A spotlight on Silmiya Hendricks from Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa

Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa prides itself on being an elegant and distinguished hotel where heritage and luxury effortlessly combine to create a quintessential home away from home. This makes it one of the most luxurious places to stay in the South West. 

Most recently they have received Gold awards for Hotel of the Year and Spa & Wellbeing Experience of the Year, and a Silver award for Restaurant of the Year at the prestigious South West Tourism Awards. So we spoke to Silmiya Hendricks, Director of Sales and Marketing, to find out what makes Lucknam Park so special. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your role at Lucknam Park? 

With over eighteen years in the luxury hotel sector in the UK, Middle East and Asia, I started from the grassroots as a guest relations officer, rising to my current position as Director of Sales and Marketing. Hilton Hotels have played a vital part in my career history. Working for several of their flagship properties in the United Kingdom, before moving to Qatar as part of their pre-opening management team, has given me a wealth of experience. As Director of Sales and Marketing, my role is driving revenue to all aspects of the hotel and looking into new opportunities and trends to grow the business. Living in the country was always on the cards, so when I came across the opportunity at Lucknam Park there were no second thoughts. I wanted to be a part of the team and wanted to say I work here. The rest, as they say, is history. 

 
What’s your favourite part about the role? 

It has got to be the diversity of the role. Lucknam Park has so much to offer from the Equestrian centre to the spa, or the cookery school to fine dining in the Michelin starred restaurant. Each day there is something new happening. We have photoshoots where you will be filming the horses galloping through the parkland, cookery demonstrations, gardening tips or perhaps a famous guest staying at the hotel. Since joining the team we have launched many exciting developments including the arrival of ESPA Skincare in the spa, the opening of a luxury country cottage and the launch of our children’s playhouse facility, The Hideaway. 

 
What’s your favourite meal at the Michelin-star Restaurant Hywel Jones?

My favourite dish has got to be the Andrew Morgan’s Brecon lamb ‘Two ways’ with Heritage carrots, yoghurt, cumin and anchovy fritter. The incredible textures and combination of flavours creates an unfordable dining experience. Our talented Executive Chef, Hywel Jones, has held a Michelin Star at the hotel for 13 years now and never fails to produce a showstopper of a menu. 
 

What makes Lucknam Park so luxurious? 
 
At Lucknam Park it is all about the attention to detail. Knowing our guests’ likes and dislikes in advance and going the extra mile.  Many of our guests are celebrating a special occasion, such as a birthday or an anniversary, and so it is those little touches such as a welcome note with champagne or a special birthday dessert plate which make a visit so memorable. Luxury furnishings, antique furniture, an award-winning spa and a variety of unique activities right at your fingertips; all this set within 500 acres of private parkland and gardens. 

 
Which Spa treatment would you recommend?

I would have to say the ESPA Inner calm massage (90 minute). This treatment is so relaxing and really allows you quality pamper time to switch off from every day stresses. Different ESPA body oils are used depending on your most prominent needs to personalise the experience to each individual. 

 
Do you have any hidden gems in Wiltshire that you’d like to share with our readers?
 
Neston Farm Shop – this is a great hidden gem as they well accommodate my dog Cooper. Great food and service for a relaxed weekend lunch in the countryside. Plus, there are plenty of scenic walks nearby. 

So if you're looking for a lavishly appointed place to stay for a special occassion then Lucknam Park is for you.

To find out more about events and offers head to their page here. If you're looking for things to do in Wiltshire then we have more info here.