Natalie Murray

HIGHLAND HOTEL GROUP RECOGNISED FOR LEADERSHIP, MARKETING, COMMUNITY IMPACT AND ITS PEOPLE

Highland Coast Hotels is celebrating a remarkable run of national and regional recognition, with five major awards over the past 18 months spanning leadership, marketing, community impact and its people.

The latest accolades came at the Highland Business Awards, where Managing Director Kenny McMillan was named Business Leader of the Year, while Highland Coast Hotels took home Best Marketing Campaign, sponsored by STV.

The two wins follow further recognition for the group, including the Community Impact Award at the Scottish Impact Awards, Community & Social Impact at the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards, and Team of the Year at the Highland Business Women Awards.

Coming during a challenging period for hospitality and businesses across the Highlands, the awards recognise different areas of Highland Coast Hotels' approach, from its people and leadership to its work within local communities and its marketing of the Scottish Highlands to audiences at home and internationally.

Established in 2021, Highland Coast Hotels now operates six hotels across the north Highlands and employs more than 150 people. With the continued support of its investors, the group has focused on strengthening its hotels, developing its teams and creating new reasons for visitors to explore more of the region throughout the year.

The Best Marketing Campaign win recognised work that has included leaning into the global popularity of BBC's The Traitors to showcase the Highlands, alongside the development of North Coast 500 itineraries encouraging visitors to slow down, stay longer and discover more of the communities and experiences across the north of Scotland.

The campaign has attracted national and international attention, helping to showcase the Highlands to audiences across the UK and overseas.

Kenny McMillan, Managing Director of Highland Coast Hotels, said:

“We're absolutely delighted with the recognition we've received, but these awards really belong to the teams across our hotels who put so much into what they do every day. There's no getting away from the fact that it's a challenging time to operate a hospitality business in the Highlands. That's why I'm particularly proud that we've continued to move forward, make some brave decisions and, with the support of our board, keep investing in our people, our hotels and the communities we're part of.

“For us, that also means looking beyond the traditional Highland tourism season. We want our hotels to be places that local communities enjoy throughout the year, while giving visitors more reasons to experience the Highlands in autumn, winter and festive season too.

“We're incredibly fortunate to operate in one of the most spectacular parts of the world and we want to keep finding new and creative ways to showcase it. If we can encourage more people to discover the Highlands, stay a little longer and explore more of the communities around us, while building a strong and sustainable business that creates opportunities for local people, then we're doing something worthwhile.

“To have our leadership, marketing, community work and, most importantly, our team recognised along the way makes it all the more special.”

Highland Coast Hotels operates Lochardil House in Inverness, Royal Golf Hotel in Dornoch, Royal Marine Hotel in Brora, Tongue Hotel, Kylesku Hotel and Plockton Inn.

by Natalie Murray

CROSSBASKET CASTLE APPOINTS NEW HOTEL MANAGER AND RESORT DIRECTOR TO LEAD NEXT PHASE OF ITS EXTRAORDINARY DEVELOPMENT

Crossbasket Castle, the luxury Scottish estate near Glasgow, has unveiled a new leadership team as it enters an exciting new chapter in its evolution. Katie Moran has been appointed Hotel Manager and John Abercrombie joins as Resort Director.

The appointments come at a pivotal moment for the estate, which is continuing its multi-million-pound transformation with the upcoming opening of its Four Angels Spa and a collection of new riverside cabins.

In recent years, Crossbasket Castle has established itself as one of Scotland’s most distinctive luxury destinations, combining the character and heritage of the historic castle with an increasingly diverse collection of high-end accommodation and experiences.

Katie Moran joins as Hotel Manager, bringing extensive operational and leadership experience from some of Glasgow's leading hotels. Most recently Hotel Manager at AC Hotel by Marriott, Katie began her hospitality career with IHG before progressing through a series of senior roles at voco Grand Central Hotel, including Food and Beverage Manager and Director of Operations. Her achievements were recognised with an Acorn Award, one of hospitality's most respected accolades for emerging industry talent.

Joining Crossbasket at a defining moment in its story, Katie will play a key role in leading the hotel operation as the estate expands its offering.

Katie Moran said:

“Crossbasket Castle has built a reputation most estates take decades to earn. I am joining the team at one of the most pivotal and exciting moments in its journey, with an incredible vision for what comes next.

“There is a real sense of momentum across the estate, and I am excited to be part of the team bringing that vision to life. I look forward to building on what has already been achieved and helping take the guest experience to another level.”

John Abercrombie joins as Resort Director, bringing more than two decades of hospitality experience across leading hotel and resort operations.

John joins from The Westerwood Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort, where, as General Manager, he delivered strong revenue and profit growth across the 148-bedroom resort. His career also includes senior operational roles with Radisson Blu, including Director of Operations at the group's Royal Mile hotel in Edinburgh and an interim leadership role at its Stansted Airport property.

At Crossbasket, John will oversee the wider estate operation, supporting the team as the property expands its accommodation, wellness and leisure offering.

John Abercrombie said:

“The calibre of the team already here is what drew me to Crossbasket Castle. There is a huge amount to be proud of, but also an incredible opportunity to build on that success as the estate enters its next chapter.

“My focus is on giving the team the support, leadership and opportunities they need to keep raising the bar, while ensuring that every aspect of the guest experience reflects the quality and ambition of Crossbasket.”

Steve Timoney, owner of Crossbasket Castle, added:

“Crossbasket has achieved an extraordinary amount in a relatively short space of time, and that is ultimately down to our team on the ground.

“People are at the heart of everything we do, which is why Alison and I are particularly excited to welcome Katie and John to the leadership team. They bring tremendous experience, energy and fresh perspective, and we are looking forward to working closely with them on this next chapter.

“We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved with Crossbasket so far, and we genuinely believe we are only at the beginning of the journey.”

For more information on Crossbasket Castle please visit www.crossbasketcastle.com.

by Natalie Murray

ENNISMORE SIGNS DELANO PUGLIA, INTRODUCING THE ICONIC BRAND TO ITALY’S ADRIATIC COAST

Delano Puglia will open in Monopoli in 2028, the brand's first-ever property in Italy, featuring 76 guestrooms and 13 suites on the Adriatic coast.

Delano Puglia will encompass a destination restaurant by Paris Society, the iconic Rose Bar, The Source by Delano wellness concept, curated retail, and an exclusive membership programme.

The signing of Delano Puglia marks the latest milestone in the brand’s global growth, joining a collective of openings and signings across Miami, Paris, Dubai, New York, London, and Marrakech.

Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company, together with LIMM and Società Rinascimento Valori, are delighted to announce the signing of Delano Puglia, marking the brand’s first property in Italy. Set to open in 2028, the resort will introduce Delano’s inimitable blend of effortless elegance and cultural energy to one of Italy’s most compelling coastal regions.

Set along Puglia’s Adriatic shoreline in the historic port city of Monopoli, Delano Puglia will be immersed in a secluded Mediterranean landscape defined by crystalline waters, rocky coves, and sweeping sea views. Long celebrated for its whitewashed towns, historic architecture, and deeply rooted culinary traditions, Puglia has emerged as one of Europe’s most desirable luxury destinations, offering a discreet and authentic alternative to Italy’s established resort enclaves. Delano's arrival marks an important moment for the region, introducing a reimagined icon of modern hospitality renowned for creating culturally engaged, immersive spaces for the curious, creative, and well-travelled.

Refined, enchanting, and inherently bold, Delano Puglia will feature 76 guestrooms, including 13 suites, alongside a thoughtfully curated collection of leisure, wellness, social, and curated retail experiences that capture the essence of the destination, allowing guests to carry the distinctive Delano spirit well beyond their stay. A dynamic food and beverage offering includes an all-day destination speciality restaurant by Paris Society, two pool bars, a lobby lounge, and a reimagining of Miami’s iconic Rose Bar, offering spaces to gather day to night. Social energy carries into wellness, where The Source by Delano blends the art of restoration with the joy of expression across elevated movement spaces, pools and programming. Considered, flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces create further opportunities for meaningful connection, positioning Delano Puglia as both a serene escape and a magnetic social destination. For those who engage most deeply with Delano, exclusive membership offers access to curated events and experiences worldwide, each designed to foster connection and community.

The design of Delano Puglia will reflect the brand’s unmatched elegance and iconic style, blending light-filled interiors, fluid indoor-outdoor transitions and a natural palette to create spaces that are timeless, contemporary and alluring. With a fresh, vibrant spirit shaped by its Mediterranean setting, the resort will offer an experience that celebrates artistic and cultural discovery, set to the rhythm of the sea.

Phil Zrihen, Deputy Group CEO of Ennismore, said:

“Delano has always been about a feeling - a sense of ease, elegance, and cultural relevance that transcends place. Bringing the brand to Puglia is a natural evolution of that philosophy. This extraordinary destination offers a rare balance of beauty, authenticity, and understated sophistication, making it an ideal setting for Delano’s refined resort spirit. Delano Puglia also marks an important milestone for Ennismore, not only as our first property in Puglia, but as a continued expression of our commitment to creating iconic lifestyle destinations in the world’s most inspiring locations.” 

Vito Liuzzi, CEO of LIMM, said:

“This is an important project for Monopoli and Puglia, revitalising a part of the city and unlocking a new and vibrant resort where local residents and visitors can enjoy the best of Pugliese hospitality.  We are proud and delighted to begin our partnership with Ennismore and work with them on this exciting project, which will become a new point of reference in Puglia for luxury lifestyle under the Delano brand. Delano Puglia will be an icon in Puglia for years to come.”

Born in Miami, Delano redefined modern luxury, creating spaces where design, atmosphere, and service come together with instinctive ease. Since its origins, the brand has built a legacy rooted in timeless style and cultural resonance. Recent openings and signings in destinations including Miami, Paris, Dubai, New York, London and Marrakech mark a powerful new era for Delano on the global stage. The signing of Delano Puglia further strengthens the brand’s resort portfolio, extending its presence into southern Italy and reinforcing its continued expansion into the world’s most sought-after leisure destinations.

by Natalie Murray

WILDHIVE ESHOTT HALL APPOINTS EWAN TAYLOR AS GENERAL MANAGER

Wildhive Eshott Hall is pleased to announce the appointment of Ewan Taylor as General Manager ahead of its launch in December 2026. In his new role, Ewan will lead the pre-opening team, overseeing recruitment, training and operational set-up ahead of launch, before taking on the day-to-day running of the hotel and managing heads of department.

Ewan brings almost two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, spent leading hotels across Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Cambodia. He joins from Oriental Residence Bangkok where he was General Manager.

Over his career, Ewan has opened and repositioned hotels, from heritage townhouses to island resorts, working alongside figures including designer Bill Bensley and Michelin-starred chef Nicolas Isnard. In 2024, he was named one of the Top Five Hotel General Managers in Cambodia at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific.

"I'm delighted to be joining Wildhive Eshott Hall after almost twenty years working in Asia. It's a house with real character in a beautiful corner of Northumberland, and opening it with a team who care as much as this one does is a rare opportunity. I'm looking forward to welcoming our first guests"

commented Ewan Taylor.

"Ewan's career has been built on the same values as The Wildhive Collection’s reputation, and he brings real experience of hotel openings. His background in a boutique group will be valuable as The Wildhive Collection expands. Charles and I, along with the senior management team, are excited to welcome Ewan, his knowledge will help us maintain and grow our reputation as one of the best boutique hotel groups in England,"

commented Ed Burrows, Managing Director of The Wildhive Collection.

by Natalie Murray

THE LONDON SERVICE: CRAFTED AT POWDERMILLS BRINGS LONDON’S RESTAURANT SCENE TO SUSSEX

New monthly The London Service series launches with Chelsea’s Ixchel on Friday 20 November, with Morchella in January, Maison François in February, and the Kitchen Table in March.

Crafted at Powdermills is bringing some of London’s most exciting restaurants to Sussex with the launch of a The London Service, a new monthly restaurant takeover, designed to showcase exceptional food and hospitality without diners having to travel to London.

Launching on Friday 20 November, the series will see a different London restaurant take over Crafted’s kitchen for one night, bringing its food, personality and story to Sussex and giving guests the chance to experience each restaurant as it exists in London, at Crafted.

The first event in The London Service series will see Chelsea Mexican restaurant Ixchel take over Crafted at Powdermills on Friday 20 November for a one-night-only dining experience. With Ixchel, located on King’s Road in Chelsea, Head Chef, Ximena Gayosso Gonzalez celebrates the diversity of Mexican cuisine through a contemporary restaurant experience, combining bold food with a distinctive approach to hospitality and drinks.

For one night, the Ixchel team will bring its London experience to Sussex, with guests able to enjoy a three-course menu for £60 per person, including a drink.

The evening marks the beginning of a series of monthly collaborations, with Crafted set to welcome a new London restaurant one Friday a month, across the coming months.

More from the The London Service series

Following the launch with Ixchel, Morchella is confirmed as the second restaurant in the series, joining The London Service to Crafted on 29 January. Then on Friday 26th February Maison François is confirmed as the third addition to the series.

Maison François was founded by François O’Neill to realise his vision of a modern version of the beloved grand brasseries of France. Joined by partners Ed Wyand and Matthew Ryle, together they opened the bustling all day restaurant in St James’s in September 2020. The menu pays homage to the dining institutions of Paris, Alsace and Lyon, focussing on simplicity and seasonality. Expect dishes such as Oeuf Mimosa, Crudites and Trout Roe and Morteau Sausage en Croute, Beurre Rouge.

In March The London Service | From Kitchen Table X Crafted welcomes chef James Knappett of London’s two Michelin-starred Kitchen Table. Known for his precise, ingredient-led cooking, James will bring the spirit of Kitchen Table to Sussex through a menu shaped by exceptional British ingredients and celebrating the very best seasonal produce.

Head of F&B at Crafted, Conor Sheehan:

“ The London Service is about bringing the energy, creativity and personality of London’s restaurant scene to Sussex. We want to give our guests the chance to experience some of the restaurants we’re most excited about, without having to get on a train to London. For us, it’s about creating genuinely exciting food experiences and continuing to put Crafted on the map as a destination for great food.”

The London Service positions Crafted as a food destination, drawing local diners and foodie lovers from further afield, giving Sussex guests the chance to try some of London's most exciting restaurants.

by Natalie Murray

SOPWELL HOUSE ACHIEVES AA FIVE STAR STATUS

Award-winning country house hotel and spa, Sopwell House in Hertfordshire, has been awarded AA Five Star status, recognising its exceptional standards in hospitality, service and facilities.

The prestigious rating, announced at the annual AA Hospitality Awards held at JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London on 21st September, reflects Sopwell House’s dedication to world-class luxury and guest experiences.

Set within 12 acres, the Georgian country house hotel continues to set the benchmark for luxury hospitality. The rating was awarded after a series of anonymous overnight inspections by AA assessors, who evaluated the hotel’s service, facilities, Cottonmill Spa, food, and overall guest experience against rigorous criteria.

The milestone achievement is a testament to the hard work and passion of the entire team, who continually elevate the guest journey through ongoing investments while maintaining the property's independent, family owned charm.

Rafi Bejerano, Hotel Director at Sopwell House, comments:

"Achieving AA Five Star status is an incredible milestone for all of us at Sopwell House, especially as we are in our 40th anniversary year. This accolade reflects our team’s commitment to exceptional service and memorable experiences. We are immensely proud as we look to an exciting chapter ahead."

Simon Numphud, Managing Director of AA Hotel & Hospitality Services adds:

"Our schemes exist to celebrate the businesses and people that set the standard for the industry across the UK, and the incredible team at Sopwell House is a brilliant example of a hotel that delivers true hospitality for their guests. Congratulations to Rafi and the whole team – this achievement is a true reflection of their continued investment in elevating the guest experience as well as all their hard work, commitment and love for what they do."

The accreditation cements Sopwell House's position as one of the finest country house hotels in the UK.

Sopwell House

Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 2HQ

www.sopwellhouse.co.uk

@sopwellhouse

by Natalie Murray

BURGH ISLAND HOTEL APPOINTS DAVID WATERS AS NEW HEAD CHEF

Cornish chef brings experience from two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Nathan Outlaw with a produce-led approach celebrating Devon’s larder, local suppliers  and the island’s unique heritage

Burgh Island Hotel, the iconic Art Deco retreat situated on a private tidal island off the coast of South Devon, has appointed David Waters as its new Head Chef, who brings experience from some of the South West’s most lauded kitchens to one of the region’s most distinctive culinary destinations.

David joins Burgh Island following his time as Sous Chef at two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in Port Isaac, which was named the UK’s best restaurant by the Good Food Guide in both 2018 and 2019. Previously, he worked at the Victoria Inn at Perranuthnoe, with the kitchen achieving two AA Rosettes and being named among England’s top gastropubs.

A proud Cornishman, David’s style is produce-led, simple, using traditional ingredients, and focused on flavour, shaped by bold South East Asian influences. His partner is from Thailand and South East Asian food is a regular feature at home, bringing an appreciation for distinctive flavours and Asian ingredients alongside his strong Cornish and West Country roots.

At Burgh Island, David will oversee the hotel’s kitchens and develop a culinary offering inspired by Devon’s exceptional larder, the island’s unique setting and its rich Art Deco heritage, with seasonality and local sourcing at its heart.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining Burgh Island,” says David Waters. “It’s such a unique place, and there is a real opportunity to create food that feels connected to the island and the landscape around it. For me, great cooking starts with fantastic ingredients and letting them speak for themselves.

“Devon has an incredible larder on its doorstep, and I’m looking forward to building relationships with local producers and making the most of what is available throughout the seasons. I also want to have some fun with the history of Burgh Island and create dishes and experiences that feel completely at home here.”

 

Around 80% of Burgh Island’s ingredients are sourced within a 30-mile radius, supporting local farmers, fishermen and independent producers while reducing reliance on longer supply chains. David will work closely with the hotel’s existing network of suppliers, with menus evolving according to the seasons and the produce available locally.

Sustainability will also play a role, with an emphasis on making the most of ingredients, reducing waste and allowing the seasons to influence what is served on the plate.

David’s plans to bring a new perspective to Burgh Island’s long association with glamour, dining and literary history. The hotel’s 1929 Art Deco heritage and connections to Agatha Christie, who drew inspiration from the island for And Then There Were None and Evil Under the Sun, will provide inspiration for future dining experiences, including the hotel’s programme of 1920s and 1930s-themed events.

For Giles Fuchs, Owner and Co-Managing Director of Burgh Island Hotel, the appointment represents an exciting new chapter in bringing the hotel’s history and landscape to life through food.

“Burgh Island has an incredible story to tell, and food is one of the best ways to bring that story to life. I want guests to leave not only having enjoyed a great meal, but leave feeling that they have experienced something that could only have happened here.

“We’re delighted to welcome David to Burgh Island. The kitchen is such an important part of the guest experience and we wanted someone who understood that food here needs to be about more than simply what is on the plate. It needs to reflect the island, our history, our incredible local producers and the very particular sense of place that makes Burgh Island so unique.”

It is an approach with which David strongly agrees:

“Burgh Island has such a strong sense of identity, and I want the food to reflect that. There’s incredible produce here, a fascinating history and a setting that you simply can’t recreate anywhere else. My ambition is for the food to become another part of the experience of being on the island.”

With David as the new head chef, Burgh Island will continue to evolve its culinary offering while remaining firmly rooted in the local landscape, heritage and produce that make the island so distinctive.

by Natalie Murray

FONAB CASTLE APPOINTS JULIE WILLIAMS WILSON AS NEW GENERAL MANAGER

Experienced hotelier takes the helm at luxury Perthshire hotel

Fonab Castle has appointed experienced hotelier Julie Williams Wilson as its new General Manager, who brings more than two decades of hospitality and hotel management experience to the role.

Julie joins five-star Fonab Castle, part of the Crerar Hotels Group, following six years in senior leadership with Hotel Co. 51. Most recently, she held the position of Cluster General Manager, overseeing a portfolio of lifestyle-branded hotels under the Marriott umbrella, alongside responsibility for a number of destination bar and restaurant concepts.

During her time with Hotel Co. 51, Julie was responsible for a broad range of areas including operations, commercial performance, sales and marketing, finance, HR, recruitment, training and development, and guest services. She brings extensive operational and commercial leadership experience across hotel operations, teams and F&B, with a wealth of experience and strong leadership that will ensure both the hotel and its team are in safe and capable hands.

A highly experienced operator, Julie, has held senior management positions across a range of hotel and hospitality businesses since 2003.

Her career has also included significant involvement in hotel openings and refurbishment projects across both the UK and Europe. In her previous role, Julie was instrumental in the opening of Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge and AC Inverness, launching both hotels and working with teams from start to finish.

In her new role, situated in Pitlochry in the heart of Perthshire, Julie will focus on maintaining and enhancing the already exceptional care that guests experience at Fonab, supporting the existing hotel team and ensuring consistently high standards of service across the property.

The five-star property has already undergone a number of exciting developments, including the relaunch of its dining concept, 1892 Grill, in partnership with award-winning John Gilmour Butchers and Fonab Castle’s Executive Head Chef, Paul Tyrrell.

The new Sandemans Bar has also recently opened, offering guests an intimate and stylish setting within the castle to relax and enjoy a drink.

On her appointment, Julie said:

“Right away, I knew that Fonab Castle was such a special property, I couldn’t wait to get started and join the Crerar Hotels family and the Pitlochry community.

“I believe one of the best parts about working in hospitality industry is the memorable experiences we are able to create for our guests, so I’m most looking forward to working with the team to build on the strengths of the hotel, and ensure that every guest receives the warm welcome, attention to detail and high level of service they should expect from Crerar Hotels.

“Especially as now is a such an exciting time for the hotel with 1892 Grill and Sandeman’s Bar now unveiled, we have more plans in the pipeline which I’m looking forward to overseeing so watch this space.”

Donovan Sumner, Chief Operating Officer at the Crerar Hotels Group, added:

“It’s a delight to welcome Julie to Crerar Hotels and Fonab Castle. Her breadth of experience, strong operational background and passion for developing teams make her an excellent addition to the hotel.

“Guest experience is at the heart of everything we do, and Julie shares our commitment to delivering the highest standards of service.

“We are looking forward to seeing her build on the fantastic work of the team and lead the hotel into its next chapter.”

For more information on Fonab Castle, please visit https://www.fonabcastlehotel.com/.

by Natalie Murray