February News
It’s been a great month filled with balance here at Achieve. From awards events to client meetings, birthdays and annual leave for some, we must say, we’re very happy to see those blue skies returning after what feels like a 100 days of rain.
This month we’re talking promotions, cost-pressures within the industry, blogs of the month, and of course, your monthly market insights across luxury hospitality and private households and estates.
Keep reading for more…
Congratulations Laura!
Congratulations are in order for Laura (O’Connor) Reeves who has been promoted to Client Relations Manager. Laura has shown strong performance, professionalism, and a growing contribution across the business.
In her new role, Laura will support client relationship development and service standards across our Private Households, Family Office, and Hospitality divisions.
Congratulations, Laura, very well deserved 👏
How We’re Supporting Industry Cost-Pressures
With rising costs and tighter margins continuing into 2026, every hire in hospitality needs to deliver real value.
At Achieve Hospitality, we’re partnering with operators to provide practical, commercially focused recruitment support that reflects the realities of today’s market. If you’re reviewing your hiring strategy or planning your next key appointment, now is the time to reach out.
Get in touch to find out about our changes and how we can support your business in a way that protects both your team and your bottom line.
Blog Spotlights
This month, we’ve shared a range of insights across both the hospitality and private household sectors, reflecting the challenges and opportunities shaping the market in 2026.
From hiring strategies in a cost-conscious hospitality landscape to trends influencing private households and estates, our latest blogs are designed to provide practical guidance and market awareness. If you haven’t had a chance to read them yet, take a look and stay ahead of the conversation.
👉 Rooms Division Manager vs a Front of House Manager
👉 Luxury Hospitality Cost Pressures 2026 Explained
👉 UK Luxury Hospitality Salary Guide 2026
👉 How to Hire an Estate Manager
👉 UK Private Household Salary Guide 2026
Luxury Private Staffing Insights
1. Candidate Demand Remains Strong for Skilled, Multi-Faceted Staff
Luxury households and estates are increasingly seeking multi-skilled professionals who can handle a mix of duties, from housekeeping and event support to technology operation and property coordination. Candidates with broader skill sets, including tech familiarity and wellness or sustainability knowledge, are in higher demand.
2. Salary Competitiveness Matters More Than Ever
Accurate and up-to-date salary benchmarks are essential in today’s private household market. Employers that fail to offer competitive packages risk losing top-tier talent and facing increased turnover, especially for senior roles like Estate Managers, House Managers and Domestic Couples.
3. Technology & Discretion are Core Expectations
Smart home systems and integrated security tech are now standard in high-end residences. Staff candidates comfortable with household automation, security platforms and digital systems are seen as more valuable. At the same time, privacy, confidentiality and professional discretion remain paramount.
4. Flexible & Hybrid Staffing Models Growing
While live-in roles remain central to household staffing, there’s a noticeable rise in flexible and part-time arrangements, especially for specialised or seasonal support roles. This trend helps households manage costs and respond quickly to changing needs.
5. Proactive Hiring Gives Competitive Advantage
Planning ahead, rather than hiring reactively, continues to be a key advantage. Private estates and family offices that build talent pipelines (e.g., knowing when current staff may retire or when homes will see increased occupancy) are more successful at securing the best candidates before urgent needs arise.
Hospitality Industry Insights
1. UK & Global Hotel Openings Momentum
The luxury hotel landscape in 2026 continues to evolve, with several high-profile openings underway that are shaping premium travel demand. In London, projects like the Waldorf Astoria at Admiralty Arch are among the most anticipated heritage-driven luxury launches this year, signalling confidence in the UK’s upper-tier hospitality market as it attracts both domestic and international visitors. There’s also strong activity across Manchester, York and beyond as new boutique and upscale properties prepare to welcome guests.
2. Forbes Travel Guide
On the global stage, the Forbes Travel Guide’s Most Anticipated 2026 hotel openings list includes landmark restorations and destination definers, from historic palazzos in Europe to desert and island escapes worldwide, underlining enduring appetite for standout luxury experiences.
The 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards have been announced, recognising excellence in luxury hospitality with a rigorous, independent rating process that spans hotels, restaurants and spas globally. Notably, Regent Hong Kong received a coveted Five-Star rating in the 2026 rankings, a testament to its bespoke service and refined guest experience. And in Ireland, Ashford Castle secured a double Five-Star Forbes rating for both its hotel and spa, the only property in the UK and Ireland to do so, highlighting regional excellence in luxury hospitality.
3. Culinary Prestige & Michelin Announcements
The Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2026 was announced in February at a ceremony in Dublin, with 20 restaurants awarded their first Michelin star. In London, Row on 5 and Bonheur by Matt Abé were promoted to two stars, while all existing three-star restaurants retained their status. The guide also recognised new Green Stars and Bib Gourmands, highlighting the continued focus on sustainability and value alongside fine dining excellence.
The latest announcements reinforce the strength and diversity of the UK’s luxury dining scene, with regional restaurants gaining increased recognition. For luxury hotels and high-end operators, culinary prestige remains a key driver of brand positioning and guest experience in 2026.
4. Broader Trends Impacting Luxury Hospitality
Across the UK and beyond, hospitality operators are embracing hybrid models, integrating hotel stays with wellness, co-living, co-working and experiential offerings, to diversify revenue and strengthen resilience in today’s market.
Here at Achieve we connect exceptional talent with world-class opportunities all year round. Thanks for reading, we’ll be back with more next month.
Your partners in hospitality, Achieve.
