New owners plan to restore Craiglands Hotel to its former grandeur

Following its sale, the hotel will now undergo a comprehensive and sensitive refurbishment, with the aim of repositioning it as a leading 4-star wellness destination

Rambler Group Holdings has announced the acquisition of the historic Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley, under its premium hospitality brand, Aura Hotels.

The acquisition marks the first step in Rambler’s ambitious 24-month, £30 million growth strategy to build a national footprint in the UK hospitality sector through the acquisition and transformation of landmark hotels.

Built in 1859, The Craiglands Hotel is one of the region’s most iconic Grade 1 Victorian buildings, set against the stunning backdrop of Ilkley Moor. Known for its rich history as a hydropathic retreat.

The hotel will now undergo a comprehensive and sensitive refurbishment, with the aim of repositioning it as a leading 4-star wellness destination.

A centrepiece of the transformation will be the Verbeia Spa & Wellness Centre, which recently benefited from a £2.2 million investment. Aura Hotels plans to reopen and enhance the spa to deliver a best-in-class experience for guests and locals alike.

“The Craiglands Hotel is a property of remarkable heritage and untapped potential,”

said Qasim Ahmed, CEO of Rambler Group Holdings.

“This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter — not only for the hotel, but for our growing presence in the UK hospitality sector. Our goal is to restore Craiglands to its former grandeur, while creating something truly special for both Ilkley and our guests.”

Aura Hotels is the luxury hotel division of Rambler Group Holdings, a diversified business spanning transport, tourism, leisure and hospitality. Each Aura property is selected for its heritage and transformed with exacting standards, timeless design, and a deep sense of place.

The sellers of The Craiglands Hotel commented:

“Working with Rambler Group Holdings and Qasim was an absolute pleasure. The transaction was handled with professionalism, clarity, and efficiency from start to finish. It was evident from the outset that we were dealing with a serious, well-backed group with a clear vision for the hotel.

We’re confident that under their Aura Hotels brand, Craiglands is in the best possible hands for its next chapter”

This acquisition is the first of several for Aura Hotels as it builds a curated collection of elegant, experience-led properties across the UK.