Friday 13th May 2011 - The Skelwith Group, owners of Raithwaite Hall Country Retreat in Whitby, is proud to announce that Richard Mansell has been appointed  the General Manager of the luxury country hotel ahead of its grand opening in October.

Set within 80 acres of beautiful countryside on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, and located a short distance from the historic Whitby coast, Raithwaite Hall will offer guests the ultimate in luxury and splendour in some of the country’s most sumptuous and breathtaking surroundings.

With close to 20 year’s in the hotel and hospitality industry, five spent with West Paces, who will operate Raithwaite Hall on behalf of the Skelwith Group, Richard has the knowledge, experience and talent to make Raithwaite Hall Yorkshire’s number one country retreat from day one.

Commenting on his new role Richard said: “It’s fantastic to have this opportunity. Its not everyday that you get to open a hotel that simply surpasses anything the competition has to offer. Everyone who’s been involved with building Raithwaite has done a fantastic job in delivering a truly unbeatable hotel, now I look forward to building a truly unbeatable team that delivers the service and attention to detail quests want.”

Before joining Raithwaite Hall, Richard worked for West Paces as Opening Rooms Executive and then Director of Operations at Capella Telluride in Colorado, and Opening Front of House Manager at Capella Castlemartyr in County Cork.

Welcoming Richard to the team Paul Ellis, Managing Director of the Skelwith Group, said: “We’re thrilled to have Richard at the helm as our opening General Manager. Richard’s appointment signals the start of the final push to the grand opening this October. His experience, which spans across various areas of hotel operations and management, makes him a tremendous asset to our staff and to our guests.

“As we make the final push I can’t think of anyone more qualified to make Raithwaite Hall a truly unforgettable experience for all our guests.”

Gary Verity chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire said: “We’re thrilled that Raithwaite Hall is heading towards its official opening and we believe it will be one of the gems in Yorkshire’s crown. The hotel will really support our drive to boost tourism in the county and make Yorkshire the number one tourist destination in the UK.”

Up to 50 people from lead contractors Wates Construction are currently on-site with work progressing well and using local labour and local suppliers wherever possible.  When the hotel is operational around 150 jobs will be created at all levels and in a range of disciplines.

DEPA, the world’s largest interior contractor, has appointed to provide a full interior consultation and fit out service for the luxury hotel. With a history of designing and sourcing the interior furnishings for some of the most exclusive hotels in the world, including Dubai’s Burj Al Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, DEPA will bring a real feeling of opulence to Raithwaite Hall.   

The Skelwith Group has invested £30 million pounds into transforming Raithwaite Hall in to Yorkshire’s premier Country Retreat

West Paces has 17 hotels and resorts around the world including Lough Eske Castle in Donegal, which was voted the world’s top luxury country hotel at the World Luxury Hotel Awards earlier this year.