every time."

Galgorm Collection also became the first hospitality group on the island of Ireland to achieve official ‘Great Place to Work’ certification, based on exceptional employee experience.

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.

Committed to working towards a sustainable future, protecting the environment, and reducing its carbon footprint through its Green Policy 10-Point Plan, Galgorm recently became the first hotel in Northern Ireland to achieve gold in two top sustainability accolades from Green Tourism in recognition of its “exceptional commitment to sustainable practices.”

For more information and to download the Galgorm Rewards App, visit:

www.galgormrewards.com

About Galgorm Collection

Galgorm Collection stands as a beacon in the hospitality sector, offering a diverse range of luxury experiences across hotels, spas, and dining establishments. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a fervor for creating unforgettable moments, Galgorm Collection continues to set the standard for hospitality in the UK and beyond.