A country house hotel near Bath is aiming to become a ‘destination spa’ following the appointment of a new director to play a pivotal role in leading its transformation.
Pippa Hartwell joined Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa as spa director from Celtic Manor Resort, near Newport, South Wales, where she served as head of spa operations.
Prior to that,PIppa, pictured, held the position of group spa operations manager at Luxury Family Hotels, where she oversaw wellness across the group’s five hotels, including Woolley Grange, near Bradford on Avon
In her new role at Bishopstrow, a 19th-century, 32-bedroom country house hotel near Warminster, Pippa will oversee the spa’s refurbishment and repositioning.
Bishopstrow managing director Jonathan Walker said: “We are thrilled to welcome Pippa to the team.
“Her expertise and passion for the spa industry will be invaluable as we embark on this exciting new chapter.
“This is a significant time for our spa and Pippa’s appointment marks a major step forward in our plans to elevate the hotel’s offering and create a truly unforgettable experience for our guests.”
Pippa added: “I am thrilled to join the Bishopstrow team at such an exciting time for the hotel and spa.
“The opportunity to be part of a privately owned property with a clear vision for investment and improvement is truly inspiring.
“I am particularly excited to elevate the member experience and introduce new and innovative treatments that will encourage guests to explore beyond their comfort zones.”
In addition to the spa refurbishment, Pippa will also be responsible for launching new spa treatments, expanding the range of wellness offerings, and developing a thriving membership program, Club Bishopstrow.
The hotel was bought in 2021 by Bath-based Kaleidoscope Collection, which also includes the 31-bedroom The Bird, Bath, on Pulteney Road, the 17-bedroom Dukes Hotel on Great Pulteney Street, and Homewood Hotel & Spa, a 31-bedroom hotel at Freshford.
At the time of Kaleidoscope’s £5.5m acquisition of Bishopstrow, the group’s owners Ian and Christa Taylor said they had ambitions to make the hotel heavily outdoor-oriented.
The couple are known for buying small hotels and transforming them into upmarket boutique venues full of idiosyncrasies and unusual décor, often with items from their own art collection.
