Careys Manor appoints new general manager

11 March 2019

Award-winning country house hotel Careys Manor in the New Forest has appointed a new general manager.

Steve Woodrow, 44, has over 25 years’ experience in the hotel industry, having worked for premier 4* and 5* hotels both in the UK and abroad.

He comes to Careys Manor from the Solent Hotel and Spa in Fareham, where he was general manager for five years, overseeing a 117-bedroom hotel, 13 meeting rooms, and a 1 rosette restaurant and bar and spa. Steve also opened a new £5m 54-bedroom Lodge expansion at the Thwaites-owned hotel, which won AA Hotel Group of the year 2017-18. 

Steve, who takes over from Sunil Kanjanghat, said: “I am delighted to be part of the team at Careys Manor. This is a fabulous hotel, with a rich history and in a stunning location. In my few weeks at the property I already know we have a fantastic group of committed and hardworking people.

“I have had some amazing experiences in my years in hotels, working with many talented and super people. I know that if you have good people around you, who enjoy what they do and thrive on giving our guests a fabulous experience whilst working together as a team, we will achieve great things.

“It’s a very competitive market place but we have a real edge here in the New Forest where you can combine a luxury relaxing spa break within a beautiful country manor house retreat.

“My leadership style can bring different strengths to what we already have here, and I see lots of opportunities ahead. I am very excited to be involved with Careys Manor as we move forward.”

Steve, who lives near Winchester with his wife and two children, is delighted to be working in the New Forest, where he already spends a lot of his leisure time.

“The New Forest is such a wonderful place. I was married 13 years ago in Brockenhurst, so to be back here again is pretty special and I find myself driving to work every day with a smile on my face!”

James Hiley-Jones, Managing Director of Greenclose Hotels, which runs both Careys Manor and its sister hotel The Montagu Arms in Beaulieu, said: “We are delighted to welcome Steve to Careys Manor.

“Steve is a motivated and astute general manager with a wide range of experience and skills and a fantastic track record.

“He has a clear vision for developing the team here at Careys Manor and I know there are exciting times ahead.”

Careys Manor is a former royal hunting lodge with an award-winning Thai spa, seamlessly blending an impressive sense of history with a luxurious modern twist.

The 18th century manor house has 77 luxury bedrooms and three restaurants. Guests at the luxury SenSpa can enjoy a world-class hydrotherapy pool, mood showers, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and gym.