Hastings Hotels sells Slieve Donard Resort to US developer

Hastings Hotels has confirmed that the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa has been sold to US-based Adventurous Journeys (AJ) Capital Partners, a real estate developer and hotel operator that currently has over 40 hotels based in the US and UK. Hastings Hotels, the largest independent hotel operator in Northern Ireland, said the sale was a “positive development”, which will allow it to invest in its portfolio of six other hotels, including the Grand Central and Europa Hotels in Belfast, and the five-star Culloden Estate and Spa just outside the city. It confirmed that all current roles are to be retained in the sale, and all food, accommodation, wedding and event reservations made with the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa will be honoured by the new owners. In addition, Hastings Hotels vouchers and gift cards purchased prior to the sale can also continue to be redeemed at the site, or any other Hastings Hotel. The Slieve Donard Resort and Spa will be operated by AJ Capital Partners under its Marine and Lawn Hotels & Resorts brand, a collection of bespoke hotels in “distinguished” golfing destinations, as the site is in close proximity to Royal County Down Championship Links golf course. Paul Collins, head of Hotels, Ireland at CBRE said: “The Slieve Donard Resort and Spa is a trophy asset and is the largest hotel in Northern Ireland outside of Belfast. We are delighted to be involved in the sale of this prestigious property.” Hastings Hotels managing director Howard Hastings added: “AJ Capital Partners’ acquisition of the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa is encouraging news for hospitality and tourism in Northern Ireland and, in particular, for the burgeoning golf tourism industry here – which has been an important driver of local tourism in recent years and shows significant growth potential in the future. “This investment is a strong sign of confidence in the local market by a major international hotel operator with exciting ambitions for the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa in the coming years. I have every confidence that AJ Capital Partners will be sympathetic to the heritage of the hotel and that, under their leadership, it will continue to flourish and maintain its reputation as an iconic destination in Northern Ireland.” AJ Capital Partners CEO and Founder Ben Weprin concluded: “We are honored to welcome Slieve Donard Resort & Spa to the Marine & Lawn collection. It’s a tremendous responsibility and honor to be the next steward of this timeless asset. “The Hastings family has held that distinction for nearly 50 years and we plan to carry and uphold the tradition and spirit of this iconic property and connect it with our existing assets to create a collection unparalleled in the golf world.”