Hand Picked Hotels appoints two general managers

Hand Picked Hotels has recruited the former hotel manager at Sofitel London St James and general manager at the Lygon Arms to lead three of its country house hotels.

Vidyadhar Patole joins the Wood Hall Hotel & Spa near Wetherby and Crathorne Hall hotel in North Yorkshire as general manager from Constance Halaveli in the Maldives, where he was based for two years.

He brings with him 26 years’ worth of industry experience, having also held senior management positions at the likes of Fairmont St Andrews and Sofitel London St James.

Meanwhile, Graeme Nesbitt has been appointed general manager at Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa in Northamptonshire, joining from Iconic Luxury Hotels’ Lygon Arms in the Cotswolds. He was also formerly group food and beverage director at Hand Picked Hotels for four years.

At Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa, he will oversee the two-AA-rosette restaurant led by head chef Joe Gould.

Patole said: “Joining Hand Picked Hotels as general manager at Crathorne Hall and Wood Hall is a thrilling opportunity, and I am fully committed to driving the next phase of growth and excellence for the brand. This is about going the extra mile with curated experiences that go beyond just a pleasant stay.”

Nesbitt added: “This is an exciting opportunity, and I’m committed to leading the next chapter of growth and excellence. Hand Picked Hotels has always placed great emphasis on creating memorable stays, and I’m honoured to take over the day-to-day leadership of Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa – it’s always been a much-revered property in our collection.”

Julia Hands, chair of Hand Picked Hotels, commented: “Both bring extensive experience in luxury hospitality, and their expertise and enthusiasm will be key assets in these important roles. I’m excited to see how their leadership will enhance our team, elevate the experience for our discerning guests and help preserve the unique heritage of our historic country hotels.”

Hand Picked Hotels was founded in 2001 and has since grown to a collection of 21 privately-owned luxury country houses and coastal retreats.