Today’s news in brief – 2/5/25
Farlam Hall in Cumbria has unveiled The Sycamore Retreat, a new wellness space offering holistic treatments in partnership with Gaia Skincare. Designed by hotel owner and yoga practitioner Kathy Mares, the retreat includes therapies such as hot stone massages and facials. The calming interior features soft purples, greys, and wood tones. Guests also have access to a Recovery Room with a water feature and refreshments. Chef patron Hrishi Desai said the retreat reflects the hotel’s focus on wellbeing, drawing inspiration from the iconic Sycamore Gap tree and the estate’s natural surroundings.
Travelodge has opened its 10th hotel in Liverpool – the 101-room Central Queens Dock and Arena location. Situated near major attractions and just 10 minutes from the city centre, the hotel offers on-site parking and easy access to transport hubs, including the M62 and Lime Street Station. Football fans are also close to Anfield and Everton’s new stadium. The hotel will soon be refurbished to align with Travelodge’s updated brand standards. Development director Tony O’Brien said the hotel will cater to both business and leisure travellers, supporting the group’s UK expansion and job creation goals.
The July London Victoria is set to open in June, marking The July’s first international location beyond Amsterdam. The 114-room aparthotel includes two exclusive residential apartments and The Idler, an all-day restaurant serving modern British cuisine with a Mediterranean influence. Guests will also have access to wellness amenities, a gym, and community groups like reading and running clubs. Designed in collaboration with Fettle, the public spaces are meant to engage both visitors and locals. CEO Alex Goad said the opening embodies the brand’s focus on flexible, locally connected travel experiences.
Hempstead House Hotel and Spa in Kent has been listed for sale at £6m. Owned by the Holdstock family since 1990, the 4-star hotel features 34 rooms, extensive event facilities, and the AquaManda Spa, which includes a pool, sauna, hydrotherapy, and treatment rooms. The family has gradually developed the site from a private home into a successful hospitality business. Regional director Ed Bellfield of Christie & Co praised the hotel’s loyal clientele and strong reputation, noting that the sale offers a rare opportunity for a buyer to acquire a profitable, well-established property with potential for future growth.
