Cork’s five-star Castlemartyr Resort has been purchased by the owners of the luxury 5-star Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare, Co Kerry. Singapore-based Dr. Stanley Quek and Peng Loh have significant global interests in the hospitality sector and deep personal connections to Ireland.
Castlemartyr Resort, for which it is believed they paid €20m, is their third Irish hotel and joins the group that includes Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare and Trinity Townhouse in Dublin city centre.
A 17th-Century Manor House
Set on 220 acres of formal gardens, pastures and woodlands, Castlemartyr Resort comprises an historic 17th century manor house connected to an impressive glass-fronted contemporary wing that includes a state-of-the-art ESPA spa, fitness centre, a 20-meter swimming pool, as well as a grand ballroom and conference facilities.
On the hotel grounds, encircling 12th-century castle ruins, is an 18-hole golf course designed by Ron Kirby. The course includes a modern clubhouse with dressing room facilities, a restaurant and shop.
Within the period Manor House there are 11 individual suites and the 60-seater Bell Tower fine-dining restaurant that occupies 3 interconnected reception rooms overlooking formal gardens. Of great architectural importance is the restored chapel of the house, now used as a cocktail bar, which boasts an elaborate stucco ceiling designed by the famed Francini brothers.
Castlemartyr Resort employs 250 full and part-time staff in high season and is one of the largest employer in the East Cork region. The hotel opened in 2007 as a luxury Capella-branded 109-bedroom property and cost around €70m.
Celebrity Stays
Hotel guests have included former US president Bill Clinton and singer, Bruce Springsteen. The celebrity couple Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, stayed at Castlemartyr on the Irish leg of their honeymoon.
A Major Refurbishment
Included in the purchase of Castlemartyr Resort and within the grounds are 38 self-catering cottages and lodges, a mix of two and three-bedroom properties which are popular with families and golfers.
Starting with the Manor House, a major investment programme is planned to refurbish the common areas, bedrooms and grounds. The refurbishment of the resort, will be influenced by the same design philosophy of Sheen Falls Lodge and Trinity Townhouse. It will mix architectural elements with modern detailing to create a sophisticated and relaxed environment.
Commenting on the purchase, Dr. Stanley Quek said: “We are very excited to be the new owners of Castlemartyr Resort. This is a very significant purchase for us and demonstrates our commitment and confidence in the Irish hospitality market. It is a beautiful country property, rich in history, and is an important employer and amenity in the local area.”
Peng Loh added: “Over the past five years, we have actively sought opportunities to add Irish hotels to our portfolio. Castlemartyr is a wonderful addition. It is an easily accessible hotel for the domestic and international market, with much charm and many attractions. We look forward to ensuring the continued success of the hotel”.