THE Slieve Donard Resort in Newcastle, part of the Hastings Hotels portfolio, has completed a £550,000 renovation of its award-winning spa.
The investment programme, which started in January, includes the introduction of a double-treatment room, private relaxation room for small groups and a shared relaxation room.
As part of the enhancements, the sauna, steam room and swimming pool have been refurbished, the changing rooms updated and the treatment rooms and décor refreshed.
The resort's general manager Michael Weston said: “We're confident these enhancements will help provide an even more enjoyable experience.
“We have also implemented a number of new procedures and our guests can rest assured in the knowledge that we are operating safely in the current climate.”
While the investment at Slieve Donard has come at a difficult time for tourism, the north’s largest independent travel agency Oasis Travel claims its summer bookings for 2021 are up 25 per cent as a result of holiday makers rescheduling rather than cancelling their plans.
Oasis, which recently secured a Danske Bank loan through the government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Support Scheme (CBILS), specialises in cruises, city breaks, weddings and honeymoons and ski holidays.
Managing director Sandra Corkin said: “We've been encouraged by the approach taken by our customers, because by rescheduling rather than cancelling, they have demonstrated their confidence in the travel industry and their optimism that they will soon be able to move as freely as they once could.
“We can also see the demand for travel agents increasing as a result of this pandemic. Holiday makers want to make sure they are fully aware of quarantine restrictions, cancellation terms, insurance requirements and safety regulations before booking as well as having financial protection for their holiday arrangements.”
