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Warm clay. Soft steam. The quiet luxury of time slowing down.

A clay ritual isn’t just a spa treatment. It’s an ancient practice reimagined for modern wellness, designed to ground, detox and deeply restore.

It’s part skincare, part steam-bath, part “why don’t we do this more often?”

Why clay, why now?

Clay has been a beauty secret forever and for good reason. It’s naturally detoxifying, mineral-rich and insanely good for your skin. Think less “ancient history lesson” and more “why does my skin feel this good?”

It’s big right now because it fits the moment:

• clean beauty
• tactile, sensory wellness
• chill, not try-hard

What to expect from a Clay Ritual

Designed to unfold slowly, a clay ritual invites you to soften physically and mentally, with each gentle stage over 30 minutes.

Step 1: Switch off

You arrive, breathe and instantly feel calmer. Phones away. Brain quiet. We love to see it.

Step 2: Get clay’d

Apply warm clay to your body, wrapping yourself up in mineral goodness while you sit back and do nothing. Truly iconic behaviour.

Step 3: Heat things up

Gentle heat helps your muscles relax and lets the clay work its magic. You’ll feel warm, refreshed and totally present.

Step 4: Rinse & Glow

The clay is washed away by a gentle rainfall shower, leaving skin soft, smooth and glowing.

The benefits, reimagined

The benefits of a clay ritual go far beyond the physical. While clay is known for its detoxifying and skin-revitalising properties, the real luxury lies in how it makes you feel.

• Skin that feels nourished, smooth and refreshed
• Muscles softened after long days of tension
• A calm but clear head
• That post-spa glow that lasts

It’s wellness that works quietly, gently and holistically.

Why Clay Rituals are having a moment

As wellness culture evolves, there’s a growing shift away from excess and towards intention. Clay rituals hit that sweet spot. Natural, tactile and low-key indulgent.

They’re everywhere right now because they work, they feel good and they fit into real life. 

Keep the Ritual going

The clay ritual doesn’t have to end when you leave the spa. These ELEMIS favourites help you keep that fresh, relaxed, just-had-a-treatment feeling going at home, on your own time.

ELEMIS Body Detox Skin Brush 

Your low effort reset. Encourages circulation and gentle detoxification, plus gives skin that smooth, just-polished feel.

ELEMIS Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream & Body Oil

Instant spa energy. The scent brings you straight back to that calm, post-treatment headspace, while the formulas leave skin soft, nourished and glowing.

ELEMIS Aching Muscle Super Soak

Perfect for bath nights. Helps keep muscles relaxed and recreates that warm, steamy post-clay feeling - without leaving your bathroom.

ELEMIS Warm up Massage Balm

The final touch. Designed to ease tension, warm the body and help you fully reset- mind and muscles included.

A slower kind of luxury

At The Rabbit, luxury is about atmosphere, ease and how you feel walking back out the door. Because sometimes, the most luxurious thing you can do is slow down.

Discover the clay ritual for yourself during your next stay at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat.

Book a Stay

Book Lakeside Zen Day Spa Experience

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.

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here

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

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.

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!