Northern Ireland: Valor Hospitality Partners in partnership with Links Capital Collection will develop and manage The Dunluce Lodge near Portrush town.
The new build 35-room, five-star luxury hotel and spa will overlook the fourth fairway at Royal Portrush Golf Club. The nine acre site, which was originally privately owned, is due to open in 2023.
US owners Jonathan Harper and Robert Covington established the investors for project through the Links Capital Collection. As links golf fans, Harper and Covington had visited the area regularly and spotted an opportunity for development.
Appointed architects include Maxwell and Company, Inverness, the team behind Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle, Glenborrodale Castle and Inverlochy Castle. A decentralised energy supply system based on renewable sources will also be employed for the spa.
Scottish chef Roy Brett, owner and operator of Ondine Oyster and Grill restaurant in Edinburgh, will assist in the design and development of the hotel’s restaurant.
When complete, The Dunluce Lodge will employ approximately 80 people. It is claimed to become the only five-star hotel within 60 mile radius.
Euan McGlashan, CEO of Valor Hospitality has appointed Wilma Erskine, former manager of Royal Portrush Golf Club for around 35 years, as the brand ambassador for the company.
Brian McCarthy, managing director of UK and Europe at Valor Hospitality, said: “We’re very excited about our plans for The Dunluce Lodge, not only for what it means for Valor’s growth, but also the opportunities it will bring to The Royal Portrush Golf Club and local area.
“With its five-star status, this resort will attract visitors from all over, and with our experience in managing luxury resorts around the globe, including golf projects in South Africa and in the US, we’re more than ready to apply our expertise to our first development in Northern Ireland.
“In 2021, Valor’s UK portfolio doubled in size, marking a real stake in the ground for our growth ambitions going forward. As we expand further, it’s particularly special to be working on a project such as this, where we have been involved since its inception and we’re looking forward to seeing the development progress.”
Valor Hospitality has more than 80 hotels in its global portfolio. The Dunluce Lodge follows the group’s most recent management agreement of the Scores Hotel in St. Andrews, Scotland.
