Luxury Cornish hotel, The Headland, has been described as an “inspiration to others” after being crowned Independent Hotel of the Year at a national award ceremony. Hotel family directors Richard and Veryan Palmer collected the prestigious award at the Independent Hotel show on Monday evening at Olympia London.
A delighted Veryan said: “It’s a massive well done to our team. Our nomination is based on all the work we do with young people, people with additional needs and people of a semi-retired age. A massive congratulations must go to the team who support those people in our wonderful industry, day after day, and show them how amazing hospitality can be.”
The five-star hotel, which overlooks Fistral Beach in Newquay, had been shortlisted for the final eight by a panel of industry experts who had whittled it down from 111 nominations from across the country. As well as offering its guests an unrivalled experience of “informal luxury”, the hotel’s unique approach to hospitality has been noted as a major reason for its victory.
Independent Hotel Show Awards judge Simon Numphud, Managing Director, AA Media said: “The Headland’s continual re-investment and transformation of their product combined by the tremendous focus they place on employee engagement, local schools, wider community and sustainability, sets a great example and inspiration to others.”
The Headland champions the hospitality industry as an inclusive employer, with more than 12 people with additional needs participating in extended work experiences. There has also been an investment in the development of young people through partnerships with local schools and colleges and the ongoing ‘paid summer placement for young people’ series, which sees ten 14–15-year-olds completing a summer learning about all aspects and roles at the hotel.
Public votes made up 50% of the total vote, with the other half determined by a panel of industry expert judges. Another judge, Kalindi Juneja, CEO, PoB Hotels added: “The Headland’s recognition as Hotel of the Year is a result of unwavering dedication, a commitment to excellence and their journey to cultivate and train the next generation of hoteliers. It is a testament to the remarkable journey Veryan and Richard have embarked upon for this incredible independent hotel.”
To learn more about The Headland, Independent Hotel of the Year, 2023, visit www.headlandhotel.co.uk
