Harrogate hotel legend's nostalgic return - and amazing award

Frank Flaherty was at the helm of the iconic town centre establishment from 1980 until his retirement 23-years later, and was instrumental in the creation of the Majestic Leisure Club, which opened in 1989.

From a swimming pool covered by a plastic “greenhouse-type” dome, the then new enhanced facility featured the pool, gym and new changing facilities, housed in a purpose-made building. It quickly built up a membership of 600 plus.

In 2016, the hotel was purchased by the Cairn Group who announced a major £15m investment programme to enable the 184-bedroom Majestic to become the town’s first DoubleTree by Hilton.

At the same time, and to capitalise on the town’s spa heritage, it began transforming the leisure club into the new £2m The Harrogate Spa.

Now open, this facility offers a range of therapeutic thermal experiences, including a spa pool, Himalayan salt sauna, steam room, rasul, experience shower and ice fountain.

It also boasts a 12.5m indoor pool and six treatment rooms, two of which are double, tranquil relaxation lounge, spa café and terrace, fully equipped gym and studio.

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The Harrogate Spa Director Lynn Roach said: “On his retirement, Frank became a member of the leisure club, using the pool regularly right up until we had to temporarily close it to allow work to progress on creating The Harrogate Spa.

“He is a legendary figure not just within the Majestic Hotel, but in Harrogate, and was a towering figure in the town’s conference and tourism industry for more than two decades.

“Since his retirement, Frank has continued to be a great friend to the hotel and as a tribute to him – and his long association with the Majestic – we are delighted to present him with lifetime membership of The Harrogate Spa.”

Frank Flaherty said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have been given lifetime membership of The Harrogate Spa, which is an incredible facility.

“Not long after joining the Majestic I persuaded the then owners, Trust House Forte – who were beginning to build Health and Fitness Clubs at some of their hotels – that we should have one.

“That was the first upgrade, but nothing compared to what has just been undertaken. I’m looking forward to using the pool on a regular basis, but don’t think I’ll be troubling the gym much.”

Further information about The Harrogate Spa is available from its website, https://theharrogatespa.com

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