Plans for a multi-million-pound luxury spa at Fife’s Dean Park Hotel have been given the go-ahead.
Margaret and Colin Smart plan to spend millions and create jobs with the project at hotel in Kirkcaldy,
The spa, which will be linked to the resort, will feature eight treatment rooms.
It will include hair and beauty facilities, a sauna, showers, an ice room, a café, a members lounge, a champagne bar, a gym, a jacuzzi and a 25 metre swimming pool.
The Dean Park Hotel‘s two-storey spa at has been given the green light by Fife Council.
Fife hotel’s spa could cost £5m
Mr Smart said the project could cost up to £5 million.
He said: “We’ve received planning permission and we’re working through building warrants.
“We hope to start work probably in the new year and I’d expect it to take between 15 and 18 months.
“It’s quite a complicated project.”
Mr and Mrs Smart, who also own Kingdom Homes, bought the hotel in August 2019.
They have upgraded all of the existing facilities and have plans for a 12-bedroom extension.
“We have completely transformed the hotel over the last couple of years,” he added.
Mr Smart said the refurbishments have made it easier for the hotel to add to its headcount.
It had about 70 staff last year, but that is increased to 96 now.
“We’ve had no problem recruiting staff – people want to come and work here.
“I think that’s because of what we’re doing.”
Four star award for revamped hotel
The Kirkcaldy hotel was recently awarded a four-star award by the AA, something Mr Smart said the staff are extremely proud of.
“It’s down to the whole team, from the housekeeping to the general manager,” he added.
“The team have worked extremely hard to get the four-star award from the AA.
“We’re really pleased that we’ve managed to achieve that.”
The hotel has invested heavily in solar panels, and Mr Smart said those will help mitigate the impact of rising energy bills.
He is also encouraged by the number of bookings already taken for the festive season.
“We’ve done a lot of work with insulation to try and help keep our gas bill down but it is going to be interesting.
“We’re virtually sold out for all the party nights in December, so we’re looking forward to that.
“We’re having to release Thursday nights to cover the demand and we’re not even in October yet.
“The hotel is going to be very busy.”
Conversation