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Hand Picked Hotels has appointed Vidyadhar Patole as general manager Wood Hall Hotel and Spa, Wetherby, and Crathorne Hall Hotel in North Yorkshire, and Graeme Nesbitt as general manager of Fawsley Hall Hotel and Spa in Northamptonshire.
With more than 26 years of international experience in the hospitality industry, Patole has extensive leadership and operational expertise. He joins Hand Picked Hotels following a two-year tenure as hotel manager at Constance Halaveli in the Maldives.
His previous roles include senior management positions at Fairmont St Andrews and Sofitel London St James.
In his new role, Patole will oversee both Crathorne Hall Hotel, a grand country house hotel in Yorkshire, and Wood Hall Hotel and Spa, a Georgian retreat near Wetherby.
His vision is centred on delivering luxury and gastronomy-led experiences, with each hotel offering distinctive dining in “heritage-rich” settings.
Meanwhile, Nesbitt returns to Hand Picked Hotels following his most recent role as general manager of The Lygon Arms with Iconic Hotels.
He previously spent four years with Hand Picked Hotels as Group Food and Beverage director, bringing a wealth of knowledge in hotel operations and premium dining experiences.
At Fawsley Hall Hotel and Spa—a historic 60-bedroom country estate in Northamptonshire—Graeme will lead the hotel’s next phase of development, focusing on luxury gastronomy and service.
The hotel features a 2 AA Rosette restaurant led by head chef Joe Gould, a Tudor Great Hall, and a luxury spa nestled in the original estate lodge.
Nesbitt said: “I’m delighted to rejoin the Hand Picked Hotels family as general manager of Fawsley Hall Hotel and Spa.
“This is an exciting opportunity, and I’m committed to leading the next chapter of growth and excellence. Hand Picked Hotels has always placed great emphasis on creating memorable stays, and I’m honoured to take over the day-to-day leadership of Fawsley Hall Hotel and Spa—it’s always been a much-revered property in our collection.”
Patole added: “Joining Hand Picked Hotels as general manager at Crathorne Hall Hotel and Wood Hall Hotel is a thrilling opportunity, and I am fully committed to driving the next phase of growth and excellence for the brand. This is about going the extra mile with curated experiences that go beyond just a pleasant stay.”
Julia Hands, chairman of Hand Picked Hotels, concluded: “We are delighted to welcome Vidyadhar to the Hand Picked Hotels team and to see Graeme return to our family. Both bring extensive experience in luxury hospitality, and their expertise and enthusiasm will be key assets in these important roles. I’m excited to see how their leadership will enhance our team, elevate the experience for our discerning guests, and help preserve the unique heritage of our historic country hotels.”
