Five-star hotel in Cornwall shortlisted for national award

The Headland Hotel and Spa is one of the final eight hotels competing to be crowned Independent Hotel of The Year.

The industry-leading awards take place at Olympia London in October with the voting now open to the public.

Hotel Director, Veryan Palmer, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been included in such a strong shortlist with some utterly brilliant hotels.

We would love to win this award, I think it would serve as the ultimate reward for our unique approach to the hospitality industry and the service that our wonderful team gives our guests.”

It is understood that over 100 hotels applied for the prestigious award, the applicants were then whittled down to a shortlist for a panel of industry expert judges to consider, before the final eight were for the final

In recent years, The Headland’s claims its approach to employment has been highlighted and celebrated by many including the BBC2 documentary ‘Simon Reeve’s Return to Cornwall’, in which it was shown as a shining example of good employment practice in the area.

The Headland Hotel & Spa in Cornwall (Image: Supplied)

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 the differing roles at the hotel.

Each week, the iconic hotel provides DISC Newquay with its weekly delivery of fruit and has distributed over £30,000 in grants via the Cornwall Community Foundation. The hotel also supports Newquay Food Bank when they are in need of particular food or items to support their efforts.

The team is also being ambitious with its redevelopment plans and recent investment has seen the construction of The Aqua Club in 2020, with the project regularly recognised among the leading spa/swimming facilities in the country.

Earlier this year, the hotel also launched its new Restaurant 'RenMor' after a major refurbishment took place in the spring, offering guests and locals a taste of Cornish food with sunset views.

The Independent Hotel of the Year award acknowledges hotels that embody independent spirit, excellence, and innovation in creating exceptional guest experiences whilst pushing the boundaries expected of an independent hotel.

The award's criteria also state that “the winner is an outstanding hotel that is committed to the development of their team, the success of their establishment, and the betterment of the industry as a whole”.