Starwood has announced its second property in Ireland scheduled to open in spring 2006, with the newly constructed Sheraton Fota Island Golf Resort & Spa, Cork.Starwood and property company Fleming Construction have signed a management agreement to develop the 133-room luxury Sheraton resort, on scenic Fota Island in County Cork, located on the southern Irish coast.

The hotel is being constructed 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 specialty restaurant, a full-service 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 Harbor, just north of the larger island of Cobh. Located 20 minutes from Cork Airport, the new hotel will be a great location from which vacationers to explore southern Ireland, while also taking advantage of all the facilities that are offered to resort guests. The island is also host to Ireland’s only wildlife park - as well as Fota House, an historic 18th century hunting lodge renowned for its breathtaking gardens.
“We are thrilled to be opening another hotel in Ireland,” said Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Europe, Middle East & Africa. “Since the opening of The Westin Dublin in 2001, we have been looking for other opportunities in this market. This hotel increases Starwood’s commitment to Ireland, while further expanding on the wonderful resorts we can offer our guests around the world.”
“We chose Sheraton because it is a great brand to be working with on this project,” said John Fleming, Managing Director, Fleming Construction. “Fota Island is already highly regarded as a golf destination - 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.”
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