From Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to some of Britain’s most loved holiday destinations, our collection of stunning resorts are home to a range of luxurious accommodation situated amidst beautifully landscaped parklands. Escape the ordinary, rediscover luxury and start enjoying unforgettable experiences with the ones who matter.
Avery warm welcome to the third edition of the Seasons Magazine. Since Seasons began in 1983, we have witnessed all sorts of turmoil in the wider world. Despite the most volatile of climates at times, Seasons has grown every year, acquiring new resorts and redeveloping our existing portfolio. That’s why despite all the confusion Brexit is causing and the further issues surrounding today’s world, I am extremely confident Seasons will continue to grow with our owners enjoying fantastic holidays across the UK and Europe.
The strength of Seasons lies in its simplicity. Over the last 5 years, we’ve had one very simple aim to create the very best self-catering accommodation in the UK. Our talented team of designers have created the very best holiday accommodation money can buy today. You will feel right at home with all the modern luxuries expected today.
We have made huge strides in redeveloping all of our central facilities with Clowance, Burn, Brunston and Whitbarrow all close to completion. We are all eagerly anticipating Laugharne with the fabulous Milkwood Spa being completed by the end of this year. This will be the best spa in Wales, and I can’t wait to see the resort operating at its full potential.
Over the next few months we have further exciting projects to complete. The stunning Ferry Hill lodges at Laugharne are being fully refurbished. They are positioned right on the cliff edge with uninterrupted views of the majestic Taf Estuary. We are making further significant investment at Clowance and Club Tahiti.
It gives us great pleasure to announce the acquisition of two new stunning UK destinations; Slaley Hall located in Northumberland and Belton Woods in Lincolnshire. We know that demand will be very high; reservations will be open by late Summer.
Seasons continues to go from strength to strength. With continuing investment into our existing portfolio; and with further expansion into new destinations, I know that you, and your family and friends, will continue to enjoy many fantastic holidays with us for years to come.
Yours sincerely,
Remember this is your club. I am delighted with the large amount of positive feedback received from our owners on a daily basis. If any part of your experience or guests sent into your home is below your expectation, please write to me personally at Chairmansoffice@seasonsholidays.com, make sure I am your first port of call.
SEASONS MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY RED FLAG MEDIA
Andy Forster – Publisher 07711 160590
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Holidaying in the British Isles is becoming far more popular, and with good reason, it has so much to offer. Whether it’s a holiday or a short break, at Seasons we have something for everyone.
5 star boutique hotel in
We have eight resorts to choose from located in Cornwall, the Lake District, Carmarthenshire, Ayrshire, Kilkenny, Lincolnshire and Northumberland –together with our ever-popular 5 star boutique hotel in County Durham.
We know that people do enjoy holidaying overseas –the appeal of foreign travel, experiencing different cultures and warmer climates is always attractive, so we have two Seasons resorts in Europe for you to enjoy. Our resorts are in Andalucia, Spain and on the Island of Lanzarote in the Canaries.
From Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to some of Britain’s most loved holiday destinations, our collection of stunning resorts are home to a range of luxurious accommodation situated amidst beautifully landscaped parklands. Escape the ordinary, rediscover luxury and start enjoying unforgettable experiences with the ones who matter.
This incredible CGI image of the new Milkwood Spa at our Laugharne resort means that our vision for Laugharne’s future is about to become a reality. Turn to page 12 to read the full story.
to your wonderful new resort.
Escape the everday at our award winning luxury spa hotel.
We find out why Seasons is so special to members, Su and Keith Blakey.
Renovations at this seaside resort are nearing completion.
Spectacular refurbishments at Clowance, our 100-acre, Cornish woodland estate.
Exciting improvements at our resort on Lanzarote.
We’ve brought a bright new look to our Ayrshire resort.
Investing in our team in order to create amazing experiences for our members.
We discover the latest refurbishments at our clifftop, Spanish resort.
Reaping the rewards as our rental brand goes from strength to strength.
Creating
We discover the Seasons’ story, one that spans more than twenty years.
Luxury in the Lakes after significant investment into this wonderful resort.
We are delighted to announce two exclusive, new resorts to the existing Seasons’ portfolio - the stunning Slaley
BURN
Carl
We take a look back at the dynamic history of Seasons. We thought it would be great to highlight some of our key moments and achievements throughout our business over the last twenty years!
Leave everything behind for Lincolnshire where our new resort, Belton Woods, offers you the perfect luxury escape.
Be inspired by miles of stunning, award-winning coastline, the beauty of unspoilt rolling countryside and the heritage and culture of the historic Cathedral City of Lincoln... If this sounds like your ideal getaway, we are certain you’ll love our new resort in Lincolnshire.
Secluded in its own 475-acre estate, Belton Woods is perfect for your holiday or short break with family and friends. Choose from one of thirty two lodges sleeping between four to eight people. With three styles of luxury accommodation available, enjoy panoramic views over the championship golf course and sprawling landscape. With family activities available on site, it’s the perfect escape.
Don’t be fooled into thinking Lincolnshire is all flat: in the rolling Wolds you’ll discover charming market towns, picturesque walks and unique historic sites, including the birthplace of the Victorian poet Alfred Lord Tennyson.
FACILITIES
THREE GOLF COURSES ( ONE OF WHICH IS A CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE )
SPA, SAUNA, STEAM ROOMS AND TREATMENTS
INDOOR HEATED POOL
TENNIS COURTS
ARCHERY
FOOTBALL PITCH
SEGWAYS AND QUAD BIKING
CRAZY GOLF
NATURE TRAILS
BRASSERIE, RESTAURANT AND BAR
We’re opening the door on one of England’s most magical counties for you.
Another of our new resorts, Slaley Hall, is located in the beautiful countryside of Northumberland.
Stretching from Hadrian’s Wall to the spectacular coastline along the Sco ish border at Berwick-Upon-Tweed, it’s home to ancient castles, unspoilt beaches, rolling hills and rugged moorland. There are sweeping views and friendly market towns at every turn.
The resort nestles in its own 1000-acre estate and is perfect for breaks for couples or families, with thirty seven luxurious lodges set by the side of a lake and overlooking the golf course. There are six types of accommodation for you to choose from, sleeping from four to eight. So why not head north and discover Slaley Hall yourself?
Sca ered a couple of miles off the coast near Seahouses, the Farne Islands were declared by broadcaster Sir David A enborough as his favourite place in the UK to see nature at its best. Can you get a higher recommendation?
FACILITIES
TWO EIGHTEEN HOLE GOLF COURSES
DRIVING RANGE
SPA, SAUNA, STEAM ROOMS AND TREATMENTS
INDOOR HEATED POOL
CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA
ARCHERY
FOOTBALL PITCH
FOUR- SEATER GOLF BUGGIES AVAILABLE FOR EVERY LODGE
OFF-ROAD DRIVING
QUAD BIKING
NATURE TRAILS
BRASSERIE, RESTAURANT AND BAR
After
As many of you will know, we’ve been working tirelessly to unlock the stunning potential of Laugharne and transform it into the one of the leading resorts in the UK. Steeped in cultural history, and with unbelievable views across the Taf Estuary, we are now building a resort that truly does this magical location justice. Although some further development will continue throughout the next couple of years.
Your new resort is not only brilliant for guests but also a real boost for the local economy, with so many benefi ts for the village, surrounding area, Carmarthenshire and beyond.
Like all our resorts, the accommodation and facilities at Laugharne reflect the local area, its wildlife and people, including the poet and writer Dylan Thomas, who enjoyed a long and happy association with the village. The view across the estuary to the wood on Sir John’s Hill is regarded as ‘Milkwood’ which inspired his famous play ‘Under Milkwood’. You can immerse yourself in his world when you visit, with so much of the resort inspired by the landscape and designed to maximise the location.
To date we’ve invested over £7 million developing the resort’s accommodation, pool and our new Milkwood Spa, which has panoramic views across the Taf from the terrace and Café Bar which will seat as many as eighty people.
“ Laugharne is such an idyllic place with lots of cultural history and the Milkwood Spa will reflect the local area and character ”
Louise James, Blackthorn
Design Studio
Louise has also been behind the design of our fabulous Milkwood Spa: “We wanted to create a space where you could really be pampered, without losing touch with your setting. The purpose-built spa and pool areas have extensive facilities including a state-ofthe-art gym, treatment rooms, manicure and pedicure, sauna, steam room, relaxation room with heated beds and an outdoor terrace with heated infinity spa pool. But the highlight has to be the infinity lap pool with expansive glazing and views over the woodland to the estuary.”
At our award-winning spa at Seaham Hall, our world-class therapists have played a huge part in planning treatments, training and making sure the whole experience will be one you won’t forget.
“ The building is contemporary and sleek but provides a friendly and comfortable welcome with warm, tactile materials of slate, copper and timber - bringing the outside in ”
Indulge yourself in a Spa treatment. Therapists from our award winning spa at Seaham Hall have ensured it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
We’ve begun an extensive £2 million refurbishment programme of The Ferry Hill Lodges to create spectacular new self-catering accommodation. The existing buildings will be fully renovated with the addition of a large private balcony. These lodges have an enviable position on the site with amazing coastal views from the expansive windows. There’ll be twelve lodges completed before the end of the year. (We’ve already sold eight so there’s no be er time to pay us a visit.)
Glan Y Mor is one of the newest editions to The Park Collection. Set overlooking the Taf Estuary, we think that it’s possibly one of the best spots at the resort! “Glan Y Mor occupies a very special site at Laugharne having fabulous views over the Taf Estuary,” explains designer Simon Bray. “To make the most of this spectacular location I have given both bed positions a direct view of the estuary through fully glazed French doors.”
Equally, the spacious living area with its huge picture window and the stunning hot tub deck enjoys the same view of this constantly changing landscape. The interiors in Glan Y Mor are luxuriously appointed with bespoke designer kitchens and bedroom cabinetry, along with the best in lighting, furniture and fi ings. This is all set against a colour and texture pale e that is sympathetic to the coastal location, ensuring that this amazing lodge sits in perfect comfort within one of the UK’s most beautiful locations.
So much of the resort is inspired by the landscape and designed to maximise our location
Resort Manager, Laugharne Estate
We encouraged Erin to swap her hard hat for a cup of tea and answer a few questions…
What is your favourite thing about Laugharne?
Can I say all of it?! It’s such an exciting place right now with the building of the new Milkwood Spa, and Café Bar, the new Ferry Hill project and the Dylans. But one thing that will never change is our outstanding view of the Taf Estuary.
What is the one thing that all guests must see when they visit?
At the moment we’re a work in progress but before too long every guest must experience our new Milkwood Spa. Nowhere else in Wales will boast such fantastic facilities in such an amazing place. You’ll be able to relax in style and absorb the view.
Our Reservations Manager, Anne Marie James, shares a few of her favourite places in and around the resort with you.
ROOM WITH A VIEW
This has to be ‘The View’ Park Collection next to the Milkwood Spa. I never tire of the outlook across the Taf Estuary. I could stare out of the window or sit outside on the balcony all day, depending on the weather!
LOCAL FOOD
Personally I really like Penderyn Restaurant. It’s new to the village and sources its ingredients from the local farmers and growers. Another favourite is The Ferryman. It’s a short drive away but well worth it.
It’s ever-changing and the wonderful colours will take your breath away.
What should every guest do on their first visit?
Visit Dylan Thomas’ boathouse and writing shed, tour the historical Laugharne Castle and visit one of the local stores. Take a short drive to the beautiful Pendine beach or visit the Museum of Speed.
What is the best moment you’ve had with Seasons whilst working at your resort?
The day we broke ground on the new facilities. To be part of the project from day one is really special and having worked in the old facilities many years ago it’s great to see such amazing changes!
How would you describe the resort in three words Watch, this, space!
YOU WON’T FORGET
The beaches are amazing, head into Pembrokeshire and walk around Saundersfoot and Tenby Harbour. If you’ve got family, there are activity parks such as Heatherton, Folly Farm or even Oakwood Theme Park.
INDULGE YOURSELF
The Milkwood Spa is going to be world-class. After a relaxing treatment, treat yourself to a glass of bubbly on the rooftop terrace.
As a result of all their hard work and initiative, one of our team members was described by a guest as ‘a hero’ – an accolade that inspired us to introduce ‘The Golden Cape Awards’. All of the positive comments we receive during the month are added up and the winning department is allowed to wear a golden cape for the day! We have also set up an initiative called ‘walk in another team member’s shoes’, where team members join other departments in order to get a be er understanding of the different roles.
We’re proud of our team, pictured here on a tour of the Milkwood Spa under construction, and they can’t wait to welcome you to Laugharne in 2019.
JAMES WHYTE – GUEST RELATIONS MANAGER
James joined us in 2017, and quickly showed he was a true team player in our Bath marketing office. He really wanted to progress his career with us and is now Laugharne’s new Guest Relations Manager for 2019!
JACK SHEPPARD - HEAD OF GROUNDS
Local boy Jack couldn’t have joined Laugharne at a be er time with all the incredible transformations taking place. Jack’s already put fresh ideas forward and has a very hands on approach to his role. He’s certainly enjoying the challenge and is really relishing being a part of our team.
Relax in our Tepidarium, experience a Salt Sauna or warm up in our Herbal Steam Room and let your cares slip away in the new Milkwood Spa.
Due to their popularity, the Dylan’s portfolio continues to grow. So far, we’ve completed eight lodges which are all available for our members to enjoy this year.
From the bright, fresh and elegantly styled interiors to the luxurious hot tub, the spacious Dylan Lodges are the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With two cosy bedrooms and a stylish open-plan living area, these lodges provide the ideal space for up to six guests to enjoy an indulgent getaway.
If you haven’t seen any of these changes as they’ve taken shape, you’re in for a wonderful surprise. We can’t wait to show you.
We were delighted to talk to Keith Blakey and his wife Su about their ownership and why Seasons is so special to both them and their family.
We are always pleased to hear from members about their experiences at Seasons and to follow their journey from the very first time they experience a Seasons’ resort through to owning a full suite of products. Back in 2008, Keith and Su received an email from Seasons offering them the chance to experience a free Clubseaons Membership.
Keith and Su had previous experience of timeshare presentations and were a li le cautious at the outset, but they needn’t have worried. As Keith explained: “We accepted the offer and took our introductory holiday at Laugharne. We loved it so much that we bought a Green membership giving us a one bedroom lodge, for one week.”
“Emiel and Carl put us at ease from the start. It was at this point that we began our very positive relationship with Seasons. Our lasting memory of this and subsequent meetings with Seasons staff is of li le pressure and the accepted reassurances that any decision we made had to be right for us.”
Emiel and Carl put us at ease from the start. It was at this point that we began our very positive relationship with Seasons
Keith and Su returned to Laugharne in January 2009 to take their Green week and, after meeting up again with Emiel and Carl, decided to upgrade their product to a Red season. By May 2009, they had purchased a second week and became ‘full elite’ members. They told us that they appreciated the way they were approached by the ‘sales’ team and the non-aggressive approach of the client relationship.
“ We enjoy being members of a club and this has been a major factor in the very high opinion we have of Seasons,” said Keith. For the Blakey’s, there are many benefits of Seasons’ ownership: “We like the fact that there is a time limited contract (sixteen years) and the options we have at the end of the contracted period. We also have the option to lease our weeks, include our children in the contracts and are able to leave them with a legacy which they already value,” adds Keith, “And not forge ing the very approachable and helpful staff - Leela and Kara are diamonds! ”
During their membership Keith and Su have held a variety of products, including Brunston and Whitbarrow. Their current portfolio includes the 4 Keys at Laugharne, giving them eleven weeks, nine of which can be offered back to Seasons to be sub-let. They also own three, 28 Keys at Burn Park, two of which they have gifted to their children, so that they and their young families can enjoy the Seasons’ experience for themselves. They have a 36 Keys at Brunston as well as the Seasons’ Flexipack, which allows sixteen weekly periods to be taken by 2034. This gives them the opportunity to exchange through Interval International and Dial an Exchange and has the added benefit that their children and grandchildren have greater flexibility with their holidays. “Our final product is at 25 Keys at Clowance, we have a sleep six that we lease back, as well as a sleep two, which is our treat,” says Keith with a smile, “we keep this for ourselves!”
The couple have been fortunate enough to visit each of the Seasons’ resorts, both in this country and abroad.
“They each have their a ractive aspects. Our favourite, however, is Laugharne,“ says Keith. “The view over the estuary is amazing and the town a real treasure. The Dylans are exceptional and the new Milkwood Spa will make it even be er! The reception staff, Erin, membership services, guest relations…they are all exceptional. We feel at home there.”
If Keith and Su’s story has inspired you to start or expand your Seasons’ ownership, then call one of our friendly team on 01994 426000 to find out more.
Our lasting memory
of
Seasons’ staff is of li le pressure and the accepted reassurances that any decision we made had to be right for us
We’re creating quite at stir at Clowance, our 100-acre, Cornish woodland estate.
There have been so many exciting changes here at Clowance over the last year. Many of our existing properties and facilities have been refurbished and we’ve made some spectacular additions to give you an even bigger and be er choice of accommodation at the resort. All without affecting any of Clowance’s original character or tranquillity. We spoke to Resort Manager, Wayne Gilbert to find out more.
“ Clowance is a place I’ve been privileged to be involved with whilst working on the redevelopment projects of the Coach Houses. It’s a real honour to have taken the reins as Resort Manager this year and I looking forward to taking care of our guests with our excellent team! ”
Following the amazing response we had to the refurbishment of the Troutbecks at Whitbarrow, we thought it was the right time to share the unique 25 Keys experience with our guests in Cornwall. Where be er to start than the distinctive A-frames at Clowance, which have been given a complete luxury makeover from top to bo om, including the addition of beautiful, secluded outdoor spaces with hot tubs.
The end result is stunning, and we’re so happy with the feedback we’ve already received. For us the ‘wow factor’ has to be the bright and spacious living areas, which make the most of the great views of the surrounding woodland and estate.
£2.5 million has already been spent on transforming the A-frames into these superb lodges, with twenty already completed and occupied. The final ten lodges will be ready next year – making a total of thirty A-frames and a total investment of over £3.5 million. When you see them, we hope you’ll agree, it’s worth every penny.
The A-frame structure has an abundance of character built in. My brief was to allow this to fully feature, maximise the feeling of light and volume and make the very most of the available space. The huge glazed fronts let light and the essence of Clowance flood inDesigner, Simon Bray
Continued
Everybody needs room to unwind so we’ve invested £1 million in refurbishing the Coach House and created more space by reducing the number of apartments from thirteen to just five. Designer Simon Bray explains his vision: “My brief was to turn the beautiful Coach House’s building into five equally beautiful luxury apartments, drawing on the scale and strength of architecture whilst bearing in mind its history.” As a result, the rugged character of the building has been retained yet with a superbly sophisticated light-industrial ambience. No two rooms are the same shape and all the ceilings have been opened up to allow the building’s substantial roof trusses to impose their age and character The Coach House apartments are part of the new Park Collection stock and we can’t wait for other members to experience them.
After a refurbishment programme costing over £200,000, which has restored the beautiful stonework and retained many original period features, we’re delighted that Clowance’s former rectory is now open for the first time to guests and is proving to be very successful in the rental market.
Here you’ll find a cosy lounge area, open plan kitchen-diner and an airy conservatory that offers stunning views of the surrounding woodland. Upstairs there are three bedrooms with two en-suites. And when the sun shines, or the stares twinkle, you can take it easy outdoors on your own private terrace - with luxurious hot tub of course!
Future plans for 2019 include the makeover of our sleep eight Patio Homes, followed by the
The Club House at Clowance has been transformed, creating a tranquil and comfortable space in which visitors can enjoy food and drink from our new Café Bar menu (see page 50 for more details). The changes, which are near completion, have been inspired by the resort’s year-round beauty with large windows giving fabulous views over the grounds and lake. The design brief was to create a ‘secret garden’ feel using a combination of vivid floral fabrics, warm feature lighting and a ‘gated eating space’
that will open out on to an elegant terrace. There will be convivial, break out seating areas where you can relax with a coffee and a book or enjoy an early evening drink as the sun goes down.
The transformation of the Club House has included a fresh, modern upgrade to the pool and changing area. This includes the addition of a spa pool and comfortable poolside furniture which we think you’re going to love.
Reception, Clowance
Leah Trengrove imparts some of her valuable inside knowledge on Clowance and Cornwall.
What would you say is the best kept secret about your resort?
It has to be our stunning grounds, nestled in 100 acres of beautiful woodland. The se ing is idyllic, with each season offering something different –from carpets of bluebells and wild garlic in spring, to stunning displays of colour in autumn.
Which is your favourite type of accommodation and why?
This would definitely be the Treehouse – it’s the ultimate luxury hideaway! Situated in the treetops, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind while enjoying uninterrupted views of the lake. A place of peace and tranquillity.
Which activity would you highly recommend our guests take part in at your resort?
All guests should make the most of the opportunity to hire out a boat and go for a gentle row around the lake. It’s a beautiful spot to relax and see the resort from a different vantage point. Our resident swan, George, may even pop by to say hello!
WHICH LOCAL RESTAURANT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?
There are so many great restaurants nearby that I am spoiled for choice. I always enjoy eating in Amelies in Porthleven, a fishing harbour about a fifteen minute drive from Clowance Estate. For a more fine dining experience, The Cove at Maenporth is definitely the place to go. The sea views are spectacular and the food and service is second to none.
WHAT ARE BEST LOCAL ATTRACTIONS TO EXPERIENCE?
Cornwall’s stunning coastline is its best a raction in my opinion. There are so many beautiful beaches and fantastic coastal walks to take advantage of, whatever the weather. St Michael’s Mount is definitely worth a visit, especially as the history of the owners, the St Aubyns, is
WHY IS THIS AREA OF CORNWALL SO SPECIAL TO YOU?
WAYNE GILBERT RESORT MANAGER
Wayne’s worked in the construction industry for a number of years and got to know Clowance when he was one of the head project managers overseeing the spectacular renovation of the Coach Houses.
When the project finished, he joined us as a Construction Manager and has recently taken the reins of Resort Manager and brings a great volume of management skills and a real head on approach to running the resort!’
It’s steeped in history with much to discover just a stone’s throw of the site. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning our stunning coastline and old engine houses are protected. Together with castles and manor houses, there’s something for everyone to see. And if you want to relax, we have enough beaches for every day of the month!
ARE THERE ANY WALKS IN AND AROUND THE AREA YOU WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?
There are many lovely woodland walks to be enjoyed within the grounds of Clowance Estate. Each of them clearly marked out with signposts and interesting li le snippets of history about the estate. However, in terms of coastal walks, my favourite is the one that runs from Godrevy Head to Hell’s Mouth.
Resort Manager, Clowance
What’s your favourite thing about Clowance?
Coming down the main drive each morning and seeing the resort in all its glory.
What should every guest do on their first visit? Make your way around the lake for some stunning views of Clowance House. It’s definitely the perfect picture opportunity, and it’ll help you to get to grips with the sheer size of our 100-acre site.
What is the best moment you’ve had with Seasons whilst working at your resort?
Every time I speak with a guest or visitor and they thank me for their stay. It shows me that we’re doing the right things and making each visit special. How would you describe the resort in just three words? Charming, stunning, picturesque.
Secluded and overlooking the lake, it has its own magical, some say spiritual, feel. The spacious open plan living area is flooded with natural light and features a fully-equipped modern kitchen curving effortlessly around the outside wall, and a central dining area with a round timber table. A timber terrace wraps the circular structure and features a gorgeous outdoor bathtub where you can star gaze and enjoy the sights and sounds of the woodland.
Of course, designing a luxury living space that isn’t square and sits in a tree isn’t straightforward. As our designer Simon Bray explains: “Designing the interior of The Treehouse presented quite a challenge as there’s hardly a straight wall in site!” This makes for a stunning building nestling harmoniously in the woods, but one which required a bespoke fit out to maximise the space inside. The handmade and hand-painted, fitted cabinetry had to be designed to fit snugly to the curves of the building. An oak dining table was commissioned for the centrepiece of the main room, made from a single slice of an oak tree trunk. It’s totally unique and could have come directly out of the surrounding woods!
This wonderful, unique property has already been critically acclaimed in the media, including The Evening Standard and The Times newspapers.
Secluded and overlooking the lake, the Treehouse has its own magical, some say spiritual, feel
Our great weather creates a relaxed atmosphere where team members and guests love to catch up
With more exciting improvements taking place at Club Tahiti, we hear from Resort Manager, Andy Leatham, about our resort on Lanzarote.
2018 has been another great year for everyone at Club Tahiti. Andy tells us: “I’m delighted to be carrying on the brilliant work of our previous Resort Manager, Gemma who helped to make us the number one destination within Costa Teguise on TripAdvisor. I’m relishing the challenge of my new role and with continued investment in our apartments and facilities – together with the support of my fantastic team – I’m confident that you’re going to love holidaying on Lanzarote this year.”
Over the past few months we’ve been continuing the refurbishment of each and every apartment at the resort. The updates include a new colour scheme, furnishings and breakfast bar to help you start every day in style. The changes have really given the apartments a bright and spacious new look. And, by painstakingly updating one apartment at a time, we’ve been able to really focus on the quality and individuality of the work. We’ve now refurbished around half of our fifty three apartments and we’ll be continuing our programme in 2019.
Club Tahiti is the perfect place to holiday with your children. So, for extra peace of mind, we’ve now added a gated entrance to the resort.
Team Tahiti has continued to act on your valuable feedback, fine-tuning their skills to deliver you an even more memorable experience. In a recent training session they commi ed themselves to raising more money for charities throughout the year. During 2019, Team Tahiti will be fundraising on behalf of a local disability charity. Keep an eye on our Facebook page (@clubtahitiCT) for more details.
Resort Manager, Club Tahiti
Andy’s another member of our team who’s had an exceptionally busy year, stepping into the role of Resort Manager and helping to oversee the refurbishment programme.
What is your favourite thing about Club Tahiti?
The relaxed, friendly atmosphere and my caring and professional team. The team here rarely changes so our repeat guests get to know us –and we get to know them, meaning many guests spend three and four weeks with us in one go.
What would you recommend that guests do when they visit the resort?
Relax in our open air jacuzzi, eat in our Clubhouse and then be entertained by some of the island’s best singers and musicians.
What should new guests do on their first visit?
Find out everything there is to see and do at our very informal, but informative, welcome meeting, while catching up with team members. Anything else?
Visit Timanfaya National Park, it’s where NASA have tested out equipment for use on the moon! Or go in search of the Cesar Manrique inheritance at Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua.
How would you describe the resort in just three words?
Small, friendly, relaxed.
Got a question? Most of Andy’s team have lived on the island for many years and know it inside out!
We’ve been busy at Brunston this year, giving your accommodation and facilities a bright, new look.
We think you have to go a long way to beat the Ayrshire coast if you love rolling hills and beautiful beaches, good food and days out exploring. And now, to make your break even more memorable in 2019, we’ve continued to refurbish and upgrade your resort. Whether you’re taking a long, luxurious soak in your hot tub or enjoying a delicious hot drink in the new Café Bar, we are excited to share with you all of the improvements we’ve been making.
We’ve just completed the stunning refurbishment of the two-storey Ailsa Craig lodge. Spacious enough for eight guests, it’s the perfect choice for family escapes or group getaways. The lodge boasts four beautifully furnished bedrooms, including a master with en-suite, a bright and airy open plan living area and private veranda, complete with luxurious outdoor hot tub.
Also refurbished during 2018 – and just in time for our glorious hot summer – was the Bargany Spa lodge. With its bright, spacious interior, cosy lounge area and two beautifully furnished bedrooms, it’s already proving really popular for parties of up to four guests.
There’s also a private veranda overlooking the grounds. Making it the perfect place to either start your day with coffee or end it with a relaxing dinner, before taking a long soak under the stars in your outdoor hot tub.
And if hot tubs aren’t your thing then we’ve also refurbished the Bargany Lodge to exactly the same high standards. The bright, spacious interior has been lovingly furnished to meet all your holiday needs, including a modern kitchen. Sleeping up to four people in two bedrooms, it provides the ideal base for a luxurious selfcatering break with your loved ones.
Rolling hills, beaches, good food and days out exploring... you can’t beat the Ayrshire coast
The new Café Bar was refurbished towards the end 2017 and has gone down a treat with all our members and rental guests who stayed with us last year. Even be er news, we now have an alcohol license, so you can enjoy a glass of wine or bo le of beer as well as our famous choice of hot drinks, sandwiches and cakes.
There are so many wonderful walks around Brunston it’s a paradise for anyone that loves exercise. But if that’s not enough, we’ve recently updated the gym with Life Fitness equipment, a new floor and interior. You’re going to really love doing your workout here! We hope to see you at Brunston soon for a wonderful, relaxing break in the Girvan Valley.
At Seasons we believe in investing in our people. Not just so they can take be er care of you, but also themselves. So one of the courses we’ve completed this year has been Manual Handling (safe lifting) training for members of our maintenance, grounds, housekeeping and reception teams.
Many of our teams have completed or refreshed their Fire Training too. On top of that there’s training for our new starters and on going training for all staff with our ‘What good looks like’ boards (see page 44 for more details)
But 2018 hasn’t been all hard work. Our reception and housekeeping teams ran their own version of ‘Come Dine with Me’ and at our Christmas party we played a fun game we call ‘Two Truths and a Lie’. We could tell you what happened, but we can’t promise it would be the truth!
We invest significantly in training our team, see page 44 to find out more. But if there’s something you think we could be doing be er, please tell us!
Resort Manager, Brunston Castle
What’s your favourite thing about Brunston? It has to be our stunning location.
What is the one thing that all guests must try out whilst visiting the resort?
Relaxing in our new Café Bar and enjoying the fantastic view is a must.
What should new guests do when they first visit?
Take a drive along the Ayrshire coastline. It’s beautiful and there are so many fantastic things to see and do. I would also recommend a visit to Culzean Castle, Robert Burns’ birth place and the Electric Brae – where your car will seem to travel uphill on its own!
What is the best moment you’ve had with Seasons whilst working at your resort?
One moment that instantly springs to mind is seeing the complete transformation of the Leisure Centre and the delight on guests’ faces when they see it for the first time.
How would you describe the resort in three words?
Quiet, scenic, relaxing.
Brunston’s receptionist Donna shares a few of her favourite places.
BEST KEPT SECRET
Not everyone knows just how great Brunston is for exploring Scotland, its islands and even Northern Ireland. Glasgow and Edinburgh are both within two hours away respectively. Take a short drive to Ardrossan ferry terminal and you can make the crossing to the Isle of Arran and beyond. Or drive south for an hour to Cairnryan and catch a ferry to Belfast for a daytrip.
EXPLORE A CASTLE
Culzean Castle is a stunning, cliff top National Trust property just a fifteen minute drive from Brunston, with huge grounds that include gardens and an adventure playground.
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD
Book a table at the award-winning Souter’s Inn, in the picturesque village of Kirkoswald, just a fifteen minute drive away. It has a fabulous, locally-sourced menu inspired by traditional Sco ish fayre given a modern twist.
Galloway Forest Park has everything. Rolling hills, beautiful waterfalls and wildlife – all accessible by car, bike or on foot. The forest also has one of the UK’s only Dark Sky Parks and observatory and is one of Europe’s best places for stargazing.
Dailly and the surrounding area offers some fantastic walking. The Dailly Trails offer five walks ranging from two and a half to six and a half miles, taking in hills, castles, and river walks. There are similar trails locally in Barr, Girvan and Maybole and a really picturesque coastal path, also starting from Girvan.
Our latest refurbishments are transforming Forest Hills, our Spanish resort.
With unspoilt views of three countries, on two continents, Forest Hills is already rather special. But add to that newly refurbished apartments, decorated in vibrant Andalucian colour schemes, new features and stylish décor, and you can begin to see why this is a delightful place to stay
in southern Spain. During 2019 we’ll be continuing the refurbishments by investing in the poolside, communal areas and apartments.
This is also a tenth work anniversary for Resort Manager, Deborah Marsh and her team members Sebastian, Renata, Aneta and Natalie making it all that more special.
A refreshing ‘sun downer’ by the pool is a wonderful way to round off your day
With the resort being busy all year round, we were lucky enough to catch Deborah to pick her brains on Forest Hills and its surroundings.
What’s your favourite thing about Forest Hills?
The views over Spain, the Straights of Gibraltar and mountains of Morocco. Also, because we’re set back from the beach, the peace, tranquillity and feeling of being in a rural se ing.
What is the one thing that all guests must do when they visit the resort?
Walk from the resort into the hills and valleys to take in the campo and the views. Or pack a picnic and head to the river where you can enjoy a swim in one of the natural pools.
What should new guests do on their first visit?
Rent a car and enjoy the freedom of Andalucia. Or just enjoy the wonderful resort facilities – a refreshing sun downer by the pool is a wonderful way to round off your day!
What’s the best moment you’ve had whilst working at your resort?
Seeing guests return as old friends and watching their kids grow up!
How would you describe the resort in just three words?
Fairy-tale, sensational, serene.
A day trip to the Moroccan city of Tangiers, or the towns of Granada, Seville, Cordoba or Cadiz. If you stay in the city overnight you can experience the true spirit of Spain. Then there’s jeep safaris, eco-tours of the region’s flora and fauna – truly something for everyone.
If you have been on a great trip or walk we would love to hear about it so we can share your experience with other guests!
Resort Manager, Knocktopher Abbey
Derek heads up an excellent, friendly and enthusiastic team, as we find out when we catch him for some invaluable, insider knowledge.
What’s your favourite thing about Knocktopher Abbey?
It has to be one of the most relaxing holiday destinations. Our guests come from all over the world to explore Ireland’s beautiful south east counties and being a small, tranquil resort, guests call it their ‘home away from home’.
What should new guests do on their first visit?
Come to our coffee morning! We’ll tell you all the things to see and do in the area and you can get ideas from other guests too.
What’s the best moment you’ve had whilst working at your resort?
Wow, there’s so many best moments, but when my team comes together and delivers amazing experiences for our guests,and each other, it’s a moment not to forget.
How would you describe the resort in just three words?
Historic, unique, friendly.
MAKING THE MOST OF THE AREA
Hire a car! It’s the only way to really discover the local area. Like the medieval capital of Ireland, Kilkenny, with its historic buildings and friendly locals. It was also recently named top foodie destination in Ireland for 2018! A LITTLE LOCAL KNOWLEDGE...
We’ve been adding a li le luxury to make Knocktopher Abbey more of a ‘home away from home’ than ever.
We have had another busy year here at our wonderful resort in south east Ireland.
We’ve completely renovated three co ages, with new luxury kitchens, bedrooms, living and dining areas and bathrooms. Two other co ages have been given a lighter refurbishment, including new bathrooms, along with the Tower Suite in the main building. In the main reception area, you’ll now find a ‘coffee dock’ so you can grab a cup on your way out for a day’s exploration. All our communal spaces are
currently being redecorated and will be ready to welcome you in the spring. We look forward to sharing our famous Irish hospitality with you.
Our guests come here from all over the world to explore Ireland’s beautiful south east counties
Want to know where to go and what to see?
Don’t miss the weekly coffee morning!
Significant investment in Whitbarrow Village is set to make stays even more sumptuous.
Here in the Lake District time usually passes slowly and peacefully. But things have been a li le more hectic in recent months as we find out when we spoke to Resort Manager, Julie Kennedy. The sensitive addition of updated facilities and modern-day luxuries at this characterful village resort are making your escape to the Lake District more luxurious and indulgent than ever.
At the 25 Keys Troutbecks we have invested in refurbishments that draw inspiration from the surrounding Lakes. Ten of the thirteen co ages are complete and looking fantastic, with spacious open plan living areas (some benefiting from a reverse level living layout) providing the perfect place to relax and unwind with soft lighting, cosy armchairs and luxurious soft furnishings. If you’re coming with the family then possibly the biggest hit has to be the secret pull out bed and a children’s den!
The biggest hit has to be the secret pull out bed and the children’s den in the Troutbecks!
To round off a busy year The Farmhouse picked up the award for ‘Self Catering Holiday Provider of the Year’ at the Cumbria Tourism Awards 2018! The whole team is understandably very proud of our achievement.
Continued
Can you think of a way we can make Whitbarrow an even more wonderful place to stay? Let us know.
At The Derwents, we’ve completed a soft refurbishment programme to Seasons’ trademark high standards that we’re sure members and holidaymakers will love. The upgrades have preserved the special co age feel, whilst adding the modernday comforts you expect when you stay.
Not to be left out, rooms in The Whitbarrow Hotel have also been lovingly improved and the hotel is proving more popular than ever with guests. The hotel now has its own website – take a look at www.whitbarrowhotellakedistrict.co.uk
We had a fantastic time at Armathwaite Hall for our Whitbarrow Village away day. It was really engaging, informative and fun. Everybody returned to work with lots of energy and enthusiasm the next day!! Can’t wait for the next one! Franceska & SteveReception & Maintenance
Department heads and supervisors began 2018 with a team building event at Armathwaite Hall. They spent the day focussing on what makes Whitbarrow, and Seasons, special for guests and how we can improve our service to guests.
As you can imagine, developing and running a wonderful resort like Whitbarrow to such high standards involves significant investment and expenditure. So, it was good to give the team a clear understanding of the commitment involved, the benefits of budgeting wisely and how we are all accountable as a team. INTERIORS
OLLY WILDS – GUEST RELATIONS MANAGER
Despite being one of the youngest members of our Guest Relations team, Olly has proven himself to be highly driven and dedicated. Now back where he started at Whitbarrow, he’s just been appointed to head up our Lake District Guest Relations team!
Resort Manager, Whitbarrow
What is your favourite thing about the resort?
My favourite thing is the character of the resort. The traditional co ages still have their original features from when they were farm buildings and the cobbled street gives the resort a wonderfully quaint ‘village’ feel.
What is the one thing that all guests must do when they visit the resort?
We are so lucky to have such wonderful grounds here and they are teaming with all sorts of wildlife that I think all our guests should see.
How would you describe the resort in three words?
Quaint, breath-taking, peaceful.
RETAIL THERAPY
Keswick, located right on the shores of Derwentwater, is one of my favourite places in the Lake District so I would highly recommend all our guests explore this lovely market town, especially since it is only ten miles from Whitbarrow. As well as lots of independent shops along the high street, Keswick also holds a wonderful market every Thursday where you are sure to find the perfect piece of memorabilia from your stay in the Lakes. The ‘Theatre by the Lake’ also provides a great opportunity to take in a show.
What should new guests do on their first visit?
There is so much to see and do in this wonderful area but we also try to keep everyone busy when they are on the resort. Our Archery sessions are always a huge hit so I definitely recommend guests give it a go and you can’t beat a friendly (or competitive) round of crazy golf when they are here.
What is the best moment you’ve had with Seasons whilst working at your resort?
By far the best moment was in March 2018 at the Cumbria Tourism Awards. The team were all delighted when our Farmhouse Apartments were declared the winners of ‘Self Catering Holiday Provider of the Year’. A huge honour to receive and is testament to the hard work of the team and the beautiful accommodation that we have on the resort.
The quaint town of Greystoke is only 3 miles away with the bustling Boot and Shoe Pub proving to be a great place to call in for a meal and the beautiful Greystoke Church, built in the thirteenth century, and Greystoke Castle Estate, which has been in the Howard family for fourteen generations, are both lovely places to visit during your stay at Whitbarrow.
We’ve created the perfect space at Seaham Hall for you to escape the hurly burly of everyday life.
We’ve invested more than £3 million since Seasons acquired Seaham Hall in 2012, to make it into the award-winning, luxury hotel it is today. Throughout 2018 we’ve continued to upgrade and transform the hotel, so that we now offer what is widely considered to be one of the best spa breaks in the UK.
Our latest addition is The Zen Garden, where we invite you to escape the madness of the modern world to find peace and tranquillity. Set in a secluded green space, it has a fabulous infinity hydrotherapy pool with swan neck jets, surrounded by a relaxation area with bespoke beds and heaters, so you can find calm all year round.
The Zen Garden is situated next to our 44,000 sq.ft Serenity Spa, which features a pool, outdoor hot tubs, three new thermal rooms and our Pan-Asian restaurant, The Ozone. The experience is inspired by Far Eastern healing and wellness rituals and is a truly inspiring space to engage the senses and nurture the soul.
The poet Lord Byron married Anne Isabella Milbanke at Seaham Hall in 1815 and for many years the hall’s splendour continued to a ract the rich and the powerful, including Disraeli. Today our executive suites turn the clock back to the Hall’s glory days, offering you the height of luxury living.
As we go to press, we are also refurbishing and adding hot tubs to our Garden Suites, with the first suite close to completion and work soon to begin on the remaining two. The outdoor hot tub area has also been refurbished, making it an even be er space to enjoy the sun.
2019 brings you a unique opportunity to own your very own Luxury Lodge in the grounds of Seaham Hall, complete with beautiful coastal views. In total, twenty four luxury lodges will be available to purchase. There will also be four magnificent ‘Honka’ lodges, just like the bright and beautiful Glasshouse we have at Burn. And if you own one of our lodges, you’ll have complete freedom of the grounds and facilities at the hotel.
The development will begin this summer and a show unit will be available to view in the grounds during this time. It won’t surprise you to hear that these lodges will be extremely popular. So, if you’d like to find out more, or wish to express an interest in purchasing, contact lodges@seaham-hall.co.uk as soon as possible.
We invite you to escape the madness of the modern world to find peace and tranquillity
Se ing the standard when it comes to luxury, the outside spaces at the hotel are just a taste of what’s inside.
LUXURY LODGE A CGI image showing the kind of lodge that will be available at Seaham this year.
Don’t miss your chance to own your very own slice of luxury at Seaham Hall. Contact lodges@ seaham-hall. co.uk to discover more.
We’ve been investing significantly in recent years on refurbishing all our resorts, so we can deliver the ultimate luxury experience. If we judged our resorts purely on the level of investment made in 2018, then Burn must surely take the prize. We talk to Debbie, as she takes us through some of the ways we’ve spent over £2 million on upgrading and improving Burn over the last twenty four months.
“
I’m proud to say that Burn is ge ing closer and closer to being Seasons’ first totally renovated resort ”
In 2017 we opened our new Café Bar and introduced the stunning Glasshouse and Cornish Lodge – but that was just the shape of things to come. During 2018, Burn entered the final exciting phase of its overall refurbishment, including the completion of our 28 Keys co ages, superb leisure facilities and wonderful outdoor spaces. And, if you love our trademark luxury hot tubs then you may like to know that nowhere has more refurbished hot tub accommodation than us!
Last year also saw an eagerly awaited spruce up of the outdoor space leading from the foot of the leisure facilities to the children’s park below the decking area.
The maintenance and grounds teams have done an amazing job, creating stunning new flowerbeds and lawns. If you take a walk along the new, stylish pathway to the leisure facilities you’ll see our grand new glass porch entrance that adds a more modern and a ractive touch to the building. Debbie adds: “As you can see the whole outdoor space has been transformed!”
Inside the leisure building, the changing rooms have been treated to some elegant new tiling as well as the installation of extra showers and new lockers. You can now relax in style poolside on beautiful new furniture with new tiling, decking and cladding giving the whole pool area a fresh new look.
If you
love our trademark luxury hot tubs
then you
may like to know that nowhere has more refurbished hot tub accommodation
From the beautifully decorated bedrooms, where you can lie back on dreamy beds watching flat screen TVs, to the spacious outdoor decking areas with private hot tubs, all of our 28 Keys co ages are now completed. The Chudleigh’s, Godolphins, Shanning’s, Hopton’s, Bevill’s & Trevanion’s co ages, otherwise known as ‘The Summerlease Co ages’, have everything you could want for a luxurious, family self-catering break. We’ve already had the pleasure of welcoming some of you to these co ages, and the feedback we’ve been ge ing has surpassed our expectations.
We’ll be putting the finishing touches to your luxurious Burn resort in 2019, with more soft refurbishments planned for some of the cottages.
The team at Burn goes from strength to strength and throughout the year they’ve taken part in lots of training activities. When they’re not hard at work, you may catch a glimpse of the team playing their favourite (and ever competitive) Frisbee rugby, where different departments fight for the bragging rights of the resort.
DEBBIE SMITH – RESORT MANAGER
Debbie’s a fantastic example of how hard work and dedication goes a long way. Joining the team three years ago as a housekeeper, she quickly moved on to the bar before becoming a receptionist, then reception manager.
In 2018 Debbie was promoted again, firstly to Duty Manager and then Resort Manager! It’s wonderful to see Debbie come through the ranks and take on running the resort with such passion.
DENE TOPLISS - MAINTENANCE MANAGER
After finishing college, Dene began working in Plymouth University’s maintenance team before moving to Bude last spring. He’s brought with him tremendous experience of skills including carpentry, plumbing, painting and stone masonry and is a brilliant asset to the team. Keep an eye out for the ‘golden-haired surfer’ on your next visit to north Cornwall.
To help you make the most of your stay, Reception Manager Gemma has a few of her own favourite places to share with you
If you want to know the best things to see and do they say ‘ask a local’. And no one knows Burn and the surrounding area be er than Gemma. Not only does she have her own favourite spots, but because she welcomes you, she gets to hear all about yours too!
PEACE & QUIET
What surprises so many of our guests is how peaceful and calm it is at Burn. There’s always an opportunity to find your own quiet corner. Some of the lodges, like the Godolphin Stable, have completely private decking that’s perfect for an evening of stargazing in the hot tub!
At the same time, we’re only a stone’s throw from Bude, which has been awarded the UK’s best Seaside Town by the British Travel Awards 2018 – the third time it’s won the award in the past four years. There are lots of places to eat out. Life’s A Beach consistently cooks up delicious fresh fish and seafood dishes. Situated right on the edge of Summerleaze beach, the views are beautiful too. Here you can watch the surfers while you dine.
If you’re visiting for the first time or even if you have been time and time again, a surfing experience should definitely be top of your to-do list. It’s great for all the family and no two surfs are ever the same!
If you love our trademark luxury hot tubs, nowhere has more refurbished hot tub accommodation than us.
The South West Coast Path is right on our doorstep. A favourite stretch of mine is from Northco Mouth across the cliffs to Sandymouth and Duckpool Beaches.
Resort Manager, Burn Park
We persuaded Debbie to take a quick breather to give us some personal insight into her resort and surrounding area.
What is your favourite thing about Burn?
How far it’s come, watching the resort go through the refurbishment programme and emerge with a bright, modern, seaside aesthetic. I also love my team – their positive professional a itude makes working together such a pleasure.
What is the one thing that all guests must do when they visit the resort?
Visit the nearby beaches! They’re stunning and whatever the season you can still enjoy the experience.
DEVON OR CORNWALL?
Both! Being right on the Devon/Cornwall border you have the option of either. But the north Devon beaches of Croyde Bay and Saunton Sands are beautiful for a leisurely stroll across their long sandy stretches.
What should new guests do on their first visit?
Take the fifteen minute walk into Bude from the resort and wander around this beautiful seaside town. Once in the town, you can follow the canal walk or stroll to Widemouth Bay. Drop into one of the great restaurants and pubs with their delicious local menus.
Where would you recommend for a day out?
Because Burn is located right on the Cornwall/ Devon border you have the pick of both counties. I’d suggest visiting the beautiful villages of Tintagel, Boscastle, Clovelly, Port Issac or Padstow.
What’s the best moment you’ve had with Seasons whilst working at your resort?
Having people believe in me, to let me progress in the company and being promoted to Resort Manager.
How would you describe the resort in just three words?
Peaceful, welcoming, picturesque.
At Seasons, we believe that developing our team is essential to creating amazing experiences for you.
2018 was an incredibly positive year for growing and developing our talented team. As we grow, we enjoy recruiting new people that bring a fresh and dynamic approach to our business and you’ll find plenty of new faces to say hello to around the resorts. We have also promoted and rewarded existing staff who have continued to work hard and do a brilliant job for our business. From the wonderful welcome you get on reception and the first class service in our café and bars, to the way we keep our grounds immaculate, it’s our people that make all the difference.
So, with over five hundred employees spread across nine locations in three countries, how do we monitor, maintain and even improve our consistently high standards? We asked our Head of Recruitment and Talent, Nathan Rowlands, to tell us more.
“We want to make sure the service our members enjoy is up there with the best,” says Nathan enthusiastically. “So to assess and improve our performance we use a highly respected business model known as ‘The Performance Equation’ (TPE) that looks at the engagement, skills and outputs of our team.” This is a model that Nathan has implemented across other parts of the business and having seen how successful it has been, the decision was made to roll it out across all of our business.
If you would like to know more about our recruitment model and how it’s helping to improve our guest experience then catch Nathan next time you see him at your resort and he’ll be happy to chat. He would love to hear your feedback.
Engagement with our teams is crucial and at Seasons we feel that it’s important to create an environment where people love coming to work and feel valued. And a happy team means a more memorable stay for our members.
Smiling faces need to be accompanied by skills. So we train our team to standards that compete with the industry’s leading players. “We’ve created our own set of standards that we call ‘What good looks like’. It inspires us to se le for nothing but the best and allows us to test our capabilities against the best in the business,” adds Nathan.
Our promise, at all of our resorts and hotels, is to create amazing experiences, by
loving what we do
Each year, we look forward to annual away-days with our managers. This gives us a chance to meet and review performance as well as being able to take part in some fun activities that help us to bond as a team ourselves. Our managers leave with key ‘takeaways’ that they can feed back to their teams. This, along with regular team member reviews, allows us to accurately measure our progress, engagement and, ultimately, your customer experience. Our promise, at all of our resorts and hotels, is to create amazing experiences, by loving what we do.
You’ve only got to read our Tripadvisor reviews to see that our newly-adopted model is making for an even be er member experience:
“Fantastic property, very friendly staff and excellent customer services on the estate” and “Can’t wait to come back to you in February. Thank you again for the outstanding customer service we received”
It’s important to create an environment where people love coming to work and feel valued
2019 sees us introduce the ‘Employee of the Month’ award at all of our resorts. Is there a member of our team who has made your stay amazing? Or a way you think we can improve our service?
Let your Resort Manager know.
We look back on a successful year in which investment in your resorts and our brand is paying dividends.
Last year’s long hot summer made the overall UK holiday rental market stronger than ever, as we experienced weather normally associated with Club Tahiti and Forest Hills resorts! And at Seasons, we were perfectly placed to make the most of it.
Rentals for Luxury Lodges increased significantly, with direct bookings up by a staggering 97% on 2017. Old and new guests alike were treated to what is now some of the best self-catering accommodation in the UK, with stunning new additions like The Treehouse at Clowance (turn to page 21 to find out more). This puts us in a strong position to target repeat business in 2019 and beyond.
Away from our resorts, the rest of the Seasons team were equally busy. Over the last twelve months we’ve created a new brand, increased our PR and social media coverage and we’re in the process of developing a brand new Seasons website for our members, Designed by Journey, the creators of our Luxury Lodge site.
For those of you who are unsure Luxury Lodges is the rental brand owned by Seasons.
In 2018 we appointed luxury travel specialists Lemongrass Marketing to handle our PR, social media and marketing account. They have an extensive track record of succeeding on behalf of luxury hotel, travel, tourism and destination clients, and have already really got under the skin of our offering to produce some impressive results. For 2019, the main PR focus will, understandably, be on our Five Star resort at Laugharne. But we caught up with Emma Lee, Account Director at Lemongrass to tell us more about the last year.
“It has been a fruitful year working alongside the Seasons team on the Luxury Lodges brand, creating a compelling brand story and bringing their vision to life – to solve the issues of busy families seeking practical but stylish holidays within the UK,” explained Emma. “The feedback from the press has been overwhelmingly positive, which has been reflected in the coverage we have seen over the year, including features in The Times, The Evening Standard, and Harper’s Bazaar. As we look ahead to 2019, we are anticipating the much-awaited launch of Laugharne as we continue to cultivate Luxury Lodges ambassadors through our 2019 campaign.”
Rentals for our Luxury Lodges increased significantly, with direct bookings up by a staggering 97%
Follow us on social media! We’re on Facebook, Instagram and twi er (@LLCollectionUK) so why not keep up to date and get involved? @ LLCollectionUK
Negative online trip advisor reviews play a big impact on lowering our resort ratings which ultimately cause a detrimental effect on our rental business and your rental return money!
We politely ask our members to pass any negative feedback directly onto our resort team during your stay, fi ll out the feedback forms upon departure, email chairmansoffi ce@seasonsholidays.com or even make a telephone call post stay.
Of course, any positive comments please continue to post online!
We hear it over and over again from our members and guests that the refurbishments and improvements we’ve made to our accommodation have really made them ‘a home from home’. So, the concept of home was something we explored further through a series of brand workshops, bringing together all the key aspects of the Luxury Lodge experience to create a new logo.
The new logo utilises two ‘L’s to create an architectural shape that not only represents our spacious, stylish accommodation, but the beautiful open spaces surrounding the resorts. We’ve also opted for warmer, more luxurious brand colours to represent the depth of experiences you can enjoy during your stay. This identity has helped already showcase our new range of properties and will continue to set us apart from the competition in the years ahead. The results we’ve seen since the rebrand speak for themselves.
You can’t beat word of mouth and many of our members and guest recommend us to their friends. To spread the word further, and to new audiences, we invited a number of ‘social influencers’ to stay at our resorts last year. Notably, Mother Of Five Boys in the Glasshouse at Burn, TV actors Sophie Poorley
and Adam Woodward, ‘Shell and the li le ones at Burn’, Instagrammer @faroukjames at Clowance and London blogger Gin And Bone also at Burn. Between them they have a vast amount of followers and we have more visits from other high-profile social influencers planned for 2019. We’ve already seen our Luxury Lodges’ social media presence grow, with over 5,000 ‘friends’ on Facebook and over 4,200 Instagram followers – follow us at @LLCollectionUK.
We’re sure you’ll agree that one of our key selling points is our private hot tubs and, from a digital marketing perspective, it’s important that these are mentioned at every point possible. “With search trends for ‘lodges with hot tubs’ increasing significantly over the last five years it’s important to capture users during this stage of their search cycle, pu ing Luxury Lodges at the forefront of their purchase decision,” says Joe Griffiths, Head of Digital Marketing at our digital agency Journey. “We’ve seen a superior click through rate for adverts that mention hot tubs versus adverts that don’t. These advert types have helped to drive final conversion and played a critical part in the increase of direct bookings.”
Here at Journey, we like to think of ourselves as partners, not providers, and over the past year, we’ve genuinely come to feel like part of the Luxury Lodges team
Harriet McCarrol - Head of Client Success, Journey
From updating our café menu to upgrading our internet speeds and developing a new webiste, we’ve had a busy year!
As we continue our work to upgrade your resorts and deliver the most amazing experiences, we really value your feedback on anything we could be doing be er. In the last year we’ve been listening to your feedback and acted on comments and suggestions you’ve made about our café menu and WiFi connectivity.
As many of you will know, we’ve been trialling a number of different menus across our resorts over the last twelve months. We wanted to ensure we offer you an excellent choice of meals and snacks whilst, at the same time, acknowledging the fact that our lodges are equipped with luxury modern kitchens where you’ll want to conjure up mouthwatering meals of your own!
We now believe we’ve got the balance just right, with a new menu that’s flexible enough to take care of you from breakfast to dinner. And with fewer items on the menu, this will ensure everything we offer you is to the high standard you’ve come to expect.
We know you love the seclusion and peace and quiet of our resorts but we also know you need to stay in touch with the outside world! But because of our locations and the size of our resorts, obtaining a fast and reliable WiFi connectivity has been a challenge. We’ve now invested over £500,000 to provide you with a high quality WiFi connection that is now well and truly up and running.
We are delighted to have teamed up with Journey, the same company that created our wonderful Luxury Lodges website, on the development of a new website for Seasons. The new website is now live, so head over to www.seasonsholidays.com to register and log in today. The website includes a brand new online feature allowing our rental owners to manage their weeks for the forthcoming year - please note, the rental registration window for 2020 weeks closes on the 31st May 2019 with no exceptions!
Even with our new WiFi connectivity there are still some limits to its capacity. So to make sure everyone can enjoy our new WiFi, we just ask you to follow a few simple rules. You’ll find a reminder of these in your lodge.
Email messaging and chat ü General browsing ü Social networking ü Video streaming û Download large files û Gaming û File sharing (e.g. BitTorrent) û
