Luxury country estate Lucknam Park near Bath has appointed David Griffin as general manager as the property prepares to launch a major upgrade of its spa and wellness facilities, reinforcing its ambitions within the growing luxury wellness travel market.
The appointment comes during a transformational period for the Cotswolds estate, which officially became the first property to join Accor’s Emblems Collection luxury brand in 2025. Griffin succeeds long-serving general manager Sakis Dinas, who departed earlier this year after nine years leading the hotel.
Griffin joins Lucknam Park from The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales, where he most recently served as resort operations director. He brings more than two decades of leadership experience across luxury hotels and historic UK country estates.
His arrival coincides with a renewed investment strategy focused on guest experience, wellness tourism and high-end hospitality positioning in one of Britain’s most competitive luxury leisure markets.
Major Wellness Transformation Planned
Lucknam Park confirmed that a significant evolution of its spa and wellness offering is now underway, reflecting wider demand for immersive wellness-led luxury stays across the UK hospitality sector.
The upcoming enhancements include:
- A refurbishment of the outdoor hydrotherapy pool designed to create a year-round wellness environment
- A complete redesign of the gym featuring the latest Technogym equipment
- Additional wellness and guest experience upgrades to be announced in the coming months
The investment signals Lucknam Park’s intention to strengthen its position as one of the leading luxury wellness retreats in the Cotswolds, a region that continues to attract strong domestic and international leisure demand.
Expanding Luxury Positioning Under Emblems Collection
Lucknam Park’s integration into Accor’s Emblems Collection marked a significant milestone for the estate and for the French hospitality group’s expanding ultra-luxury portfolio.
The property remains one of the UK countryside’s best-known luxury estates, featuring 42 individually designed rooms and suites, nine standalone cottages, Michelin-starred Restaurant Hywel Jones, an equestrian centre, wellness spa and 500 acres of listed parkland.
As general manager, Griffin will oversee all operational areas across the estate, including accommodation, dining, spa, equestrian experiences and leisure facilities.
Industry observers will likely view the appointment as part of a broader trend across luxury hospitality, where wellness infrastructure and experiential travel are becoming central to long-term resort strategy rather than secondary amenities.
With wellness tourism continuing to outperform many traditional leisure segments globally, Lucknam Park’s latest investment phase positions the estate to compete more aggressively for affluent experiential travellers seeking countryside luxury combined with destination spa experiences.
