Exclusive Collection Making the most of lockdown
It’s been quite a time for all of us during the last 12 months, and with all that was planned for the new decade, having to put life on pause last year was not quite what anyone had in mind. This time for reflection has provided the opportunity to take a step back and survey the scene, reviewing and fine-tuning to keep momentum with our ethos of innovation. Far from resting on our laurels, the Exclusive Collection team has been busy at behind the scenes to ensure that our hotels are now better than ever before for guests and employees alike.
The Exclusive Collection team has been busy at work behind the scenes
The outdoor pool at South Lodge
Embedded in our culture are pillars of wellness, sustainability, high performing teams, and innovation, which have been more important than ever to maintain structure during these most unpredictable of times. Wellbeing and self-care are more important than ever, and the spas across our portfolio have been treated to some pampering of their own. The stand out facilities at Pennyhill Park now boast brand new thermal experiences from an Ice Igloo, Herbal Steam Room and Salt Inhalation Steam Room to Finnish and Juniper Saunas, with a redecoration of the Members’ Lounge and changing rooms too. All gyms and fitness rooms across the collection have been finessed with the latest equipment and upgraded kit, from Technogym bikes to treadmills and free weights for all those looking to abandon the home workouts and ramp up their fitness training.
Changes big and small have also taken place in our accommodation, ranging from thoughtful detailing to an entire new two-bedroom, dog-friendly cottage at The Manor House. With a private garden, kitchen and lounge, Baker’s Cottage is a real asset to the collection. Pennyhill Park, South Lodge and Lainston House’s South Loggia are also boasting brand new feature cedar wood hot tubs, while South Lodge’s Lady Bessborough is freshly equipped with patio doors opening out to a private terrace overlooking the South Downs. Perfect for a Great British staycation.
Wellbeing and self-care are more important than ever.
Our local environment is something we’re very proud of, upheld through our sustainability measures and work with suppliers from the region. We’re ready to unveil the brand new Hillfield Restaurant & Bar - formerly Pennyhill Park’s Brasserie and Ascot Bar – which has been completely redesigned as a hyper-local farm-to-fork dining and drinking concept, celebrating and supporting our local farmers and producers in partnership with Surrey Hills Enterprises. Lainston House’s new woodfired dining concept The Wellhouse uses only the freshest ingredients from our kitchen garden, and in conjunction with Hampshire Fare we have over 40 local producers we are working with. We have worked a lot on our outdoor dining experiences. Our grow-your-own kitchen garden at Lainston House has also seen a remodel, now complete with feasting table and weather -proof tent to enjoy the elements year-round, as well as the latest woodfired ovens for cookery classes in our Season cookery school. Pennyhill Park now boasts an enhanced Lily Pond Terrace menu also featuring a new woodfired oven. At The Manor House we have a new horse box with a fitted coffee machine to enhance your outdoor dining, as well as new outdoor furniture for all of the cottage gardens and The Castle Inn garden.
We’ve spent a lot of time at home this year, and the work environment has undoubtedly changed for good. Royal Berkshire has embraced this opportunity for innovation and created a new collaborative working space, Homespace. Complete with inspiring décor, plush furnishings and refreshments on ‘tap’, Homespace is the epitome of the ‘new normal’, providing an intuitive space for meetings complete with many of the ‘home’ comforts we’ve become accustomed to. Wadesmill, one of our popular meeting rooms at Fanhams Hall, has also had a complete redecoration ready to welcome delegates later this month. Royal Berkshire has also worked hard to enhance its inclusivity. With improved wheelchair access and new facilities for the disabled, all meeting rooms, function rooms and bedrooms on the ground floor can be accessed via an accessibility lift and slope. Not all changes are visible, however. Making an impact behind the scenes at Pennyhill Park are several innovative tech improvements, including improved filtration systems in the spa and an investment to reduce energy consumption with a new CHP unit. We have upgraded and added air conditioning to many rooms most notably at Lainston House.
Finally, our amazing team have been relentless in their enthusiasm, positivity and unwavering spirit. Any good business is nothing without the people that drive it, and it’s fair to say we all appreciate the human element to life more than ever. As we approach reopening and normal life, however that may look, here’s to looking ahead and having hope for the future.