LISCOMB, NS/SHELTON, Ct. - - February 19, 2013 — Officials of New Castle Hotels and Resorts, a leading hotel owner, operator and developer, today announced that Matthew Mackenzie will return to the Keltic Lodge Resort and Spa in Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia, as general manager.  Mackenzie managed the resort for the 2012 season.

The 105-room hotel is one of Atlantic Canada’s Signature Resorts and is owned by the Provincial government of Nova Scotia.  New Castle Hotels and Resorts has operated the property since 2002.  Set amidst Highlands National Park and perched high above the Atlantic Ocean on Cape Breton, The Keltic Lodge Resort and Spa has been listed among Travel and Leisure’s top 500 resorts in the world and earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2012.

“Under Matthew’s leadership, The Keltic Lodge underwent significant renovations and carved out a unique niche among Canadian landmark hotels,” said Gerry Chase, president and CEO of New Castle.  “The Provincial government recognized those achievements and extended New Castle’s contract to operate the resort, and with Matthew at the helm, I am confident that the Keltic Lodge will continue to attract legions of repeat guests and world-wide acclaim for its outstanding service and magnificent natural resources.”

“The Keltic Lodge, is like no other resort in Canada, providing a unique combination of resort services and the magnificent scenery of Atlantic Canada’s rugged coastline” said Mackenzie.  “Here we provide our guests with a respite from their everyday lives, whether they choose a romantic escape, a luxury retreat, an adventure or family bonding time catching waves and lobsters alike.  For the 2013 season, we will enhance our food and beverage offerings and reach further into the surrounding community to develop one-of-a-kind experiences for our guests.”

A career hotelier, Mackenzie was the general manager of the Atlantica Hotel & Marina Oak Island and has held positions at some of Canada’s most beloved resorts and hotels, including Sooke Harbour House and Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

The Keltic Lodge provides three unique hospitality products: a luxurious manor experience at the Lodge, with fine dining at the Purple Thistle and relaxing cocktails in the Highland Sitting Room, which offers nightly live entertainment, a rustic cottage experience as well as casual accommodations in the Inn at Keltic.  The lodge offers a waterfront setting for breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring the chef’s locally sourced and inspired cuisine.  Guests of the Keltic Lodge can play Canada’s  top  public golf course, located on the grounds,  watch local lobstermen pluck dinner out of the ocean just steps from the hotel, tour the hotel’s vast gardens or succumb to pampering at the 5,000 square foot Aveda concept spa and salon.

About New Castle Hotels & Resorts
Based in Shelton Connecticut, New Castle Hotels & Resorts owns and operates more than 26 hotels and resorts in the United States and Canada.  The privately-held company consistently ranks among the top 100 hotel management and development companies in the United States and is a preferred operator for major US hotel brands.