A LUXURIOUS ESCAPE ON AN AUTUMN DAY
Local Women Editor Kim Kelly takes the afternoon off and enjoys a spa day and the new Germaine de Capuccini facial at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat in Templepatrick
What better way to spend a Thursday afternoon in October than enjoying a spa day at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat!
Feeling not even one bit guilty about skipping work for the afternoon, I head for the Galgorm Collection’s stunning boutique hotel, nestled in the picturesque village of Templepatrick.
From the moment I arrive, it feels like stepping into a serene oasis. Greeted by friendly staff, I am immediately enveloped in an ambiance of calm. The hotel décor is so cozy yet elegant, creating the perfect environment for unwinding.
It’s a rare sunny autumn afternoon and as I move through to the outdoor spa garden, I discover a tranquil haven overlooking lush greenery and scenic views.
The mix of hot tubs, outdoor showers, and comfortable loungers creates an idyllic setting for relaxation. Even on a cool Northern Irish day, the heated spaces make it enjoyable to be outdoors.
I love the heated pebble beach where I curl up on a deckchair and enjoy the peaceful views over the countryside. There are a variety of relaxation areas, each designed to cater to different moods. My favourite is the salt room — where the healing properties of salt-infused air help to clear the lungs and rejuvenate the skin.
For those looking to detoxify, the spa’s thermal suite offers an array of heat experiences. The sauna is particularly invigorating, with its dry heat helping to soothe sore muscles and improve circulation. If you prefer a gentler heat, the steam room provides a fragrant and humid environment, perfect for breathing deeply and relaxing the mind.
The large Roman Bath, with its jets and jacuzzis, is a must-try. You can relax here for hours, letting the water massage away tension. With the huge disco glitter ball overhead and the offer of cocktails delivered poolside, there’s a real touch of glamour.
All this relaxing has given me an appetite, so I pull on my robe and head for a casual lunch at the Palm House. There is a great menu offering delicious, locally sourced food with a huge range of cocktails. I opt for traditional scampi and chips – and it is delicious – ten out of ten!
No spa day would be complete without a treatment, and the Rabbit Hotel offers a range of options. Whether it’s a soothing massage, a rejuvenating facial, or a more specialised body treatment, the spa’s expert therapists provide world-class service.
Today I am having the Germaine de Capuccini Vitamin C Facial – a rejuvenating skincare treatment designed to brighten, firm, and hydrate the skin.
My therapist Sophie is so friendly and knowledgeable – the treatment starts with a thorough cleansing and exfoliation, removing dead skin cells and prepping the skin for the active ingredients to penetrate deeply.
She applies a potent Vitamin C serum, which helps to even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and protect against environmental damage.
One of the most relaxing aspects of the facial is the massage, which enhances circulation and helps the skin absorb the serum better. It’s so lovely and I drift off to sleep.
After the facial, my skin feels visibly smoother, and I notice a bright, dewy glow that lasts for several days. An instant glow-up!
Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat, a day out with friends, or simply some well-deserved me-time, The Rabbit delivers on every front.
It’s a place where time seems to slow down, leaving me feeling refreshed, pampered, and ready to face the world again.
