Olivia Watts - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 7

Grand historic manor with stone facade at the end of a gravel driveway, flanked by manicured green lawns and tall trees under a blue sky.

1 min

Marwan Hemchaoui Appointed General Manager of Dumbleton Hall After £25M Redevelopment in the Cotswolds

🏨 Dumbleton Hall, located in the Cotswolds, appointed Marwan Hemchaoui as general manager after a £25 million redevelopment. Acquired by Chatham Park Development in April 2021, the Grade II property underwent a two-year renovation. Previously run by the Post Office Fellowship of Remembrance since 1959, it’s now under Bespoke Hotels. The 16-acre estate features 34 guestrooms, a drawing room, library bar, and three restaurants. Hemchaoui, formerly of The Lakes by YOO, expressed excitement for his role.

Poolside lounge area at a tropical resort: wooden deck, sun loungers, and green palm trees with the calm ocean in the background under a blue sky.

1 min

Dalata Hotels Appoints Aline Caliari as General Manager of Clayton Hotel St Andrew Square, Opening After £50m Renovation

🏨 Dalata Hotels appointed Aline Caliari as general manager of Clayton Hotel St Andrew Square in Edinburgh, set to open in early 2024 after a £50 million renovation. The site, acquired for £12.5 million in September 2023, will feature 172 guestrooms, a bar, restaurant, gym, and two meeting rooms. The Dalata Hotel Group was acquired last year by Pandox and Eiendomsspar for €1.4 billion (£1.2 billion).

Chef in white shirt and apron plates food at a kitchen counter under warm orange pendant lights.

2 min

Duncan Palmer Appointed Chair of Trustees at Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, Succeeding David Coubrough

🍳 Duncan Palmer, with over 35 years in luxury hospitality, is now the chair of trustees for The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts. Previously, he managed iconic hotels like The Savoy and The Langham in London. Palmer succeeds David Coubrough. He will lead and guide the organization while fulfilling legal and governance roles. The Adopt a School charity, promoting healthy eating among children, also falls under his leadership.

Turquoise poolside at a tropical resort with thatched villas, palm trees, and orange umbrellas, set against green hills and blue sky.

1 min

UK's First Alcohol-Free Hotel in West Sussex Delays Opening to 2026, Emphasizing Health and Wellness Experience

🏨 Entrepreneurs Louis Blake and Harrison Hide plan to open the UK's first fully alcohol-free hotel in West Sussex's South Downs National Park in 2026. The 30-bedroom Long Lane hotel, originally set for mid-2026, has faced delays due to complex development challenges. Spanning a 55-acre estate near Midhurst, it features personalized wellness programs and facilities like cryotherapy and natural swimming. Targeting “dry tourism,” the hotel appeals to younger health-conscious travelers.

David Kelman Joins Cotswolds Boutique Hotel Hyll as Executive Chef, Bringing Over 20 Years of Experience

🍳 David Kelman, with over 20 years of culinary expertise, is now the executive chef at Hyll, a 17th-century manor hotel in Cotswolds. Previously head chef at Estelle Manor, Kelman has led the Beaufort Dining Room to three AA Rosettes and won awards like Best Chef at the Taste of Gloucestershire Awards. He has appeared on BBC’s Great British Menu and cooked for the Royal Family. Kelman will focus on locally sourced, seasonal menus at Hyll.

Group of people in a bright studio doing forward bend stretches on yoga mats by the windows.

2 min

Pennyhill Park in Surrey to Open UK's Largest Hotel-Based Reformer Pilates Studio This Autumn

🚴 Pennyhill Park in Surrey is launching the UK's largest Reformer Pilates studio in a hotel this autumn. Designed with Sparcstudio, it addresses the rising demand for mindful fitness. Featuring Technogym equipment, it offers classes for all skill levels. This development boosts Pennyhill Park’s wellness reputation, which already includes a renowned spa and diverse fitness options. The exact opening date and schedule are pending. In summer 2023, they opened a new wedding venue, and in January 2025, they partnered with 292 Performance.

2 min

Brook Group Appoints Peter Banks and Glen Taylor to Key Roles at Aysgarth Falls Hotel, North Yorkshire

🏨 Brook Group, North Yorkshire, announces two senior appointments at Aysgarth Falls Hotel: Peter Banks as strategy and development consultant and Glen Taylor as general manager. Located in Yorkshire Dales National Park, the hotel aims to become a leading hospitality destination. The four-star hotel plans to open 14 new lodges later this year, marking the next growth phase. Banks and Taylor will focus on enhancing leisure offerings and operational excellence.

Cook in a white uniform tending to an open flame on a stove, using tongs to handle food on a plate.

2 min

Old Course Hotel Announces Chef Series Events with Tom Kerridge and Coinneach MacLeod in October and November 2026

🍴 Tom Kerridge, a Michelin-starred chef, will host a dinner event at Old Course Hotel's Road Hole Restaurant on 14 November 2026, showcasing Scottish ingredients. Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean baker, will host a Scottish-inspired afternoon tea on 17 October 2026, featuring family recipes and island storytelling. These events are part of a Chef series, following previous ones with chefs Rachel Allen and Alex Dilling, aiming to offer unique culinary experiences at this iconic St Andrews location.

Wedding reception under a white tent with long tables, wooden chairs, and floral centerpieces on each table.

2 min

The Alan Hotel in Manchester Appoints Claire McGinnis as General Manager and Elizabeth Morris as Sales Manager

📍 Independent Manchester hotel, The Alan, has expanded its leadership team as of August 2026. Claire McGinnis, with over 10 years in hotel management, is now general manager, while Elizabeth Morris, experienced in travel and hospitality, is the new sales manager. McGinnis will manage operations and team growth, and Morris will drive business by strengthening city relationships. The appointments follow a major renovation aimed at boosting growth and visibility.

Poolside deck of a tropical resort with wooden lounge chairs and a thatched-roof building in the background, at sunset.

3 min

The Nici in Bournemouth Achieves Five-Star AA Rating, Returning Top Classification to Town After 23 Years

🏨 Bournemouth's The Nici resort achieved a five-star AA rating in 2026, the town's first since 2000. The luxury hotel features ocean-view suites, a 30m heated pool, and a spa. The Nici, launched in 2022 with a £20m refurbishment, expanded to 73 rooms. Key figures included Nicolas Roach and managing director Lukasz Dwornik. The brand plans further UK expansions, including Southampton. Securing the rating reflects years of high standards and continuous investment.

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