Ireland's Lough Erne Resort Welcomes New Owners

ENNISKILLEN, Northern Ireland, July 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Purchase of Lough Erne Resort, the five-star luxury hotel and golf resort located near Enniskillen, gateway to North West Ireland, has been completed by a U.S. investment group led by Vine Avenue Advisors, LLC, headed by Michael Saliba, and TRU Hotels and Resorts, a hotel investment and management company founded by veteran American hoteliers Jeff Mahan and Mark Ward. TRU will be overseeing management of the resort that is expected to officially change hands this month.

Lough Erne Resort, built in 2007 at an estimated cost of $70 million, was brought to the world's attention when it successfully hosted the last G8 Summit in 2013. Last year it won Northern Ireland Tourism Board's "Hotel of the Year" award, and it was recently selected to host the 2017 Irish Open golf tournament.

"We are excited about the potential not only of the hotel and golf course, but also the entire region," said Michael Saliba, CEO of Vine Avenue Advisors. "The residents of County Fermanagh have been warm and extremely welcoming."

Set on a magnificent 600-acre peninsula between two lakes, the Resort comprises 120 luxury Rooms and Suites, two Championship Golf Courses, a Thai-themed Spa, six Conference/Meeting Rooms, a state-of-the-art Golf Academy and numerous dining experiences. "We are thrilled to be involved with the most prestigious golf resort in Northern Ireland, the crown jewel of Northern Ireland tourism," said Ward. "Its location on Lough Erne is one of the world's most beautiful resort settings, and the hotel compliments it by blending traditional country house style with modern amenities and facilities, not to mention a world-class golf course."

The Faldo Championship Golf Course, boasting stunning views of the waters of Lough Erne, was designed by six-time Major Championship winner Nick Faldo. In 2010, the Ireland Golf Tour Operator Association named Lough Erne "Golf Resort of The Year." Best described as a "lakeland course," it incorporates the finest characteristics of both a parkland and a links-style course.

Added Jeff Mahan, "The 2017 Irish Open presents a unique opportunity to showcase to the world not only the beauty of the resort and surrounding area, but the extraordinary warmth and hospitality of the Northern Irish people."

The Resort's award-winning Chef, Noel McMeel, creates menus that reflect his philosophy of modern Irish cooking, using the best local produce in the Resort's dining venues: The Catalina, the Blaney Bar, and The Loughside Bar & Grill.

The Spa features a dual treatment room for couples, friends or family and a variety of Full and Half Day Spa Packages, designed specifically for couples, golfers, mothers-to-be, and ladies and gentlemen.

Destination wedding planners will find a venue licensed to hold civil partnerships and ceremonies and offers such dramatic effects as arrival by helicopter and fireworks over the lake at dusk.

Other activities include fly-fishing, horseback-riding, heritage and culture, watersports, cycling and caving. The Resort maintains five Helipads and a Seaplane dock. 

TRU Hotels & Resorts were advised locally by Jon Griffin and iCapital.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150706/231029

SOURCE TRU Hotels and Resorts