The Headland, a luxury five-star hotel in Cornwall, has been shortlisted for a major award that recognises the top independent hotels in the country.

The Headland Hotel and Spa is one of the final eight hotels competing for the title of Independent Hotel of The Year. The awards ceremony will take place at Olympia London in October, with voting now open to the public.

On the nomination, Hotel Director Veryan Palmer said, “We are absolutely thrilled to have been included in such a strong shortlist with some utterly brilliant hotels.

We would love to win this award; I think it would serve as the ultimate reward for our unique approach to the hospitality industry and the service that our wonderful team gives our guests.”

It is understood that over 100 hotels applied for the prestigious award, and the applicants were then whittled down to a shortlist for a panel of industry expert judges to consider before choosing the final eight for the final.

In recent years, The Headland’s approach to employment has been highlighted and celebrated by many, including the BBC2 documentary ‘Simon Reeve’s Return to Cornwall’, in which it was shown as a shining example of good employment practice in the area.

The Headland champions the ability of the hospitality industry to be an inclusive employer, with over twelve people with additional needs participating in extended work experiences.

There has also been an investment in the development of young people through partnerships with local schools and colleges and the ongoing ‘paid summer placement for young people’ series, which sees ten 14–15-year-olds completing a summer learning about all the differing roles at the hotel.

Along with their commitment to the next generation, the hotel has also pledged to continue supporting local communities and charities.

Each week, the iconic hotel provides DISC Newquay with its weekly fruit delivery and has distributed over £30,000 in grants via the Cornwall Community Foundation. The hotel also supports Newquay Food Bank when they need particular food or items to support their efforts.

The team is also being ambitious with its redevelopment plans, and recent investment has seen the construction of The Aqua Club in 2020, with the project regularly recognised among the leading spa/swimming facilities in the country.

Earlier this year, the hotel also launched the stunning new Restaurant RenMor after a major refurbishment took place in the spring, offering guests and locals a taste of beautiful Cornish food with spectacular sunset views.

The Independent Hotel of the Year award acknowledges hotels that embody independent spirit, excellence, and innovation in creating exceptional guest experiences whilst pushing the boundaries expected of an independent hotel.

The award criteria also state that “the winner is an outstanding hotel that is committed to the development of their team, the success of their establishment, and the betterment of the industry as a whole”.

Follow this link to vote for The Headland – https://www.independenthotelshow.co.uk/independent-hotel-year-shortlist.

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