Jim Parker: 'Mediterranean feel' prompts hotel owner to invest in Torbay

More restaurants are closing and more pubs appear to be in darkness as the economic challenges continue to strangle our tourism and hospitality businesses.
Oh for some good news.
Enter Canadian businessman Khalil Viraney.
He has given the Bay a massive vote of confidence by buying the award-winning Lincombe Hall Hotel in Torquay — thanks to a touch of the Mediterraneans!
After 15 years of ownership and a remarkable business turnaround, Brett and Jo Powis have announced the sale of the hotel to Mr Viraney.
When Brett and Jo acquired the property in 2009, Lincombe Hall was a bankrupt three-star hotel in need of significant investment and repositioning.
Through sustained reinvestment, operational focus and a clear vision, the couple transformed it into one of the South West’s leading four-star adult-only spa hotels.
Today, Lincombe Hall is widely recognised for its premium facilities, strong financial performance and loyal guest base.
Over the course of their ownership, the Powis family oversaw major refurbishments, including the development of an award-winning spa, upgraded bedrooms and public areas, and a full rebrand that repositioned the hotel within the upper tier of the regional market.

Their hands-on leadership and long-term commitment have been central to the property’s success.
And that is obviously what attracted the interest of Mr Viraney.
Brett said: “We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the past 15 years. When we purchased Lincombe Hall, it was in administration and facing an uncertain future.
“Through hard work, belief in the team, and significant investment, we’ve built something truly special. Now feels like the right time to pass the baton.”
Mr Viraney is an experienced hotel owner who also operates the award-winning Hadley Park House Hotel in Telford.
He brings a strong track record in boutique hotel management and a commitment to maintaining high standards while pursuing thoughtful growth.
Mr Viraney said: “Brett and Jo have built an outstanding hotel with an excellent team and reputation. I am honoured to take on the next chapter of Lincombe Hall’s journey and look forward to building on the exceptional foundation they have created.”
The hotel will continue to operate as normal, with no disruption to staff or guests. The existing team will remain in place, ensuring continuity and stability as the business transitions to new ownership.
Mr Viraney, 56, has two grown-up children and lives in Toronto. He took time out from a flying visit to talk about the Lincombe Hall deal.
He tells me: “I generally oversee the business from Canada and usually visit every three months to make sure everything is OK.
“The managers are in charge. With the internet you can do everything. I have access to all the information.”
He has owned the Hadley Park House in Telford for a couple of years.
He explains why he has invested in the UK and the Bay: “In Canada it is mostly chain hotels. There are very few independent properties. I looked around and found the UK had independent hotels. I decided to pick the UK as a destination.”
He added: “The Hadley Park is a nice heritage hotel especially for weddings and events. The property is 350 years old.
“We have won several awards — best wedding venue in the West Midlands and Best hospitality business in Shropshire. The property was nice and offered a lot of potential.”
Of the Lincombe Hall, he says: “Lincombe Hall is a different business model. It is for leisure and as a destination. It is a bit of a mix. I wanted something different.
“It has been well maintained and has strong potential in terms of promoting the spa further.
“It will allow me to leverage both properties. Weddings and spas go very well. I do not see a complete marriage because of the distance involved.”
He said the West Country and Torbay were the ideal locations to invest.
“It is a lovely destination for the British to holiday and get away for the weekend - it’s their Mediterranean in Great Britain. Devon and Cornwall are extremely popular for the British.”
He revealed how he visited Devon and Cornwall 12 months ago and viewed a few properties.
Referring to the Lincombe Hall, he said: “I really liked this one. I loved Cornwall but it was just the sheer distance between Devon and Cornwall. There is a direct rail route to Paddington and Torquay is much closer to the M5. It is pretty easy to get here. It makes it a more attractive destination.”
He welcomes the regeneration taking place in and around the English Riviera.
“If the council can make the place more attractive to visit, that would be good,” he says.
One of the regeneration sites is the former Debenhams building on Torquay harbourside which is earmarked for a four-star hotel. Competition for the Lincombe Hall?
Mr Viraney says: “The more places to stay the more people will come.”

Khalil Viraney, new owner of the Lincombe Hall Hotel and general manager Peter Watkins Pic miraclePR.com

It is early days and no major works are planned at the Lincombe Hall except, perhaps, refurbishment of some rooms.  General manager Peter Watkins will be running the ship.
Mr Viraney says: “The focus will be further promoting the hotel and its spa. We will start promoting locally and then within a 50-mile radius. That is where a lot of our guests are from.”
He has been in Canada for 33 years and his business background is in the energy sector.
He says: “Hotel busy is easy. It is not about making computer chips. It is a simpler business.”
It goes without saying that the finances and the potential of the business have to stack up as well.
But Mr Viraney says: “You stop at a hotel, go into a room and see if you like it.”
That is what he must have done at the Lincombe. Welcome to the English Riviera, Mr Viraney, and thank you for some good news which is very welcome at this moment in time!