By Q Radio news
Galgorm Collection has announced the opening of Northern Ireland’s newest luxury hotel.
The former Templeton Hotel in Templepatrick has undergone a transformation at a cost of £10m and has been re-named "The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat".
The 33 bedroom boutique hotel and spa will open on the 18th of June and an additional 26 hospitality jobs have been created taking its total workforce to almost 100.
The property was acquired by Galgorm Collection in 2018 and now offers stylish accommodation, a luxury outdoor spa and lakeside walk, an onsite bar and restaurant as well as an exclusive-use events space for weddings and conferences.
(Pictured launching the new hotel are (L-R) Lesley Gordon, General Manager at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, Colin Johnston, Galgorm Collection Managing Director and Abby Dunlop, Wedding & Events Manager at The Loft)
Galgorm Collection Managing Director, Colin Johnston, said:
“After more than 18 months of extensive redevelopment and a challenging year for the hospitality industry we’re thrilled to throw open our doors and welcome guests to enjoy this unmatched new experience.
Not only does this represent a significant investment in the local economy and cements our longstanding commitment to support and grow our tourism industry, but it comes with 26 new hospitality roles which we are currently recruiting for.”
Extensive refurbishment work has been undertaken to upgrade the hotel’s 33 guestrooms which come equipped with all the latest mod cons.
Additionally, a £2 million outdoor spa area offers guests a lakeside tranquil space for relaxation, with unique attractions including Swedish saunas, aromatherapy steam room, halotherapy salt chamber and Roman inspired baths and hot tubs.
Exclusive to The Rabbit is a lakeside beach complete with heated sand, a Lake Bar, sunken lounge and plush cabanas for a laid back, luxurious experience.
(One of the 33 bedrooms at the Rabbit Hotel and Retreat)
The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat will safely welcome its first guests from Friday 18th June 2021 and stays can be booked online at rabbithotel.com.
“We’re all about good times at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat and guests can expect a truly unique experience; from relaxing on our brand-new heated beach with lakeside views, the only attraction of its kind in the island of Ireland, to enjoying a personal cocktail turndown service from the comfort of our stylish rooms.
With full safety measures in place and a fresh new offering, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat is the perfect place for reuniting with loved ones and enjoying memorable new experiences and we look forward to welcoming guests this summer,” said Colin Johnston.
Following an extensive £2.5 million refurbishment, The Rabbit Restaurant and Hunter’s Bar first opened to diners in July 2020, seating up to 180 guests and boasting a large outdoor terrace for al fresco dining.
Internally, the restaurant is home to an extensive wine cellar featuring the finest labels from around the world, whilst a showstopping bar adorned in glistening bronze takes centre stage along with its extensive cocktail menu.
In addition to the accommodation, spa and bar and restaurant offering, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat has also opened the doors to its brand-new banqueting suite and wedding venue The Loft, offering unabridged luxury in a magical setting.
With high vaulted ceilings, chandeliers adorned with foliage, marble dining tables, dramatic fireplaces and a stunning romantic lake view from the spacious outdoor terrace, the fairy-tale setting is the ideal backdrop for a picture-perfect wedding day. Operating a one wedding a day policy, The Loft is available for up to 140 guests.
Galgorm is renowned for creating world-class hospitality experiences throughout their award-winning properties in Northern Ireland. Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort has received numerous awards and accolades for their stellar service and offering, including receiving the Four AA Red Star Award for excellence in quality and hospitality last year, as well as previously holding the coveted title of Global Luxury Spa Hotel of the Year.
Pictured launching the new hotel are (L-R) Lesley Gordon, General Manager at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, Colin Johnston, Galgorm Collection Managing Director and Abby Dunlop, Wedding & Events Manager at The Loft
Teenage girl killed in road crash named as Kamile Vaicikonyte
Covid-19 inquiry ‘an opportunity for candour’ from Stormont leaders
UK and Irish ministers to meet amid row over migration
Three men set to go on trial for murder of journalist Lyra McKee
Swann refuses to rule out resigning if budget is not changed