Mövenpick Prepares to Enter the UK Market with a Renovated Countryside Resort in Hampshire

Published on December 11, 2025

A new phase of UK hospitality development is underway as a major countryside resort in Hampshire is set to operate under the Mövenpick brand for the first time. The property will be part of a long-term plan to expand the brand’s presence across Europe. A full renovation will be completed before the opening, scheduled for late 2027. The project involves a 194-room resort located within the Old Thorns Estate, a well-known site set amid wide, green landscapes.

A Large Estate Positioned for Future Travel Demand

The resort stands across more than 300 acres in the Hampshire countryside. This wide setting will support leisure travellers, corporate groups, and guests seeking spacious rural stays. The renovated property will feature a championship-level golf course, which has long been a major draw for travellers who value outdoor recreation during countryside breaks.

A large conference and meeting area of 2,500sqm is also planned, allowing the resort to handle business travel and group events. Four dining venues will be introduced, reflecting the brand’s established position in global hospitality. A wellness centre, a new spa, and a ballroom able to host more than 500 event visitors will be added as part of the refreshed layout. These facilities aim to strengthen the property’s role as a key travel destination in southern England.

Renovation Designed to Enhance the Guest Experience

The property will undergo a full transformation before opening. Guestrooms will be redesigned to match contemporary expectations. Wellness and leisure spaces will be expanded, supporting demand from travellers who combine relaxation with countryside stays. Dining concepts will also be elevated to align with the culinary identity associated with the Mövenpick brand.

The entire renovation process will focus on creating an upgraded resort experience while keeping the estate’s established character intact. The goal is to hold a strong position among travellers seeking rural breaks in England.

How Travellers Interpret Countryside Luxury

Visitors often seek simplicity, space, and comfort in countryside settings. Such locations allow travellers to slow down and reconnect with quieter surroundings. Resorts with wide acres tend to appeal to visitors who value both privacy and scenic views during extended stays.

Guests may also appreciate properties that offer varied leisure activities in one place. Facilities like golf courses, wellness centres, and multiple dining options support longer visits. They help travellers enjoy rural escapes without leaving the estate. This type of environment usually attracts guests who enjoy relaxed itineraries, outdoor time, and peaceful settings shaped by natural landscapes.

As tourism patterns shift, travellers often show interest in destinations that balance accessibility with open space. Countryside resorts become attractive options for those seeking calm environments while still wanting structured leisure experiences. This general outlook supports the appeal of renovated rural properties designed to serve wider travel needs.

A Brand with a Culinary Legacy

Mövenpick began in 1948 and first built its foundation in the Swiss restaurant scene. Over the decades, it became an international hotel brand recognised for creative and generous hospitality. Today, more than 130 hotels operate under the brand, with cuisine acting as a central element of the overall experience. This long-standing food-driven identity will guide the dining concepts at the upcoming Hampshire resort.

The move into the United Kingdom marks another phase of the brand’s European growth. Previous entries into Poland, Greece, and Italy have supported momentum across the region. The addition of the Hampshire property forms part of this wider expansion strategy.

A Resort Positioned for Strong Travel Interest

The Old Thorns Estate is already familiar to many travellers within its region. Its conversion into a Mövenpick resort reinforces its potential to attract both domestic and international guests. The combination of large acreage, leisure facilities, and spacious event areas positions the property as a major rural alternative for travellers who value countryside settings.

Once renovations are complete, the site is expected to serve a wide mix of guests, from leisure visitors to event groups. Its blend of outdoor space, wellness features, and multiple dining options may support travel demand throughout the year.

Operational Framework

The resort will be operated and managed under Accor through an agreement with Select Group. This partnership supports the transition of the estate into a new phase as part of a global hospitality portfolio. The strategy aims to deliver a property that aligns with brand standards and strengthens its competitive position in southern England.

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