Hand Picked Hotels was founded in 2001 by Owner and Chairman, Julia Hands MBE, and remains a family-owned collection of 21 country house hotels and coastal retreats across the UK and Channel Islands. Each property has been chosen for its distinctive character, architectural beauty, and exceptional setting, from rolling countryside and ancient woodlands to idyllic coastal locations.
Personalised service is at the heart of everything we do. Guided by the values of family, individuality, community, and care, our teams are committed to creating memorable experiences for every guest. We are also dedicated to operating responsibly, with all 21 hotels holding Green Tourism accreditation in recognition of our commitment to sustainability.
Vision: Julia Hands’ passion for hospitality, historical architecture, and refined comfort led to the creation of a collection that feels personally crafted rather than corporately assembled. Unlike large hotel chains, Hand Picked Hotels reflects her personal taste, attention to detail, and emotional investment in each property. Julia’s vision is to bring warmth, elegance, and authenticity to the British hotel experience.
Culture
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Values
We Value Family & Community
We are a family-owned business and treat each other, our guests, and the communities we serve as part of the Hand Picked family. We foster mutual respect, compassion, and trust.
We Care
We prioritise the well-being of each other and our guests, while respecting the legacy of our beautiful surroundings and buildings to preserve them for generations to come.
We Delight Our Guests
We are tireless in our personal and collective drive to ensure that every guest’s experience is magical, bespoke, and makes them want to return again and again.
We Encourage Individuality
We value the uniqueness of each other and our guests. We create a culture of continuous improvement and innovation to deliver personalised guest experiences and bring out the best in us all.
We Aim Higher
We are results-oriented and take pride in the fine details. We work with focus, passion, and a commitment to excellence to drive profitability and build the Hand Picked Hotels brand.
EDI
Hand Picked Hotels is committed to fairness, dignity and equal opportunity in our workforce and guest experience. We foster an inclusive culture where all team members feel valued.
ESG / Sustainability: net zero goals, community programs, responsible sourcing, Green Tourism
Sustainability is an important part of how we operate across our collection of hotels. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact, supporting local communities, and preserving the heritage of our unique properties for future generations.
All 21 of our hotels have achieved Green Tourism accreditation, recognising our ongoing commitment to responsible hospitality. We prioritise local and ethical suppliers, support a range of charitable and community initiatives, and encourage sustainable practices across our hotels.
As part of our long-term sustainability journey, we continue to invest in reducing waste, improving carbon reporting, exploring renewable energy opportunities, enhancing biodiversity, and embedding sustainability throughout our teams and operations.
Training & Development
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Learning & Development
At Hand Picked Hotels, we support career growth through a range of training, qualifications, leadership development, and specialist programmes. Our approach helps colleagues build their skills, progress their careers, and deliver exceptional guest experiences.
Management & Leadership Development
We offer a range of management and leadership development programmes designed to support progression at every stage of a career. Through workshops and practical training in areas such as coaching, communication, team engagement, and operational leadership, managers gain the skills and confidence to lead high-performing teams and advance their careers.
Apprenticeships
We currently support 19 apprentices across programmes up to Level 5, reflecting our commitment to developing future talent. Covering areas such as leadership, operations, and professional cookery, our apprenticeships combine hands-on experience with recognised qualifications, helping colleagues build successful careers in hospitality.
Spa Academy
Our Spa Academy helps colleagues develop specialist spa and wellness expertise, from treatment delivery and product knowledge to guest care and service excellence. The programme supports professional development, high standards of care, and career progression within our spa teams.
We are committed to developing wine knowledge and service excellence across our food and beverage teams. Eligible colleagues can progress through the internationally recognised WSET qualification pathway, from Level 1 to Level 3, building expertise in wine, tasting, pairing, and guest experience.
To bring learning to life, the programme also includes opportunities such as vineyard visits and engagement with wine producers, helping colleagues deepen their understanding of the wines featured across our collection.
Reward & Recognition
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- Competitive salary, plus bonus and service charge where applicable.
- A welcoming and inclusive culture where individuality, diversity, and long-term friendships are celebrated.
- Ongoing career development through in-house and external training, apprenticeships, and industry-recognised qualifications.
- 28 days holiday including bank holidays, increasing to 33 days with length of service.
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support.
- Company pension, enhanced sick pay, and life assurance.
- Access to an online discount platform offering savings with leading retailers, restaurants, and wellbeing providers.
- Staff discounts on hotel stays, dining, spa treatments, and retail products.
- Annual loyalty awards, including afternoon teas and overnight stays.
- Referral bonus for introducing new staff.
- Colleague of the Month awards, leading to our annual awards ceremony.
- Regular team celebrations, social events, and recognition activities.
Careers
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Our Hand Picked People
At Hand Picked Hotels, we like to shape and develop long-lasting careers with opportunities for promotion for current team members as well as welcoming new talent to join our teams.
We offer a variety of development opportunities, from in-house training and modern apprenticeships to management and leadership development, whatever career path you choose, we can support your goals. From behind the scenes to front of house, we offer flexible employment options; whether you’re looking for a full-time role, part-time hours or even casual work, we have something for everyone.
- Front of House (Reception, Guest Services)
- Food & Beverage
- Culinary
- Housekeeping
- Spa
- Health and Leisure Club
- Sales and Events
- Marketing
- Proactive Sales
- Maintenance
- Gardens
- Procurement
- Management
- Human Resources
- Learning and Development
- Talent Acquisition