Hotels & Accommodations
The Daffodil Hotel Welcomes Andrew Mackay Back as GM in Lake District, UK- What You Need to Know
Thursday, July 24, 2025
The Daffodil Hotel & Spa in the Lake District, UK, has appointed Andrew Mackay as General Manager, a role he previously held a decade ago. An experienced hotelier who has overseen some of the UK’s leading properties, Mackay is ready to inject new life into the historic venue. His return is the start of an exciting new era for the hotel, particularly with a renewed emphasis on revitalising the wedding side of the hotel that at one time made it one of the most popular venues in the Lake District for couples wanting a romantic venue.
Mackay’s Experience and Leadership
Andrew Mackay has spent most of his working life in hotels. He has developed a successful career managing many of the UK’s top country house hotels throughout Cumbria and Yorkshire including The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa, Linthwaite House, The Samling and Swinton Park Estate. His vast experience and exceptional leadership skills are hoped to provide massive improvements to The Daffodil Hotel, already famed for its breathtaking lakeside views and high quality facilities.
Mackay expressed his excitement about returning to The Daffodil Hotel & Spa, stating that he was thrilled to be back. He shared that he had strong sentimental feelings for his previous time at the property and was excited to take the lead once again.
A Vision to Breathe New Life into Weddings at The Daffodil Hotel
Mackay’s overriding goal on his return is to reestablish The Daffodil Hotel as one of the go to wedding venues in the area. The hotel had gained a reputation over history as the top choice for couples wanting to get hitched surrounded by the Lake District’s scenic beauty throughout the years. With its romantic lakeside location, inspired architecture and restful ambience, the hotel seemed like the ideal location for weddings, but the offering had lost its luster in recent years.
Now, with Mackay at the helm The Daffodil Hotel is reaffirming its wedding services, including tailored plans for bigger parties, but without losing the personal touch. Now the hotel can host between a smaller 50 and 150 guests for the ceremony and 50 for the evening reception giving you the perfect venue for larger and smaller wedding parties.
Enhanced Services and Modern Touches
In addition to wedding relaunch, Mackay has driven change throughout all departments of the hotel in a bid to deliver unprecedented guest satisfaction. Guests will be treated to outstanding service if they’re there for a wedding, a spa relaxation or a family vacation.
Facilities The Daffodil Hotel features a variety of modern and relaxing facilities such as a lake-side terrace, a well-appointed spa with thermal pool, sauna, steam room and a selection of treatments with luxury Templespa products. Mackay will take the lead on continuing to grow these services, to ensure that all guests enjoy the best possible experience; whether it’s a relaxing break or an activity-packed adventure in the beautiful Lake District.
Mackay mentioned that the hotel already has a fantastic team in place and expressed excitement about enhancing the guest experience. He stated that whether guests are seeking a romantic getaway, a health retreat, or a family staycation, they can expect an unforgettable experience with exceptional hospitality.
A Lakeside Paradise in The heart of The Lake District
The Daffodil Hotel & Spa is close to the town of Ambleside, which boasts natural beauty and outdoor activities. The hotel enjoys some of the finest views in the Lake District; its lakeside location is a haven of tranquility and a gateway to some of the best scenery the Lake District has to offer. The hotel’s nestled gardens and calm grounds provide an ideal backdrop for those seeking seclusion from the fast-paced world.
Whether it’s for a cozy weekend break for two or a great friends spa day for the star of the show, we offer a variety of options with nothing but the fabulously captivating Lake Windermere as the view to accompany your stay. Under the direction of Andrew Mackay, the hotel is set to cement its status as one of the Lake District’s most inviting tourist destinations.
The future is bright for The Daffodil Hotel
Mackay’s reappointment also follows the expansion of Crerar Hotels, the group that The Daffodil Hotel is part of. With a further 10 properties throughout Scotland and the Lake District, Crerar Hotels has a collection of hotels that includes other well-established hotel name such as Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa, Fonab Castle and Balmoral Arms. The group was bought by Blantyre Capital Limited and Fairtree Hotel Investments in March 2023, signaling future enhancements and expansions throughout its portfolio.
Under Mackay, The Daffodil Hotel is set to be one of the highlight wedding venues nestled in the beautiful Lake District, UK. It’s a gorgeous property with fresh renovations, and coupled with Mackay’s talents, now is an exciting time for the hotel and it’s patrons.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, having a long overdue pamper or fancy a weekend away from it all, you will find a warm welcome here at The Daffodil Hotel & Spa in the heart of The Lake District.
Hotels & Accommodations
“Only ate at 5-star hotels, still got 4 types of Salmonella”: American influencer explains why he fell sick in India, internet reacts
But not everyone’s convinced. And the internet is on fire.
‘White Tourists Come Here to Slum It’, An Indian Woman’s Video Started It All
It all began when an Indian woman posted a now-viral video slamming white travellers for “romanticising poverty” in India. She accused them of living in worse conditions than the country’s poor, just to go back and call India “pathetic.”
The YouTuber fired back with a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying he wasn’t “slumming it.” He was staying in 5-star hotels and still ended up catching four strains of Salmonella. “Only ate in 5-star hotels and still contracted 4 types of Salmonella,” he wrote. The reason? According to him, the hotel likely sourced eggs from a chicken farm next to a literal mountain of trash.
“Not Racist to Talk About Hygiene”
Tyler insisted that criticising India’s sanitation issues isn’t racism, it’s reality. “There are serious hygiene issues that must be addressed in India. It is NOT racist to address the poor quality of life most Indians are subjected to while the upper caste insulates themselves from reality,” he posted.
To back up his claims, he even attached medical reports proving his illness. But that didn’t stop the flood of angry comments calling him out for “defaming India.”
The $100-a-Night Argument
When people accused him of travelling on a budget, Tyler clarified: “The 5-star hotels were about $100 a night. It was budget travel relative to American standards.” He even took a dig at India’s wealth gap: “Ambani has a billion-dollar tower overlooking the slums. Your anger is misplaced,” he said.The internet remains divided. Some Indians echoed his concerns, saying it’s time India stops being defensive and starts fixing real problems. Others slammed him for reducing an entire country to a bad stomach bug.
Inputs from agencies
Resort World Sentosa partners with Marriott to open The Laurus, a luxury hotel at Sentosa Island, Singapore, offering suites, dining, and spa.
The 183 all-suite hotel, ‘The Laurus’ — named after laurel leaves historically used to crown victors and honour achievements — will open by the end of the year.
“Our landmark collaboration with Marriott International to bring the very first The Luxury Collection branded property to Singapore further exemplifies our commitment to redefine luxury guest experiences. The Laurus, a luxury collection resort, embodies the very essence of our ongoing pivot to offer curated destination experiences as part of RWS’ transformational expansion plans,” Tan Hee Teck, Chief Executive Officer, RWS, said.
He said the new hotel will offer guests experience the Singapore’s rich heritage, the captivating beauty of Sentosa’s flora and fauna while experiencing RWS’ hallmark hospitality.
“The Laurus at RWS stands as a shining beacon, heralding a new era of exceptional luxury and hospitality, further cementing RWS’ esteemed status as Asia’s premium lifestyle destination resort,” he said.
According to Marriott International the tie-up is a milestone which reflects its commitment to the evolving luxury landscape of the island city.
“Drawing inspiration from Singapore’s storied past and rich cultural heritage, The Laurus, a Luxury Collection Resort, will celebrate the essence of the city, and we look forward to welcoming global explorers and collectors to experience Singapore’s captivating charm through the lens of our brand,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International.
The Laurus offers suites as well as courtyard spaces and a function room spanning across five floors, the company said, adding that the hotel will have a bar, a landscaped outdoor swimming pool and spa and all-day-dining concept restaurant.
Spanning 49 hectares, the hotel is home to world-class attractions like the Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, Dolphin Island and Adventure Cove Waterpark, it said.
Complementing the adventure and adrenaline of its theme parks and attractions are six unique luxury hotels, the premier Resorts World Convention Centre, and a casino.
The integrated resort also offers world-class entertainment from star-studded concerts to immersive exhibitions.
RWS is the first integrated resort to be inducted into the TTG Travel Hall of Fame in 2023 after being named “Best Integrated Resort” for 10 consecutive years at the TTG Travel Awards, which recognises the best of Asia-Pacific’s travel industry.
The Cork-based President of the Irish Hotels Federation has outlined that plans to cut Vat for the hospitality sector would be an important step to support the industry.
The comments from Michael Magner, who also owns the Vienna Woods Hotel in Cork, come following on from an interview on RTÉ Radio 1 with Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke who defended government plans to cut Vat for the hospitality sector.
The current Programme for Government contains a commitment to reduce the Vat rate in the hospitality sector from 13.5% to 9%.
Speaking to , Mr Magner said the proposal would assist vulnerable food led businesses that have faced an uncertain future and rising cost challenges in recent years.
“The commitment from the Minister to stand over the commitment that is in the programme for government towards the reduction of the Vat rate to 9% is welcome.
“It is needed on the basis of the food sector. The cut in Vat hospitality is for food businesses. Therefore it doesn’t apply to hotel accommodation as is our understanding.
“The current government has been formed since the start of this year. With that, we see tourism and hospitality being moved into the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
“We now have a Minister in Peter Burke, who is really supportive of our industry and understands the complexities of the sector.
Mr Magner added that with the right policies and a positive businesses environment, he believes tourism and hospitality can have a positive future ahead.
“The isn’t a case of whereby businesses are trying to profiteer or return what could be seen as super normal profits.
“This is actually about ensuring businesses have a chance of survival and that is what it comes down to.”
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