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The Rabbit Hotel and Retreat in County Antrim has unveiled 17 new guestrooms following a £2.5m investment.
The new guestrooms, which are part of a new courtyard of accommodation, are scheduled to welcome their first guests from 6 December 2024.
The bedrooms in the new-build accommodation extension will each come with all the “luxurious” amenities and mod-cons, including Dyson hairdryers, retro Swan kettles, bluetooth speakers and for the one ‘Luxe’ room, a free-standing bath.
The Rabbit Hotel and Retreat, purchased in 2019 by Galgorm Collection, has to date received a £12m refurbishment, 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 event spaces.
The new guestrooms join the Rabbit’s existing 33 guestrooms, and will result in 14 additional jobs, bringing The Rabbit’s total workforce to 150.
The Rabbit Hotel and Retreat is perched over a lake in the 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 botanical bathing experiences.
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 and Retreat.
“This £2.5m 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.”
Lynsey Gordon, associate director at The Rabbit Hotel and Retreat, added: “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.
“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 6 December 2024 and we look forward to welcoming our first guests just in time for the festive season.”
