Finn Lough unlocks new growth phase following funding from Santander UK
Northern Ireland luxury bolthole Finn Lough has unveiled extensive development plans that will significantly enhance its wellness and culinary offering and bolster its sustainability credentials.
The wellness and ‘escape’-focused luxury resort is situated in forest on a secluded peninsula on the shores of Lough Erne in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh. It is renowned for its Forest Domes – transparent accommodation domes situated in the forest, giving guests an immersive overnight experience among the trees, under the stars.
Santander UK has provided the family-owned business with a seven-figure funding package to support its development plans.
The business has invested some of the funding in the construction of a solar power farm on site. It uses photovoltaic modules to convert light to electricity which now generate 60% of the resort’s energy.
The funding also supports Finn Lough’s culinary offering. The business has employed a new team of chefs from Cape Town, South Africa, to revamp the on-site restaurant with the aspiration of transforming it into a destination in its own right, and working toward the goal of gaining top-100 UK restaurant status and a Michelin Star in future.
Another major development under construction at the resort – and due to launch in spring next year – is a spa village contained within a 3,500 square-foot glass dome that will house a luxury wellness centre offering pools, salt baths and treatment rooms as well as saunas and steam rooms.
A significant upgrade of Finn Lough’s eight Lakeside Lodges is also underway. This accommodation is undergoing a major interior refurbishment, as well as full insulation to maximise energy efficiency, and roof-top solar panels will be installed to power the lodges. Additionally, outdoor fire pits have been installed.
Finn Lough is run by siblings Michael and Gillian Beare, whose family has owned the land for the past 40 years. The business was established in 1981, starting out as a resort with two lodges and a small marina. Since then, it has expanded to offer a diverse range of accommodation as well as a restaurant and bar, extensive spa and outdoor recreational facilities making the most of the lake and forest surroundings. It currently employs a staff of 40 and plans to grow by a further ten this year including the new restaurant team.
Michael Beare, director, Finn Lough said: “We are delighted to have this partnership with Santander UK. It allows us to follow through on our most ambitious ideas, to keep working with our team to create the most unique and enjoyable guest experiences.”
Jamie Foulkes, relationship director at Santander UK, said: “We are pleased to support our long-time client, Finn Lough, with this latest funding package. The developments it has planned at the resort, including its new on-site solar farm, significantly bolster its sustainability credentials and mark the next exciting chapter in its history. We look forward to supporting it as it continues to grow over the years to come.”