Wildfox Resorts Group confirms the appointment of HotelMakers as part of the wider Afan Valley resort delivery team. Afan Valley is the first of three new adventure resorts in the UK.
Chris Ward and James Hayward will be responsible for advising the Wildfox executive team, and supporting the specialist consultants with hospitality insight as they develop the resort.
Chris is a highly experienced and respected hospitality professional with an enviable track record of developing and delivering award-winning and successful hospitality brands over the last 20 years.
 Chris Ward | Before founding Hotelmakers Chris worked in senior roles at some of the best independent luxury hotels and private estates in the world. Over his career, Chris has successfully launched a number of market-leading and commercially successful leisure businesses and has successfully deployed capital well in excess of £100m. |
James has 12 years consulting experience gained across hospitality, leisure & events delivering high-profile strategic & creative projects for Ennismore, Intercontinental Hotel Group, The London Olympics & Lucozade Sport, plus a host of luxury lifestyle brands & private estates. Passionate about the benefits of outdoors, he is a qualified expedition leader and has led multiple adventurous training trips during his initial career as an army officer. |  James Haywood |
Partner at HotelMakers, James Haywood, commented: “HotelMakers are delighted to be advising the Wildfox team on such a bold & visionary project. We strongly believe that well-considered purpose-led hospitality businesses can be a force for good; benefiting the environment, providing economic growth and employment in one of the most exciting & diverse industries"
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About Wildfox Resorts
The Afan Valley resort will be the first of its kind in the UK and will be the single biggest investment in tourism, regeneration and landscape restoration in Wales, creating over 1,000 jobs in construction and in operation.
Wildfox Resorts Afan Valley will offer an adventure-filled escape for all ages who wish to take part in a range of activities including mountain biking, walking and cycling trails, canyoning, zip wires, climbing, bouldering, family adventure pool and electric off-road experiences to name a few. For those looking for a more relaxing stay or some well-deserved rest and recovery, the resort will offer a unique spa as well as a selection of restaurants and bars that champion regional produce.
Guests will be able to choose between a range of high-quality lodges or stay within the bespoke hotel and our Wildfox apartments, all set within the stunning Welsh valley with easy access to the motorway and rail networks.