INGONISH, NS/SHELTON, Ct. - - March 11, 2013—Officials of New Castle Hotels and Resorts, a leading hotel owner, operator and developer, today announced the appointment of lifelong Nova Scotian, Daryl MacDonnell, as executive chef of the province’s signature Keltic Lodge Resort and Spa in Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia.

Prior to his appointment, MacDonnell was Executive Chef for the Membertou Trade and Convention Center as well as Cape Breton Resorts.  He also trained up and coming chefs as an instructor at the Nova Scotia Community College. Earlier in his career he held varying positions with hotels throughout Canada and trained under renowned chefs Takashi “Tony” Murakami and Marcel Kretz.

“Daryl brings a unique combination of hospitality industry experience, restaurant entrepreneurship and culinary talent that will enable him to elevate the Keltic Lodge’s food and beverage offering and expertly deliver both haute cuisine and family-friendly dining,” said Gerry Chase, president and CEO of New Castle.  “His understanding of local products and local preferences will be instrumental in helping us tailor our offerings to our guests.”

“From the first time I visited The Keltic Lodge as a hospitality student, I knew that one day I wanted to lead a culinary team at a magnificent resort like this,” said Daryl.  “That I’ve been chosen to lead this iconic resort in my home province is a dream come true. As our menus evolve for the coming season, I fully intend to celebrate and accentuate the local bounty that’s at our doorstep.  We’ll be highlighting the incredible lobster, halibut, monkfish, oysters and scallops from the Atlantic Canadian waters and the produce that’s grown nearby and here on our grounds.  Guests will get an authentic taste of Nova Scotia when they visit the Keltic Lodge.”

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.

The Keltic Lodge provides three unique hospitality products: a luxurious manor lodge, with fine dining at the Purple Thistle and relaxing cocktails in the Highland Sitting Room, a rustic cottage experience as well as casual accommodations in the Inn at Keltic.  The resort offers a waterfront setting for breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring the chef’s locally sourced and inspired cuisine.  Guests of the Keltic Lodge Resort and Spa 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.