Chorley, Lancashire -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/21/2012 -- Skincare specialist, Darphin has announced that The Vineyard at Stockcross which makes full use of their products in their spa, has received a plaque recognising how well they have done to stay true to the brands heritage.

The skincare company held a 'Partners of Excellence' champagne luncheon which gave the company a chance to recognise the fantastic results and dedication of staff within the 11 spa's and salons situated around the UK.

The spa at The Vineyard, which uses the Darphin products, is now eligible for the new Salon/Spa of the year and Therapist of the year awards which will be held later this year.

Darphin has been known for having a great relationship with its partners around the UK, by acknowledging their performance and dedication to their products.

Libby Koivio, Darphin's Retail Operations Manager said: To be a 'Partner of Excellence' is a real accomplishment because our standards are so exacting and the criteria is detailed and challenging. As a company we give our full support to our clients because we know that our brand succeeds through them. Each of these winners should really be proud of their title."

The skincare company offers unique formulas, comprehensive treatment rituals, marketing support and unprecedented quality in training, which is why they have been successful as a brand and become one of the main choices for customers who want only the best for their skin.

The Vineyard at Stockcross offers a selection of packages including Spa Days, Evenings and weekend breaks, allowing you to experience the Vineyard Spa and its highly acclaimed Darphin products.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Chorley, Lancashire -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/25/2012 -- Bristol based architects are currently drawing up detailed plans for the first phase of the new shops, cafes and public spaces which are to be built at Wapping Wharf - the last major regeneration site on Bristol's Harbourside.

The plans include the creation of 180 apartments; 31 affordable homes; and up to 865 square metres of retail and leisure space between Bristol's floating harbour and the Avon New Cut.

Designs are set to feature pitched roofs, in order to reflect the dockside character of the industrial wharfs that traditionally lined the docks. The buildings are to be designed to have a dockside character and materials used will include timber shiplap cladding, brickwork, render and old cobblestones from the site.

Detailed plans for the first phase of development will shortly be given to Bristol City Council. Subject to approval, work on the first phase will follow afterwards with an archaeological investigation followed by the commencement of work on the main construction later this year.

Zoe Oakley, director of Crisp White Sheets, says "Bristol is certainly the happening place at the moment. We've certainly seen a lot of interest in The Bristol Hotel, which features on our website. And we expect to see even more in the nearby future - thanks to this latest development."

When complete, Wapping Wharf will provide a total of 625 homes, 20% of which will be affordable, as well as a number of shops, cafes, restaurants, offices and a 150 bed boutique hotel.

The scheme will also preserve and restore several significant listed buildings and the old jail gates to enhance the City Docks conservation area. New public spaces and routes to the waterfront will also be created.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Chorley, Lancashire -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/24/2012 -- Fans of the TV Series Downton Abbey will certainly be appealed by the Vineyard at Stockcross's upcoming 'Downtown' event.

As part of a selection of talks at the luxurious hotel, the special Downtown event is set to be a lunch hosted by Lady Fiona Carnarvon – the Countess of Highclere Castle - the estate in which Downton Abbey is set. The Lady will be joined by Daniel Galmiche, head chef at The Vineyard – and one of the UK's leading chefs.

Centred round a rich collection of personal records - like diaries, personal letters, and photographs - Highclere Castle's current Countess, Lady Carnarvon, has put together a truly fascinating history of an amazing woman who devoted herself completely to husband, home and country.

Guests can expect everything that has made Downton Abbey the much loved series that it is to be in place – from romance, tragedy, high-society and mystery. Lady Carnarvon will give a detailed talk about the 'Real Downton Abbey' and how life at Highclere Castle has changed over the past hundred years.

The event will also draw on the real-life saintly actions of Lady Almina who transformed Highclere Castle into a fully functioning hospital for recovering soldiers during World War I. A tremendously brave and determined leader, Lady Almina's whole approach to nursing really was ahead of her time and is still evident today. Everything has been thought of for this special event, Downtown Abbey fans will be far from disappointed.

The Downtown Abbey event will be held on 14th May at the Vineyard at Stockcross. As well as the aforementioned, guests can look forward to an exquisite three course lunch (cooked by Vineyard's head chef Daniel Galmiche) complemented by matching wines. Tickets are £60 per person.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The Vineyard at Stockcross has recently achieved the Darphin ‘Partner of Excellence’ Award.

Chorley, Lancashire -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/27/2012 -- A 5-red star hotel and spa, located between Newbury and Hungerford in Berkshire, the Vineyard at Stockcross has been recognised for being true to the premium skincare brand. The Vineyard is now able to enter the new Salon/Spa of Year and Therapist of the Year Awards. The final for this will be held in 2012.

The 'Partner of Excellence' awards recognise the results, commitment and loyalty of Darphin's Spas and Salons located throughout the UK.

When it comes to the Salons and Spas that participate in Darphin's Development of Excellence' programme, they dedicate a whole year of commitment in order to improve their sales, service and to stay as true to the brand as possible.

Find out more about The Vineyard at Stockcross here: http://crispwhitesheets.com/luxury-hotels/the-vineyard-at-stockcross/

Zoe Oakley, Director of luxury travel firm CrispWhiteSheets said: "The brand of choice for many wanting the very best for their skin, Darphin is the creme de la creme of skincare. It's certainly an achievement for the Vineyard to be awarded with Darphin's 'Partner of Excellence' Award - the team must be very proud.

Libby Koivio, Darphin Operations Manager, commented, "As partners of excellence, Darphin and The Vineyard Spa share the same vision of excellence that ensures every client enjoys the highest standards of skincare treatment, consultation and advice as well as a privileged experience of indulgence."

Darphin's extensive range of skincare is made using botanical ingredients– resulting in noticeable results. Designed by Dr Pierre Darphin - a kinesitherapist and cosmetologist with a passion for botany - the brand Darphin began in 1958 and is continually coming up with new, innovative products and treatments.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Head chef of Lucknam Park, Hywel Vaughan Jones has been awarded a Michelin star, making him one of the youngest chefs to receive the prestigious award twice.

Chorley, Lancashire -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/27/2012 -- Still a year short of 40, this is the second time that the chef has picked up a Michelin star, once whilst he was head chef at the Foliage Restaurant in London's Mandarin Oriental Hotel and now for a second time for his work At Lucknam Park.

The Chef has been at this hotel for seven years and has become a firm favourite with guests that have visited the hotel.

Regular guest at Lucknam Park, Jenny Woods said: "It's about time he won another Michelin star, because his food at this hotel is quite simply outstanding. – He is the reason I keep going again and again."

Find out more about Lucknam Park here: http://crispwhitesheets.com/luxury-hotels/lucknam-park-hotel-spa/

The award winning Michelin chef, Hywel Vaughan Jones said: "I'm passionate about food and 110% committed,"

"I suppose a star is a bit like an Oscar. It gives you a sense of achievement," said this down to earth Welshman who started his career as a waiter in the Station Restaurant, Newport.

From his starting role in the food industry he went on to join Gilbert Viader as a Saturday hand at the former Le Cassoulet in Romilly Crescent, Canton in Cardiff.

"I remember walking in and seeing Gilbert making minestrone," he recalled. "I thought it was magical being able to take all those different vegetables and water and turn them into something that tasted wonderful."

The chef then went on to train at the former College of food Technology in Colchester Avenue before making it big and heading to London where he achieved his first star and he hasn't looked back since.

The kind of menu that you can expect from Hywel includes; Roast Scottish diver scallops, roast best end and braised shoulder of Welsh lamb.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Chorley, Lancashire -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/26/2012 -- The £4.5m scheme will result in creating 15 jobs and has just been approved by councillors to get the go ahead.

The luxury tree houses look set to be completely built and ready for guests by the end of the summer this year.

A spokesman for Chewton Glen said: "This is an exciting time for us at Chewton Glen. We aim to attract hundreds, if not thousands of new guests to our ultra-luxury hotel. The tree houses will have the appearance that they are floating across a wooded valley, providing each guest with unique and luxurious accommodation.

"The aim is to create a romantic, relaxing setting and a place where you will never want to leave and we certainly do have plans to deliver a special and desirable place to stay."

The timber tree house chalets will be mounted on stilts and offer floor-to-ceiling windows offering guests picture-perfect views into the depths of the forest.

He added: "The tree houses will offer an indoor and outdoor experience and have a different feel from the hotel, but with a relative familiarity.

Find out more about Chewton Glen here: http://crispwhitesheets.com/luxury-hotels/chewton-glen

Due to the current economy, many hotels have seen a significant fall in bookings and many luxury hotels are putting out all the stops to attract more people to visit their hotels.

Zoe Oakley, Director of luxury travel firm CrispWhiteSheets said: "I think many of the luxury branded hotels today seem quite dated to the public and need to be looked at in terms of renovation in order to attract more visitors. I think a lot of hotels will certainly be following in the footsteps of Chewton Glen after they see the incredible transformation."

The tree houses are not the only plans of renovation for Chewton Glen. They also have plans to create a walled garden and improved landscaping and more parking for guests.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Chorley, Lancashire -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/13/2012 -- Ackergill Tower has teamed up with a luxury travel firm to offer an exclusive use package, to guests wanting a private castle stay.

The luxury hotel has partnered with CrispWhiteSheets.com to give people a unique and rare opportunity to stay at the castle in complete privacy and to exclusively use as they wish.

The price tag that they have put on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is from only £10,995, and includes a two night exclusive stay, all meals, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery and a unique fishing bothy lunch.

The historic castle is hidden in acres of Scottish countryside, overlooking Sinclair Bay and truly offers the ultimate retreat, making it a sought after place to stay for the affluent few, and is even a firm favourite with celebrities such as Philip Schofield.

Find out more about exclusive use of Ackergill Tower here: http://crispwhitesheets.com/luxury-hotels/ackergill-tower/

Director of CrispWhiteSheets said: "I am extremely excited about the partnership with my business and Ackergill Tower. I think everyone dreams of playing king of their own castle for a few days and now with this incredible exclusive offer, people can do just that. As soon as I visited the castle I knew instantly that I wanted them to go amongst my collection of unique hotels."

"People come from far and wide to stay at Ackergill due to the unique combination of historic influence and intricate architecture with modern touches and a high-class service, which is what attracted me to them in the first place."

CrispWhiteSheets is the number one guide to finding the ideal place to stay in the UK, offering an eclectic collection of hotels, handpicked by experts. Their elite collection includes; city chic, country-house retreats, child friendly, spa and golf hotels and romantic getaways.

Ackergill tower can accommodate up to 54 people and offers a wealth of facilities including walking trails, croquet, golf and fishing.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Chorley, Lancashire -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/08/2012 -- NASA has predicted that 2012 is the best chance we have of seeing them – in fact; it's set to be the strongest Northern Lights activity since 1958. This has sparked a lot of interest in the places where chances of seeing them are quite high, including Caithness in Scotland.

Zoe Oakley, Director of luxury travel firm CrispWhiteSheets said: "there has always been a lot of tourist interest in Caithness – one of the main draws is the fact that it's one of the best places in Scotland to witness the phenomenon that is the Northern Lights. Ackergill Tower, in particular, attracts a large amount of guests who stay the premises in a quest to witness the marvel."

"As NASA has said that 2012 will be the best year to see sightings of the Northern Lights - for 50 years, we expect there to be an enormous amount of interest in people wanting to stay in Caithness. Rooms are already being snapped up at Ackergill Tower, as well as a number of other places" Oakley added.

Find out more about exclusive use of Ackergill Tower here: http://crispwhitesheets.com/luxury-hotels/ackergill-tower/

The Northern Lights (also called the aurora borealis) are a view of the polar lights during the night at the earth's arctic. Caused by electrically charged solar particles passing into the earth's atmosphere, the Northern Lights appear as a beautiful light show of green, yellow, red and violet colours.

Witnessing the Northern Lights cannot be guaranteed as they're dependent on unpredictable conditions in the atmosphere – and on the sun. However, the best chances of seeing them in Caithness are between October and March.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm