Headland proud to say: ‘We’re back in business’

Torquay’s iconic Headland Hotel and Spa is all set to rise from the ashes after a huge refurbishment programme following a devastating blaze.
It’s all systems go for an official Saturday, July 1, re-opening at the Headland after the Christmas Eve fire which caused extensive smoke damage and forced its closure.
The hotel, once the spectacular villa home of the Romanov family, the ruling Russian elite until 1917, boasts some of the most stunning views in the Bay from its location in Daddyhole Road.
Today, owners Providence and General Manager Matthew Hole send out heartfelt thanks to all those involved in the refurbishment, not least the hotel team members who have been among those picking up a paint brush.
Matthew said: “I wasn’t employed by Providence at the time of the fire but, from speaking to everybody, the immediate response to the fire was an incredible determination to get the Headland Hotel back to where it should be in the Torbay hospitality landscape.
“What has amazed me as the new General Manager is the huge amount of loyalty from customers and guests. We’ve had so many messages from local people wanting to use the spa and enjoy lazy days of relaxation at the Headland, as well as overnight guests from further afield, who regard the Headland as their special place. We’ve had a lot of interest from local residents and guests coming for a longer holiday, which has given us fantastic added inspiration and motivation to get everything right.
“I started here on March 27, the first day the contractors arrived. As a General Manager for different ownership groups and different brands, including the Marriott for 17 years, I’ve been through a number of refurbishments. My experience means I know how a kitchen works, how a service line flows and the fundamentals to a seamless hotel. You get one chance to get it right and the first thing I did was to look at the designs, ensuring things would work operationally.
“We made some minor changes to the front of house and kitchen, with the ultimate objective of providing our guests with the best possible experience.
“Castle Construction Ltd, with Gary Lewis (Managing Director) and Peter the Site Foreman, have been fantastic. I’ve worked on many hotel refurbishments, including a £15m hotel in Harrogate, which is now a Double Tree by Hilton, and I take my hat off to this construction company at the Headland.
“They have been on site since my first day and in recent weeks, they have been working 24 hours a day to get us ready for the opening this coming Saturday, July 1.
“The summer holidays are obviously a key time, and we already have lots of bookings in for the coming months. We are absolutely on course for opening and that will be a very proud day, and probably quite emotional, for everybody involved.”
Integral to the successful relaunch of the Headland has been the team members, who have demonstrated amazing versatility by working in partner hotels and even swapping their normal uniforms for high-vis bibs and a paint brush.
“The Headland Hotel team have been wonderful in their loyalty and support during such a challenging time,” added Matthew.
“They all want to be back serving guests at the Headland, but have coped really well with being in our sister hotels in Paignton, The Queens Hotel and Palace Hotel, as well as helping with the refurb at the Headland.