New Mull manager has global experience

Crerar Hotels has announced the appointment of John de Villiers as the new general manager of the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa.

With more than 13 years of hospitality industry experience, John has worked across a range of hotels and hospitality businesses in the UK, USA and Africa.

These include Hilton Hotels, the Gordon Ramsay Group, Asilia Africa and Wilderness Safaris.

He joins the team on Mull following his latest post as general manager for the AM Weinberg Boutique Hotel in Namibia, southern Africa.

His new role sees him relocate with his wife Olivia and young son Oscar from

Namibia via “London, where they have lived in recent months.

John’s focus will be on recruiting new team members to the four-star property which has undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment in preparation for re-opening.

He will prioritise maintaining the four-star destination’s reputation as a retreat for ‘rest and renewal’ ensuring guests a memorable experience of ‘wellness and adventure’.

John said: ‘I am thrilled to be joining the team on Mull as we prepare to welcome back guests for midMay. ‘The hotel is a stunning property in a unique and idyllic island location, which was well worth relocating for.

‘The extensive refurbishment will create the perfect destination to relax, absorb the fresh country air and explore our coastal setting.

He added: ‘Our secluded location, minutes away from

Craignure Bay, offers guests one of the best places to stay on Mull. My absolute priority is ensuring every guest feels special and has their every need catered for as part of a fi rst-class experience.’ Chris Wayne-Wills, Chief Executive Offi cer of the Crerar Hotel Group, said: ‘John is a fantastic addition to our group, with an outstanding level of international experience in the industry. As we begin to re-establish ourselves following the latest lockdown, I know John and his team on Mull will do a brilliant job providing the exI am thrilled to ceptional service expected be joining the of our hotels. team on Mull as The hotel’s refurbishment we prepare to has seen its 75 luxury bedwelcome back rooms and bathrooms redeguests for mid- veloped, with the addition of May. generously proportioned sea view suites, as well as public areas and spa facilities. A sea deck for drinks and dining has been created, alongside new restaurants and bars, which will feature local produce and seafood accompanying the stunning views of Craignure Bay.

John de Villiers is the new general manager of the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa.