Black Friday Deals - Use code: “blackfriday24” to get 10% OFF. Gift vouchers from just £25 – Shop now>>

The Rabbit Hotel and Retreat

882 Antrim Road, Templepatrick, Antrim, BT39 0AH

From £89.00 £79.00 per person

About

A heated beach and tiki bar. A Roman-bath swimming pool with a disco ball the size of a small car. Cocktails brought to your private lakeside hot tub. If you think you’ve seen one spa hotel, you’ve seen them all, you clearly haven’t paid a visit to The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat. This adults-only pampering playground was named the best place to stay in Northern Ireland by The Times. Isn’t it time you experienced it for yourself? Answer: yes.

Forget herbal teas and punishing wellness regimes. At this hedonistic haven you’re more likely to find yourself sipping a prosecco and having a cheeky boogie in the pool, thanks to the chilled-out playlist of Balearic beats. Scan a QR code, swim up to an underwater bar stool and wait for a server to bring you a cocktail. The atmosphere is joyful. But if you need a break from the holiday vibes, there’s always the sauna, aromatherapy room and salt room to retreat to.

With 33 boutique rooms full of delightful surprises it’s no wonder The Rabbit is such a magnet for hipsters and the cool crowd. Part of Northern Ireland’s premier group of luxury hotels, it’s billed as Galgorm’s chilled-out little sister (Galgorm being Ireland’s most prestigious spa resort, just a 20-minute drive away). The perfect mix of boho and luxury, you’ll find neon signs, Instagrammable William Morris wallpaper and funky rabbit artwork. Some Comfy rooms even have their own outdoor baths in a private courtyard, complete with a log fire.

It gets top marks for its location too. Although you may feel like you’ve been transported to Ibiza, the four-star retreat perches over a lake in the picturesque village of Templepatrick in the heart of the County Antrim countryside, just ten minutes from Belfast International Airport. As such, there’s plenty of shopping and sightseeing to do right on The Rabbit’s doorstep. History-lovers should head to Titanic Belfast or Crumlin Road Gaol, or take the one-hour drive to the Giant’s Causeway for a world heritage site steeped in legend.

But chances are you won’t want to tear yourself away from The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat itself. Within its uber-cool walls you'll find two stylish destinations popular with locals as well as residents. The Rabbit Restaurant has a menu full of crowd-pleasers, like its bucket of pork ribs and buffalo chicken wings. But keep the fun going in Hunter’s Bar, where a live band plays nightly from Thursday to Sunday. Don’t worry - a full Irish breakfast the next day will cure your sore head.

Popular Facilities

  • Roman Bath
  • Botanical Baths
  • Hot Tubs
  • Aroma Steam Room
  • Swedish Sauna
  • Salt Room
  • Chill Out Lounge
  • Heated Pebble Beach

Packages

Bookings & Advice024 7671 6192

Filter Packages

Sunset Spa

  • One course dinner with a glass of bubbly
  • Four hours use of the leisure facilities
  • Complimentary use of towels, robes and slippers
  • Arrival time TBA (from 4pm)
View full details

Live availability - Book now and your reservation will be instantly guaranteed

From £89.00 £79.00 per person

Botanical Bliss Morning

  • One hour Lakeside private botanical bathing experience
  • One course spa lunch with a soft drink
  • Six hours use of the leisure facilities
  • Complimentary use of towels, robes and slippers
  • Arrival from 8am
View full details

Live availability - Book now and your reservation will be instantly guaranteed

From £89.00 £79.00 per person

Relaxation Vibes

  • 1 treatment, 60 minutes
  • One course lunch
  • Full use of the leisure facilities
  • Complimentary use of towels, robes and slippers
  • Arrival from 8am
View full details

Live availability - Book now and your reservation will be instantly guaranteed

From £155.00 £140.00 per person

Lakeside Zen for Two

  • 1 treatment, 45 minutes
  • One course lunch
  • Complimentary use of towels, robes and slippers
  • Use of the leisure facilities either from 8am or 2pm
  • Please note: Private Duo Clay Ritual will be in the morning
  • Arrival from 8am
View full details

Live availability - Book now and your reservation will be instantly guaranteed

From £180.00 £160.00 per package

1 Night The Full Works Spa Break

  • Overnight accommodation
  • Three course dinner
  • Full Irish breakfast
  • Full use of the leisure facilities
  • Complimentary use of towels, robes and slippers
  • Check in from 3pm - Room departure 11am
View full details

Live availability - Book now and your reservation will be instantly guaranteed

From £297.50 per person

Gift Vouchers

Buy a monetary spa voucher to suit your budget

Get in touch

Contact us for bookings and advice

Prices from £NaN per package

Details

Length of pool10m
Towel and robes providedYes
No. of treatment rooms4
Product houseGermaine di Capuccini
Car parkingComplimentary
Minimum age18
Local attractionsTitanic Belfast, Crumlin Road Gaol, Botanic Gardens, Carrickfergus Castle, Stormont Estate, Gobbins Cliff Walk and Ulster Transport Museum
No. of bedrooms33
Check-in time15.00
Car parkingComplimentary
Pets welcomeYes, £15 per dog

Facilities

  • Roman Bath
  • Botanical Baths
  • Hot Tubs
  • Aroma Steam Room
  • Swedish Sauna
  • Salt Room
  • Chill Out Lounge
  • Heated Pebble Beach

The Spa & Wellness at The Rabbit Hotel and Retreat

If your favourite kind of spa is the kind of decadent dreamland that everyone seems to be talking about, get that robe and slippers on and step right this way. Well, you’re worth it!

With delightful surprises at every turn, The Spa at The Rabbit Hotel is a piece of pampering heaven that makes the most of every inch of its lakeside setting. This isn't your average spa experience. For starters, most of it is outdoors. But while the Irish air may be crisp, there are so many hydro and thermal experiences to try that you won’t even notice!

Dive into the show-stopping Roman-themed bath, filled with mineral-rich waters. Forget your best breast-stroke, because this is a pool designed for hedonism thanks to aqua beds and swim-up bar stools to perch on for a cocktail or two. Chill-out on Ireland’s only heated beach, then warm up again in the Swedish sauna, aromatherapy room and salt room.

Prefer a little privacy with you pampering? Book a lakeside hot tub suite for an hour of laughter and relaxation with your besties, or an intimate moment with your favourite person. 

Stepping indoors, you'll discover four zen-like treatment rooms offering a menu of tailored rituals. Try something from top-notch spa brand Germaine di Capuccini, or go for a Rabbit signature treatment like the Serenity Candle Massage. Here, warm oil from the candle is poured over the body for the ultimate indulgence.

The Gym & Fitness at The Rabbit Hotel and Retreat

Gym bunny? You might have to take the day off from feeling the burn. The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat is all about hedonism and treating yourself. You’re more likely to find rum cocktails than green smoothies here. 

That said, the hotel does occasionally hold wellness sessions and outdoor yoga classes on the heated beach. And with a backdrop of lakeside views, the Roman bath and the feel of warm sand between your toes, it’s so easy to find your zen. 

Feeling more energetic? If exploring the great outdoors is your thing, The Rabbit is near Antrim Castle Gardens and Lough Neagh for lovely walks. Or take a hike up Cave Hill for spectacular panoramic views of Belfast. You’ll need to check the weather forecast and wear the right footwear - it’s challenging in places.

Sports lovers can head to the picturesque Massereene Golf Club for a round of golf. Just a 15-minute drive away in Antrim, this challenging 18-hole, par-72 parkland course has panoramic views over Lough Neagh.

Restaurants & Food at The Rabbit Hotel and Retreat

The Rabbit Hotel is all about good times, with a little sprinkling of glamour. So as you might expect, eating and drinking is a celebratory affair. Whether you’re here with your partner or your pals, nothing brings people together like good food and drink served in a luxuriously laid back atmosphere. 

The Palm House

Stay cosy in your robe and enjoy a delicious lunch at the spa. With delicious treats like nachos and burgers, along with wholesome salads, it would be rude not to try a cocktail or two. Our tip? Try the Jessica Rabbit made with pink gin and prosecco.

The Rabbit Restaurant

Celebrate life's special moments at The Rabbit Restaurant. This AA rosette-winner boasts inspiring menus featuring fresh, local ingredients, perfect for creating delicious memories with loved ones. Enjoy plush surroundings indoors or, for sunny days, head to the al fresco terrace for a casual dining experience. Be sure to arrive early, as terrace and garden tables are first come, first served!

Hunter’s Bar

Craving a pint with friends, a post-spa prosecco, or catching the game on the big screen? Hunter's Bar offers it all. This stylish space transforms effortlessly, whether you're seeking a cosy fireside chat with a creative cocktail or a lively atmosphere with live music. They even cater to furry friends – the lower bar area welcomes well-behaved pooches with treats. You might even meet their resident pup, Florence!

Spa Location

The Rabbit Hotel and Retreat

The Rabbit Hotel and Retreat

882 Antrim Road
Templepatrick
Antrim
BT39 0AH
028 9443 2984

Get Directions

How to get to the Spa?

By train: The nearest train stations to The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat are in Antrim (6.6 miles) and New Mossley (6.5 miles).

By bus: The nearest bus stop is outside the Hotel entrance on the main airport route. The 300A runs every 12 minutes

By car: From Belfast, take the M2. At junction 5, exit onto the A57 towards International Airport/Templepatrick. Merge onto A57. At the roundabout, take the second exit onto A6, Antrim Road. The Rabbit is on the left. The postcode for your satnav is BT39 0AH.

Parking: You can park free of charge on-site.

Reviews

Filter Reviews

Not all that
3 / 5

Nice place but extremely overpriced for what it is. Some of the staff are amazing. Others are shocking. Breakfast wasn’t great at all. Long wait to even get a cup of tea. Prices for food and drink...... Read more

Lovely place but left a bit sore unfortunately
4 / 5

Was an overnight getaway and the place was lovely, as was the room. We had booked in for massages, they were lovely but the next day I've never felt more excruciating pain in my neck, shoulder and...... Read more

Mix Bag - Some disappointments, some really great and unique experiences
3 / 5

I booked the room with the outdoor bathtub because I thought that would be a really cool experience but was very disappointed. The tub itself is old, grubby and chipped. In fact the whole outdoor...... Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Does The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat do afternoon tea?

Like to pamper and pour? While The Rabbit Hotel isn’t serving afternoon tea at present, they occasionally have seasonal events - like a festive ‘tipsy’ tea, complete with entertainment. 

Luckily, the Rabbit Restaurant’s dessert menu offers plenty of ways to satisfy your sweet tooth. From trifles to cheesecake, you’ll enjoy innovative flavours, along with Irish coffees and sweet hot toddies to wash them down. 

Is there a swimming pool at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat?

Did someone say ‘pool party’? Nothing says good times more than an outdoor swimming pool complete with its own huge, disco ball suspended over the deliciously warm water! More Roman baths than a pool, this show-stopping centrepiece has glass walls, built-in bubbly aqua beds and even underwater bar stools.

You can drink a cocktail from the beach bar without leaving the comfort of the water. Just scan the QR code and they’ll bring it straight to your bar stool. How blissful is that? The fabulously funky spa even has its own heated pebble beach and a sandy beach, for holiday vibes minus the wrinkly fingers.

Is there accommodation at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat?

Want to turn your spa day into a staycation? The beautifully boutique Rabbit Hotel & Retreat has 33 rooms which offer a host of options. Keep things cosy with a just-big-enough-for two Snug room. Upgrade to a Comfy for more space, a king-sized bed and views over the spa or garden - or add the wow-factor with a romantic Comfy with its own outdoor bathtub. 

Attic rooms feature pitched ceilings and exposed beams, while Luxe rooms are exactly that! This push-the-boat-out option is perfect for occasions when only the best will do thanks to lake views, freestanding baths and separate rainforest showers.

What are check-in and check-out times at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat?

For overnight guests, check-in time is 3pm, while you’ll need to check-out by 11am on your day of departure. For spa days, arrival times vary, so it’s best to check your booking confirmation.

Where is The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat located?

You’ll find it by the side of a beautiful lake in the heart of Templepatrick, a village in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It’s nine miles north-west of Belfast, and just 10 minutes from Belfast International Airport.

The hotel and that fabulous hotel have enough to keep you occupied all day. But if you wish to venture out you’ll find nature and history on The Rabbit’s doorstep. Titanic Belfast is just 15 minutes away, or you can drive to the Giant’s Causeway in an hour.

Who owns The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat?

The hotel is part of the Galgorm Collection - in fact, it’s often called Galgorm’s chilled-out little sister. Formerly called the Templeton Hotel, when the Galgorm Collection acquired it they gave it a £10m investment and a refurb that was 18 months in the making.

A whopping £2m was spent on the luxury outdoor spa alone. Once a car park, it now offers Swedish saunas, an aromatherapy steam room, a halotherapy salt chamber and Roman-inspired baths and hot tubs.

Is The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat family-friendly?

Sorry! Children under the age of 16 aren’t allowed to use the tranquil, adults-only thermal suite, and you have to be aged 18 or over for treatments. The Rabbit Hotel itself is family-friendly, with one family guest room and kids’ menus. Little chefs can even borrow a special chef’s hat and apron and cook their own pizzas!

Is The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat accessible?

Yes it is, with accessible parking spaces and level access to the ground floor. The hotel has a wheelchair lift to take you to the accessible Comfy room on the first floor, with its built-in shower chair, grab rails and pull-cord. The Rabbit Spa is located on the same level as hotel reception, but please note that not all areas of the spa are wheelchair accessible.

Is The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat dog-friendly?

Four-legged friends are not allowed in the spa itself, of course, but The Rabbit Hotel is fabulously dog-friendly. They even have their own hotel dog called Florence who loves to meet new friends.

Waggy tails are welcome in dog-friendly Comfy rooms with outdoor bathtub, for £15 per dog, per night. They’ll get a sleeping mat, water and food bowls and even a little welcome gift from Florence.

Good boys and girls can join you for dinner in the lower area of Hunter’s Bar. If you fancied a posher dinner in Rabbit Restaurant, you can leave them in your room - but you’ll need to bring a crate so they don’t hop up on the furniture.

Is there a golf club at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat?

No, there’s no golf club at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, but there is one just a 15-minute drive away. Massereene Golf Club is just outside Antrim, and offers 18 challenging holes, set in a parkland golf course with panoramic views over Lough Neagh. It’s so quiet and peaceful the only sounds you’ll hear are the birds and animals, along with the occasional thwack of a golf ball.