Revolutionising guest experiences: Dunluce Lodge
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast, Dunluce Lodge is poised to redefine luxury hospitality as the region’s first five-star destination.
Led by General Manager Stephen Meldrum, a veteran with over 30 years in the industry, the lodge promises a blend of luxurious accommodation, stunning views, and authentic Irish warmth. “I’ve been in the hospitality industry for more than three decades, managing several well-known hotels across Northern Ireland,” says Stephen. “But the chance to be part of Dunluce Lodge was the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Stephen joined Dunluce Lodge during its build stage, overseeing every detail, from the design process to guest experience planning. “As General Manager, I oversee everything—whether it’s liaising with the teams responsible for website design, the fixtures and fittings, recruitment, or curating the guest experience,” he explains. “Every decision we make is with the guest in mind.”
With 35 luxury suites and The Stookan Lodge—an eight-suite private retreat with an intimate dining space and fireside lounge—Dunluce Lodge also offers a dining experience centred on local, seasonal produce. “Our restaurant will showcase the best of what Northern Ireland has to offer,” Stephen notes. “From fresh fish caught in the Atlantic Ocean to local wines and whiskeys distilled just a few miles from the hotel, every element of the dining experience has been carefully curated.”
The Lodge’s prime location overlooking the fourth fairway at Royal Portrush makes it especially attractive for golf fans, particularly with The Open Championship returning in 2025. “Dunluce Lodge is a legacy project from The Open Championship in 2019,” Stephen reveals. “The team at Valor came to Northern Ireland for the tournament, fell in love with the area, and decided to invest in it.”
For Stephen, Dunluce Lodge’s success will hinge on its people. “Hospitality is, and always will be, about the people,” he says. “Even though we’re still early in the recruitment process, we’ve already started assembling a group of very talented individuals who will be true ambassadors for our industry.”
Catch the full story in our November issue to discover more about Dunluce Lodge’s journey and how it aims to set a new standard in luxury on the Causeway Coast.
