Starwood is opening a second property in Ireland in the Spring of next year, with the new build five-star Sheraton Fota Island Golf Resort & Spa, county Cork.

Starwood is working with property company Fleming Construction to develop the 133 room luxury Sheraton resort, on the beautiful Fota Island in County Cork, on the site of the existing Fota Island Golf Club - home of the Irish Open in 2001 and 2002. 

In addition to the championship golf course, hotel and lodge guests will also enjoy the full service destination Spa with 17 treatment rooms, a speciality restaurant, an all day dining restaurant and Whiskey Bar in one of the most idyllic settings in Ireland.  The resort will also ultimately include over 250 luxury residential lodges.

Fota Island is a scenic island in Cork harbour, just north of the larger island of Cóbh. The island lies off the N25 Road from Cork to Waterford. Located 20 minutes from Cork airport, the new hotel will be a great location from which to explore Southern Ireland, while also taking advantage of all the facilities on offer to resort guests.  The island is also host to Ireland’s only wildlife park - as well as the historic Fota House with its famous gardens.

In June 2006 Fota Island golf course is hosting the AIB Irish Seniors Open Golf Championship. With the launch of the new resort, the existing PGA endorsed golf course will be enhanced by the provision of an additional 9 holes of Championship standard, creating a world-class golf destination, with challenging features to test the skills of any golfer.

The Sheraton Fota Island hotel will also offer a world class destination spa, designed by Dr Christian Jost.  Features include 17 state-of-the-art treatment rooms, a hydropool, walking river, gymnasium, full size swimming pool and conservatory for post treatment relaxation. 

The hotel is 9km from Cork City, which is the current European Capital of Culture.  The surrounding business parks house many international companies such as Motorola, Black & Decker, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.

For events and meetings the hotel will offer six meeting rooms, with capacities from 6 to 500 people.  The location and stunning views will also make it the ideal venue for weddings and gala events. 

Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Europe, Middle East & Africa said, “We are thrilled to be opening another hotel in Ireland.  Since we opened the Westin Dublin in 2001 we have been looking for other opportunities in this market.  When the Fota Island proposal came up it was what we had been waiting for.” 

“This hotel increases Starwood’s commitment to Ireland, while further expanding on the wonderful resorts we can offer our guests around the world.  We are delighted to be working with Fleming Construction on this new hotel and we hope this development is the beginning of a long term partnership with them.  I am sure this newest hotel in our European portfolio will quickly establish itself as the premier golf and spa resort hotel in this beautiful part of Ireland.”

John Fleming, Managing Director, Fleming Construction, said, “We chose Sheraton because it is a great brand to be working with on this project.  Fota Island is already highly regarded as a golf course - the new hotel, residential lodge development and extensive spa facilities will really add to the appeal of this part of Ireland for leisure, incentive and conference business.  With Starwood already having a presence in Ireland and a proven track record with the success of the Westin Dublin, they make an ideal hotel management partner for us.”

In addition to the Westin Dublin, Starwood Hotels & Resorts currently operate 9 hotels in the UK & Ireland, including the Westin Turnberry Resort, Ayrshire; the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh; The Park Lane Hotel, Piccadilly; the Sheraton Park Tower, Knightsbridge and the Sheraton Heathrow. 
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