Mantis to Develop New Hotel on Saint Helena, Island in South Atlantic

  • February 22, 2013
Mantis to Develop New Hotel on Saint Helena, Island in South Atlantic
As one of the most remote places in the world, more than 1,200 miles from the nearest major landmass and with its rich flora and fauna, the island certainly fits with Mantis' mantra of “unearthing the exceptional”.

A team of six from Mantis, including founder and chairman Adrian Gardiner, visited the island in January of this year and identified Ladder Hill Fort as the location for the five star hotel, which will have 45 bedrooms, including 10 self-catering units, a restaurant, spa and fitness facilities.

Mantis aims to commence construction towards the end 2013 and opening the hotel in 2015. The island, which is currently accessed by the last commercially operating U.K. Royal Mail Ship, will be opening its own airport in January 2016.

A major priority for the project will be the restoration of the fort, ensuring it is sensitive to its history, the environment and the local community, something which Mantis has experience with from the 2011 refurbishment of 16th century country house hotel, Ellenborough Park, Cheltenham.

In addition to its development knowledge, Mantis will also be bringing its hospitality, education and conservation experience to the island. A special focus will be put on supporting the local community and the natural environment. The 47 square miles island has a population of 4,257.

Gardiner said “Saint Helena is unique - the waters that surround it, the forest, the potential for the hospitality industry - and I am hugely excited for our brand to be involved in this major tourism development for the island. The Mantis philosophy is unearthing the exceptional and Saint Helena is no doubt one of the exceptional. We plan to add value wherever we can to make the tourism industry on this island a success, drawing on our own experience, from supporting the island's marketing plans to training its community and championing conservation work, an issue very close to my heart.”

More information about Mantis can be found at www.mantiscollection.com