Seeing a recent programme about the 5* “Ashford Castle Hotel” in County Mayo, Ireland, reminded us of our stay a few months ago at her sister hotel “Old Government Hotel”, in Guernsey, Channel Islands. Unbeknown to us at the time this was part of a hotel group “The Red Carnation Hotel Collection”, to be found in many parts of the world. This was established by its Founder and President Bea Tollman. With her vision and leadership she has developed a group of seventeen world class hospitality, taste and unsurpassed, impeccable, caring service properties.
Bea’s meticulous attention to detail at all her hotels is legendary, personally choosing decors and even involved in purchasing art and furnishings at auctions. The family extends their penetration into the travel experience with “The Travel Corporation”, a privately held company specialising in luxury tour operations, hotels and river cruise shipping.
Just to read reviews of these wonderful properties makes your mouth water and a hunger to experience your own lottery staycation!
Not only does the company consider their guests they even contribute greatly to environmental, nature and conservation projects and also work to encourage sustainable tourism. Many organisations all over the world are actively supported to make a genuine difference, such as Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, Action Against Hunger, both in the UK; the Red Cross in Geneva; Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, South Africa – just a few for instance.
The Collection aim to recruit only the very best, with potential to achieve as high as they can possibly go – as with the lovely Andi at the “Old Government House” in Guernsey – who hails from South Africa. As expressed by Bea Tollman, and I quote, “we are all part of the same family.
And where does the group name “Red Carnation” originate? Bea’s husband, Stanley, always sported a red carnation in his lapel and thus her husband’s signature flower became their inspiration for their lifelong celebration of uniquiness. And you will find red carnations worn by all their staff and in the hotel rooms everywhere.
