Switch to Off Mode this Summer

Swap the chaos of Christmas cooking and cleaning for cocktails, crackling fires and craic at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat this festive season.

Check in on Christmas Eve and check out on Boxing Day with everything sorted from festive feasts and spa chills to fireside s’mores and plenty of live entertainment. 

This is Christmas at The Rabbit: easy-going, a touch luxe and packed with cheer.

Whether you’re toasting marshmallows by the Lakeside Garden, sinking into a botanical bath with a glass of fizz or dancing the night away in Hunter’s Bar, The Rabbit is all about good times, good food and a little bit of indulgence.

Imagine waking up on Christmas morning to frosted gardens, the scent of mulled wine in the air and the promise of a day filled with delicious food and simple joys. No shopping lists, no stress. Just time with the people you love most.

Here’s what’s waiting for you:

Christmas Eve

• Arrive and kick things off with seasonal small plates and mulled wine.
• Choose your chill: a private duo clay ritual or a botanical bath in the spa.
• Get cosy by the lakeside firepit, toast s’mores and sip on festive tipples under the stars.
• Tuck into a three-course dinner before the craic continues in Hunter’s Bar.
• End the night wrapped up in the comfort of your room, ready to wake to the excitement of Christmas morning without lifting a finger.

Christmas Day

• Start with a hearty home-cooked breakfast and a glass of Bucks Fizz or a Bloody Mary.
• Meet Father Christmas himself as he makes a stop at The Rabbit with festive treats.
• Spend the morning your way: a dip into the spa, a crisp winter stroll or opening gifts by the fire.
• Tuck into a traditional three-course Christmas lunch, full of festive favourites.
• The afternoon is all about slowing down. Snuggle into the movie lounge for a Christmas classic or spend time sharing stories and laughter by the fire.
• In the evening, enjoy a relaxed chef’s supper before retreating to your room for a cosy night’s sleep.
• Christmas Day here feels like home, only with all the best bits and none of the washing up.

Boxing Day

• Squeeze in one last spa session, then fuel up with breakfast before heading home or stay a little longer (we won’t judge).

Make it A Crackin' Christmas

From £635 per person sharing, A Crackin’ Christmas at The Rabbit is all about swapping stress for celebration. Bring your besties, your other half or the whole gang. It’s time to eat, drink and be merry, Rabbit style.

With twinkling lights, cosy corners, spa indulgence and plenty of festive flavour, it’s Christmas done differently. This year, give yourself the gift of slowing down and savouring it all.

Click

here

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.

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.

Introducing a new treatment to our luxurious spa treatment menu, the beautiful Hydrate & Plump by Germaine de Capucinni!

This treatment is perfect for all skin types and conditions, however, especially perfect for anyone who is concerned with tired, dull, dehydrated or has aging skin concerns. 

For Young Skin

For a younger person, this facial will keep the skin hydrated and plump, which will prevent the first signs of aging.

For Mature Skin

This treatment will provide a deeper plumping effect, while also hydrating the skin.

This facial is gender neutral and has had efficacy tests on both men and women, and it is also dermatologically tested on sensitive skin and those undergoing cancer treatment.

The ingredients for this facial were carefully created to deliver deep into the skin’s tissues, making it a cosmetic alternative to medical-aesthetic injections. The main ingredient to this facial is NLG, which is patented to Germine de Capuccini. It is a blend of hyaluronic acid, lysine and polyglutamic acid, which retains large amounts of water in the skin, therefore plumping and adding volume to fine lines and wrinkles.

This facial uses cryo therapy in the form of a cool massager, resting on ice. This is used in facial massage to reawaken the guests’ senses as it passes across the face, neck, and chest. It will ease the signs of fatigue, pore size and achieve a more youthful appearance. It is fabulous for decongesting puffy skins!

Learn more about this treatment

here