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Nestled within the scenic Ashdown Forest in East Sussex, the prestigious Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club takes a significant step towards inclusivity with the announcement of its long-standing Head Concierge, Paul Hawkins, as the dedicated Access Champion. This initiative aims to ensure that visitors to this remarkable country estate, surrounded by serene forests, shimmering lakes, and lush lawns, receive a truly welcoming experience from the moment they arrive.
Famed for its luxurious offerings, award-winning dining experiences, revitalizing spa, and exceptional golf facilities, Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club serves as a remarkable retreat inspired by A. A. Milne’s timeless Winnie-the-Pooh tales. As a proud member of the Accessible Hospitality Alliance (aha), the hotel is committed to prioritizing accessibility beyond a mere afterthought, embedding it deeply into its operational ethos.
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In his newly appointed role, Paul Hawkins will champion accessibility across the hotel as part of a comprehensive strategy to foster awareness and implement practical improvements for guests with diverse needs. This initiative extends across various departments, including front desk services, housekeeping, dining, and leisure activities.
By embedding an Access Champion within its Front of House team, Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club aims to place accessibility at the forefront of guest interactions. Hawkins has expressed his enthusiasm for representing Elite Hotels and Ashdown Park, emphasizing the collaborative spirit driven by the aha Forum to continuously enhance the hotel’s facilities for all visitors.
With its recent affiliation to the Accessible Hospitality Alliance, Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club connects with a dynamic network of hospitality operators dedicated to creating inclusive experiences. As part of the Access Champions Collective, Hawkins joins a group that actively collaborates to share insights and operational experiences aimed at improving accessibility within the industry.
The collective was established following a meeting of Access Champions at Kimpton Fitzroy London and is steered by three elected representatives: Ian Bartlett, Head of Built Environment at Swinton Estate; James Dixon-Box, Operations Director at Marsham Court Hotel; and Hannah Myles, Group Health & Safety Manager at Clermont Hotel Group. This network will provide Hawkins with sector-wide expertise while allowing him to share valuable, real-world feedback from a thriving East Sussex destination catering to both leisure seekers and business travelers.
This initiative signals a commitment from Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club to ensure that its enchanting woodland walks, stunning lakeside views, indulgent spa experiences, and top-tier golf facilities are accessible to all guests. The hotel’s historic architecture and picturesque grounds, characteristic of a classic Victorian mansion set over 186 acres, present typical challenges of heritage properties. Thus, having a dedicated person championing accessibility is a critical enhancement for all visitors.
A favored choice for romantic getaways, family vacations, and corporate retreats, Ashdown Park is conveniently located near London and Gatwick Airport. With the emphasis on accessibility integrated into every step of the guest experience, from initial bookings to arriving and interacting with the concierge team, the hotel is transforming into a premier destination for accessible luxury in Ashdown Forest for both UK residents and international travelers.
Paul Hawkins’ appointment as Access Champion adds a much-needed personal touch to Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club’s mission of ensuring that luxury stays in East Sussex are accessible to everyone. Charlotte Evans, Group Partnerships Director at the Accessible Hospitality Alliance, notes that Hawkins’ role symbolizes the type of proactive leadership that aha seeks to foster. She highlighted that while Elite Hotels and Ashdown Park are embarking on their accessibility journey, their considered approach is key to creating an inclusive environment experienced by all guests.
For upcoming visitors to Ashdown Forest—be it for a celebratory escape, a rejuvenating spa visit, or a countryside conference—the presence of an Access Champion at the reception signifies a commitment to reducing barriers, enhancing confidence, and cultivating a genuine sense of belonging. With an eye on enriching the guest experience, the hotel is ensuring that its tranquil forest surroundings, the allure of the historic property, and the amenities of a modern country club cater to a wider range of travelers, genuinely inviting them to engage fully with every aspect of their stay.
Image Credit: Ashdown Park Hotel Country Club
Source: The post Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club names Paul Hawkins Access Champion to lead inclusive luxury stays first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
