Kingsford The Barossa to be first of new global brand
Salter Brothers have completed their acquisition of Kingsford The Barossa in South Australian wine country and are set to make it the first hotel in a new global hotel brand called Ardour Hotels & Estates.
The Barossa Valley property became a 16-key hotel in 2021 after a $10 million transformation by its previous owners.
Salter Brothers created Salter Brothers Hospitality in 2023 and have made several significant hotel and resort purchases over the last two years, including The Escarpment Group’s collection of boutique properties, mostly in the Blue Mountains, the majority of the Spicers Retreats portfolio and Sofitel Adelaide.
The Spicers Retreats portfolio is being managed by Salter Brother Hospitality alongside Kingsford The Barossa, which will take on the Ardour brand name in the second half of 2024.
The Ardour brand will champion “celebrated luxury” and target both corporate and leisure travellers.
To be known as Ardour Kingsford Barossa, the property will also service the corporate event market.
“We’re excited to be launching our first Ardour in an esteemed destination such as the Barossa, with a reputation for premium food and wine,” said Salter Brothers Hospitality CEO, Tash Tobias.
“For guests seeking a luxurious escape from the everyday, we’ll be creating an iconic hospitality experience that brings together the best of the Barossa with the beautiful Australian backdrop and luxurious spaces available at Kingsford.”
Former Holiday Inn goes independent in Cairns
The Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside has swapped international management for local oversight, becoming the independently-run Cairns Harbourside Hotel.
Owned by Taisei Kanko Australia Pty Limited, the 173-room hotel has four event spaces which can host groups of up to 120.
Moving to independent management, the hotel owners have appointed Glen Macdonald as the hotel’s new general manager. Macdonald was previously the general manager then CEO of Fitzroy Island Resort, just off the Cairns coast, working with the property for over 11 years.
“I was fortunate enough to lead the team at Fitzroy Island Resort as it established a new direction after I joined in 2011, and I am looking forward to being part of the fresh new vision for Cairns Harbourside Hotel,” said Macdonald.
“All the travel trends in recent years have highlighted the increasing desire for accommodation that captures the destination’s DNA.
“With the new brand image and the plans for upgrading the hotel, we look forward to delivering a very authentic Tropical Queensland experience through interior design, our restaurant’s menu and warm and relaxed service.
“We will use the hotel’s relaunch as part of the ‘revival’ message to domestic and international audiences.
“In particular, we will work with existing and new business events organisers to expand our meetings, events and incentive business.
“The hotel is tailor-made for relaxed and vibrant conferences and functions, with delegates getting a really distinctive taste of the destination when staying at Cairns Harbourside Hotel,” he said.
Plans are now underway to revamp guest rooms and upgrade bathrooms at the property.
