Gillian McGraffin takes the helm at Swinton Estate’s new spa

Spa industry veteran Gillian McGraffin has been appointed manager of the recently opened Swinton Country Club and spa in North Yorkshire.

McGraffin joins Swinton from The Grand Brighton Hotel, where she was commercial spa manager.

During her career, McGraffin – who has a degree in international spa management – has also worked for product house bareMinerals and the spa at Alton Towers theme park, as well as two resort spas – Cowley Manor and Rookery Hall.

“I have a fantastic team in the country club," she told Leisure Opportunities. "I hope to put my 20 years of experience to good use at Swinton.”

Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, proprietor of The Swinton Country Club & Spa, added: “Gillian will bring experience, flair and enthusiasm during this exciting and formative phase for us.

"She'll be pivotal in realising our potential within the marketplace.”

The privately owned Swinton Estate launched the £8m luxury spa in July – seen as one of the most significant spa openings in the UK this year.

Designed by architects Bowman-Riley, the 2,000sq m (21,500sq ft) spa is situated at the estate’s country club, which incorporates renovated historic buildings within an original walled garden.

Facilities include nine treatment rooms, a private consultation space for wellbeing and nutrition, an 18m indoor swimming pool, a hydrotherapy pool for therapeutic bathing, steamroom for deep muscular relaxation and detoxification, an aroma steamroom using seasonal fragrances and a Finnish sauna.