“Deirdre Billing, General Manager, Buxton Crescent”
Buxton Crescent, the esteemed five-star thermal spa and wellness hotel nestled in the Peak District, has announced the arrival of Deirdre Billing as its new General Manager.
Billing will oversee a team of 170 staff members at the 81-bedroom Buxton Crescent hotel and spa, while also managing the nearby sister property, The Old Hall Hotel. With 27 years of experience in hospitality, her expertise spans customer experience, major expansions, and refurbishments of five-star hotels, spas, and restaurants.
Hailing from Ireland, Billing ventured to London to pursue studies in Hotel Management. She commenced her career as a General Manager at the Thistle London Bloomsbury Park Hotel before leading teams at Guoman Hotels, where she notably oversaw operations at The Royal Horseguards Hotel and Thistle London Hyde Park Kensington Gardens.
Following her tenure at Guoman Hotels, Billing dedicated 11 years to Ashford International Hotel Q Hotels in Kent. Subsequently, she transitioned northwards to assume the role of Resort General Manager at Champneys Mottram Hall in Cheshire. Over a span of more than five years in this position, she consistently delivered exceptional guest experiences and upheld superior standards throughout the establishment, implementing rigorous training protocols for both front and back-of-house operations.
Most recently, Billing was entrusted with leading the opening of The Municipal Hotel & Spa – MGallery, marking Liverpool's first 5-star establishment. In this capacity, she played a pivotal role in the development of the spa, pool, and food and beverage offerings as part of a significant £60 million investment initiative.
With a proven track record of delivering expertise and award-winning service, Billing brings her extensive experience to the team at Buxton Crescent, commenting, “Buxton Crescent really is a special establishment with an incredible history, offering unique wellness facilities and holistic treatments, as well as superb F&B experiences. I am looking forward to working with the teams to uphold their great work in delivering excellent guest experiences, and to develop all areas of the hotel, spa and F&B, along with effective schemes to support staff development and wellbeing.”
Frank Halmos, Chief Executive Officer at Ensana Health Spa Hotels added: “We are excited to welcome Deirdre onboard and to benefit from her extensive experience and accolades she has achieved over the years in UK hospitality. Deirdre is very much aligned with our wellbeing ethos at Buxton Crescent; to offer innovative and customised treatments to enhance the health of our guests.”
Buxton Crescent, unveiled in 2020 following an extensive £80 million restoration project, has emerged as an exquisite 81-bedroom, five-star hotel. The establishment seamlessly integrates the adjacent Natural Mineral Baths, boasting a state-of-the-art thermal spa featuring natural mineral water. Complementing its luxurious amenities are boutique shops and a contemporary British restaurant. As the first UK venture of the Ensana Group, Buxton Crescent provides exclusive treatments not found elsewhere in the country.
