The Mere to become fifth Fairmont hotel in the UK

The Mere hotel and golf resort in Cheshire is to become the fifth property under Accor's luxury Fairmont brand in the UK.

The 157-acre resort on the outskirts of Knutsford will be managed by Fairmont in partnership with Dubai-based developer Select Group, which bought the property in 2022.

It will undergo a major refurbishment and relaunch in Q3 of 2024 with an expanded 120 bedrooms, including 27 suites.

New wellness and culinary facilities will be developed, and the resort will retain its 18-hole championship golf course.

Fairmont said the opening would "follow in the footsteps" of Fairmont Windsor Park, the 251-bedroom, 150-acre estate it opened in 2022 in partnership with Arora Group.

"[Our] combined vision will create a property which will set a new standard for luxury hospitality in the north-west of England," said Fairmont chief executive Mark Willis.

Fairmont's luxury UK portfolio includes the Savoy in London, which it has managed since 2005.

Select Group's hospitality investments include the Radisson Hotel in Birmingham and the InterContinental Dubai Marina Hotel.