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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.

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.

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

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. 

2. FOOD & DRINK 

The warm and welcoming space of The Rabbit Restaurant offers a homely menu, complimented with quirky interiors and features an extensive wine cellar with the finest labels from around the world. With a weekday lunch offer and a fresh, innovative dinner menu, The Restaurant and Hunter's Bar is a popular spot with the locals. Hunter's Bar provides the vibe, with live music Thursday - Sunday from 9pm and a fantastic drinks menu, pop in for date night, a family get together or watch the sports with your pals! 

3. GUESTROOMS 

Fusing modern living with country life and weaving past and present into the décor, the hotel comprises 33 unique bedrooms in four different stylish room types. Each are home to seriously comfy beds and Scandi-inspired, retro designs. Opt for room type Luxe, Comfy, Snug and Attic. Our Comfy room with outdoor bathtub boasts a private courtyard with a wood burning stove and is perfect if you wish to bring your pooch on their holidays! 

4. TREATMENTS 

Included as part of your accommodation experience, enjoy a private duo clay ritual overlooking the lake. This interactive healing spa experience is designed to energise, hydrate & detoxify the skin. We have world-class spa therapists who have carefully curated luxurious body treatments for residents and day spa guests offering that well-earned feeling of pure relaxation and zen. Using Germaine de Capuccini, a leading European skincare brand, you'll head home feeling totally refreshed. If a facial is more your thing, enjoy a customised IMAGE facial to get that glow in time for Summer! 

5. A RESIDENT PUP

Florence (or Flo for short) is our much-loved resident pup at The Rabbit. From greeting guests as they check in to helping with the day-to-day activities around the hotel, Florence can't wait to make new friends when you come to visit!