This December, we’re supporting our local food bank again and need your help to make a difference. We’re setting up donation points in Club Continental and Reception throughout December until we close for Christmas.
If you’re attending one of our festive Christmas parties, we kindly ask that you bring along an item to donate. Every contribution, big or small, will go a long way in supporting those in need this holiday season.
Let’s come together to make this a brighter Christmas for everyone! ✨
Our Club Continental Manager, Adam Domyslawski has raised an incredible £5182 for local Charity Friends and Families. He took on an unbelievable 12-hour fitness challenge which was not only physically challenging but also mentally. The money Adam has raised will help provide valuable support and activities that are essential to many families with disabled children.
Adam began the challenge at 7am, finishing at 7pm and only stopping for quick comfort breaks. During the challenge, he cycled 102km, skied 68km, rowed 34km and lifted an incredible 34 tonnes through deadlifts!
Jan Burns who is the Fundraising and Partnerships Lead at Friends and Families said: ‘We cannot thank Adam enough for his amazing fundraising effort. The money raised will pay for six months of activities that will give families space to relax, have fun, and make friends. The pandemic has hit families with disabled children hard – with many feeling isolated and exhausted having had little respite for over two years. Adam’s challenge is very timely as there has never been a better moment to support our families.’
Adam also commented: ‘I wanted to give back to Friends and Families after seeing the amazing support the charity gave to my friend’s family. The services and activities make a big different to families with disabled children who often face things alone. It has been my absolute pleasure to raise enough money to help other families benefit.’
Friends and Families mission is to work with families with disabled children and provide high quality services that make them feel valued, improve their wellbeing, and experience the best quality of life possible. They support and empower families with disabled children in Plymouth and surrounding areas and are such an amazing charity. We are so proud of Adam for his achievement and would like to thank everyone who has supported him!
In case you hadn’t noticed the little fella sat in our Foyer; we have a very exciting announcement to make! We’re proud to be part of the Polar Bear Explorer Trail and carer of our very own cub!
You too can be involved too! Become a Polar Bear Explorer. Not only will you find new friends in these beautiful little life like Polar Bears; but also be in with a chance to win prizes!
Launched on the 25th of November, 20 polar bear cub sculptures were introduced to Plymouth! Hosted by NMA and What’s on Plymouth, during the days after the launch the Polar Bear Cubs were set free across Plymouth, throughout Sutton Harbour, The Barbican and Hoe, Millbay and Royal Willam Yard.
Each cub will have a Bear Fact with them, telling us about the Arctic and the Oceans, how plastic is affecting their homes and how we can all help.
As a Polar Explorer, your task is to find each of the Polar Bear Cubs with their facts.
Don’t worry – you have until March 2020, the little guys and girls aren’t going anywhere anytime soon! Once they have made enough friends, shared enough facts they will then go home again, hopefully to a happier environment.
You can download the trail brochure from the VisitPlymouth Website, or pick one up in our reception area. You simply write down the key word from each of the cubs’ Bear Facts.
Once you’ve found all 20 facts – complete the Explorer form. Add your details and make a pledge to help Polar Bears by reducing single-use plastics. This could be at home, at school, or in the workplace.
Here at the hotel we have already gone Plastic Free in Club Continental and our pledge will be to keep working at being greener with every business decision we make.
Once completed, deliver your completed Explorer form to one of the three Arctic Post Boxes. You can find one at the National Marine Aquarium, the Tourist Information Centre or Bistrot Pierre. Alternatively you can mail it to: Polar Bear Explorer, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, Ballard House, West Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3BJ or enter online.
Good Luck! Don’t forget our little cub. He’s looking out onto Millbay Road waiting to be discovered and share his fact with you!
Next week sees the first full week of school after the Summer Holidays! There is nothing like a busy summer holiday in our sector. As parents ourselves though, we also know there is nothing quite like getting back to some sort of routine too!
Plymouth is a remarkable city to visit with your family. With so much to see and do there are no limits to the memories you can make. It’s not surprising that so many families choose our city as their destination. It makes the perfect choice for a family UK Summer break.
Little ones all packed up and back to school this week. The obligatory ‘Back To School’ photo is posted. That means the busy Summer months are almost behind us. Up next will be Christmas! However, before then we take the chance to sit down with our Operations Manager.
We do our own little summer de-brief!
Summer is one of our busiest seasons at the hotel. Even though we love nothing more than welcoming all of our guests, all of the year, seeing families arrive in the summer is amazing. Knowing and seeing how precious their time is together, being united without work or life, it’s truly magical. With our family rooms and suites; central location; leisure complex; great Wi-Fi and amazing food offer, we know that we can offer the perfect family holiday. Where everyone can really enjoy every precious moment together.
We also know that the needs of travelling families are a little different, different that is from the wants, wishes and desires of those who travel without the little ones in tow!
Today we talk to our Operations Manager, Simon. We ask him: ‘What are the main differences when you have the next generation along for the ride?’
Simon is a highly experienced manager within the hotel. A role that is challenging by nature as it involves constantly developing, redesigning and aligning with the needs of all of our guests. Operations Managers have a wide variety of tasks that they’re assigned, and even they can vary depending on the day! More than just his role on site; he connects his staff with the city. Through great mentoring and leadership he is always the first person to ensure that the New Continental Hotel is a business that is well rooted in city wide events. Always the first person to but an idea into action!
Simon and his teams work tirelessly to ensure all guests have the best possible experiences. Be that through our food and beverage offer; having adequate staffing at any one time; developing strategies for an overall better service … it’s honestly endless!
It’s an Operations Manager’s job to oversee the entirety of the hotel; making sure everything is running as smoothly as possible. As you can imagine, this is a constantly changing and challenging job, because our needs as guests are always changing and shifting shape.
Not only an Operations Manager, but also a devoted Dad of two, Simon understands the needs of our families all too well. Of course all guests have overlapping needs such as a desire for comfortable beds, good service, great food, happy staff … but there are some differences unique to our family travellers.
What would you say is the biggest difference with a Family staying at the hotel opposed to a say a couple?
Generally speaking, families really do need more usable space. So they can all spread out! There is nothing worse for a family than a tight spot, with everyone getting ready on top of each other, with no room for toys or play!
Having on-site breakfast is always a bonus. You can slip out of your room, children still in PJs if they want, and have a leisurely breakfast to start the day right!
An activity within the hotel also helps. Our leisure club is perfect, we have a really nice warm pool for them to splash about in and some play equipment. This offers great and free entertainment for all the family to enjoy. It’s especially handy on those grey summer days, a great indoor activity to hide from the elements!
What about the food offer for families?
As well as a bright breakfast room, we have Steve’s Brasserie. This is our in-house restaurant. We have a fabulously simple children’s menu with some great healthy choices as well as the classics like Chicken Nuggets. We take as much care in our children’s menu as we do our regular menus. The ingredients used is all of the same calibre, and our kitchen teams LOVE adding a little extra to the plate – a smiley pea face is a firm favourite!
What do you think makes us different to other hotels?
Our sector is fiercely competitive, more so than ever before given the current social and economic landscape. This is a big bonus for our guests.
Many hotels are all striving to offer the best experiences, best prices, best value, best service, best everything! What I think truly gives us our uniqueness, and perhaps helps us stand, is that we are a family run business and we really understand the needs of families.
With summer being busier, and rates slightly higher during this time of year, when would you advice families who want to travel to visit Plymouth?
Like with any hotel, booking with them direct is always the best option. Checking their websites for special offers is always a great way to start. Not only to save money, but gain really tangible added value too.
Plymouth is a remarkable city, not only due to the sensational vista but also the rich history, cultural offer, amazing events and of course the sensational people that are so proud and passionate. Visiting Plymouth at any time of the year will offer a platform to grow great memories from.
If Simon hasn’t got your fingers clicking on Plymouth yet, for your next holiday destination, maybe this will! We work tirelessly to ensure that we are offering great value all of the time. That is why our Offers page is constantly updated…
Christmas is a great time to explore the city; especially with little ones. Here at the hotel we really want people to benefit from the offering that Plymouth has during this time of year; not only the beautiful lights and the amazing Christmas Market, but also the activities and events, mostly free, that are scheduled during this time of year.
Our Winter Break offer gives guests the opportunity to enjoy not only a winter break in Plymouth but also 15% OFF their entire stay! Guests can choose any of our rooms between 28th October and the 23rd December and use the promotional code WB19 to get 15% off.
The Christmas Shopper promotion is also a great way to have more money for shopping with 20% Off your stay! Book any nights between Monday 16th and Friday 20th December and enjoy the festivities that Britain’s Ocean City offer. The promotional code for this is XMAS19
If you are thinking about planning ahead, then our Early Bird Offer will help you spring into 2020. Book any rooms and any nights throughout January 2020 and receive 20% OFF your stay. Although this is a non-refundable and non-transferable rate, once booked and looking forward to your stay in Plymouth there wouldn’t be a reason to not check-in!
One of Plymouth’s most celebrated and friendly City Centre Gyms has a VERY special Birthday …
We are always grateful to Adam and his amazing team for all their hard work, passion and dedication; but this September we say an extra special THANK YOU, as Club Continental celebrates 30 unbelievable years.
Like with fashion, music and art; in today’s fast-paced leisure sector trends seemingly come out of nowhere … and then evaporate just as quickly!
So, in such a changing landscape, it can be hard to play the long game, which begs the question:
“What is the secret to the success of our hotels leisure complex?”
“Trends, or ‘fads’, will always come and go; but we commend everyone that joins us in the club because they are choosing the healthy and sustainable way – and we know that that is no easy feat.
It’s made especially harder with promises from magazines and celebrity endorsed ‘diets’ offering ‘quick and easy’ weight loss secrets!
Yet there really are no secrets; there is just one very special ingredient; and that special ingredient has been a constant in the Club for 30 years.
The main reason people cannot follow through and accomplish sustainable and long-term results is that they become discouraged because they’re doing it alone.
If people lack the support network necessary to realise a goal, then the path to results is a really long and lonely one. Club Continental, along with our community of members and amazing staff offer support, in a welcoming and motivating gym, and we have done for 30 years and will do for 30 more!
I am so proud of what the Club and staff have done over the last 30 years; despite all the crazes we have always concentrated on the person that is stood in front of us. The person who has had the courage to make that first step, and who is on the path to a better tomorrow.
Whether you have been hitting the gym for years or you have just made a promise to yourself to a make change happen; Club Continental supports you.”
So, from ‘The Grapefruit Diet’ of the 70’s to the ‘Special K Diet’ of 2010; from the ‘Aerobics’ craze in the 80’s to ‘Spinning’ in the 90’s; this September, as we celebrate 30 amazing years, we also delve into the history of health and well-being. We look at best practice in the sector and we pick Adams brains with his news, views and reviews. You know this is going to be one very happy birthday month and we hope you help us celebrate!
Plymouth is a city packed full of businesses and individuals all striving to make tomorrow better than today for everyone. Threaded through our city are charities and organisations all awakening everyday with an ethos, passion and commitment to transform the lives of so many people living in our beautiful city.
Working in collaboration is a sensational way for charities to gain support. Not only the financial support that will help empower and enable them to deliver their objectives; but also an opportunity to raise their profile and connect with others who want to help make positive change happen.
On Saturday 26th October, here at the New Continental Hotel; Plymouth Quality Roofing and Glam Rooms are collaborating to do just that! They will be co-hosting an exceptionally special evening.
A Night of Hopes and Dreams Ball will be a truly heartfelt evening, giving those who join them the opportunity to really help two incredible charities; CLIC Sargent and Shekinah.
CLIC Sargent is a charity that fights tirelessly to stop cancer destroying young lives. There vision is to give everyone with cancer who is under 25, and their families, the support and help they need during their cancer treatment and beyond, including bereaved families living with emotional pain.
Shekinah is a Devon and Cornwall based charity that provides sensational opportunities for people in recovery or seeking recovery. There are so many magnificent things that they do daily to achieve this which includes programmes and initiatives that offer very real and tangible support to homeless people; those living with drug and alcohol issues; mental ill health and so much more.
There will be fabulous food, exceptional entertainment plus of course amazing company!
This wonderful Black Tie event welcomes you at 7pm for drinks before the evening begins. Tickets are £45 each and tables of 10 are £425.
There will not only be a three course meal and entertainment – but an amazing raffle and auction too! Club Continental is one of the many companies that have donated to the raffle. There will be a 12 months complete membership on offer; so you can enjoy the sauna and steam room, relax in the heated pool or work out in the gyms – 7 days a week for an entire year!
The New Continental Hotel are also offering an extra spacial room rate for those attending the Ball. This means that not only can you get ready with ease, but slip down to the Ballroom in all your glamour and then not have to worry about waiting for a taxi home! You can also sample what the Club Continental Membership might be like with complementary access during your stay.
The support of people that attend this brilliant evening will mean so much to these charities. What’s more it will really enable them to cause and create the change that is needed.
To find out more about the event or to purchase your tickets and pledge your support email: plymouthqualityroofing@hotmail.co.uk or hello@glamrooms.co.uk
To book your stay and take up the room rate call 01752 276798 and quote: Hopes & Dreams Ball.
Help make life better for people whilst having a sensational time, let’s all come together and showcase the power of people in Plymouth and demonstrate what a truly wonderful city by the sea we live in.
For just a second, as you read these words, picture yourself beside the sea. Watching the waves gently break upon the sand; feeling the warm breeze whilst gazing to the horizon.
Or perhaps imagine yourself sat by a heated indoor pool. The warm air around you enveloping you safely, mesmerised by the light dancing across the pool surface. Then, think about the calming feeling of the water around you, lifting you, holding you up as you swim.
Do you feel relaxed? Us too!
There’s something very therapeutic about being in, or being near the water. So, we ask Adam, our Club Continental Manager, what the science might be behind the tranquil calm that we feel when faced with the turquoise wonder…
I am a huge fan of knowing why our body and minds do what they do. Although no scientist or expert, I am fascinated!
Simply form a personal perspective, taking some time out to go for a swim or be near the water gives me some much needed time out of my crazy daily schedule! Plus, it gives me space to rejuvenate and refresh; so that I have a more positive outlook on the day – or the week ahead.
I find it clears my mind and helps me think more rationally. Daily stresses can be overwhelming, so finding what works for you, to help you escape for a moment will be the best thing you have ever done for yourself. What’s more, you deserve it!
A swim helps me stay cool, calm and collected so that I can perform at my best; whether in a sporting competition, in everyday life or at work.
In 2017 Swim England commissioned major new research into the health benefits of swimming. The Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Swimming report is an independent study that fully explores the impact of swimming on physical, mental and social well-being. It’s an amazing research document that gave me a great insight into the ‘why’s’ behind the swimming benefits I feel.
Like all exercise, swimming releases endorphins in your brain. These are natural feel-good hormones that increase positivity and bring about a sense of well-being and happiness. More than this though, the report found evidence that regular swimmers live longer. It helps older people stay mentally and physically fit, and participation in swimming lessons can help children to develop physical, cognitive and social skills quicker.
People have always said that swimming reduces stress, that it calms us. The new research suggests that swimming might actually help to promote the growth of new brain cells in parts of the brain which break down during chronic (long-term) stress. So, stepping us even closer to providing the scientific evidence that explains why swimming could enhance our ability to manage and cope better with stress.
With or without the science, what we do know for sure is that swimming is a particularly good way, for the majority of us, to relax our body, soothe our mind and reduce anxiety.
Swimming is a form of exercise you can do by yourself, which is great because you can go when you want and you don’t have to rely on anyone else. Yet Club Continental offers you the space to be alone, but the opportunity to be among friends. The Club is a great place to meet new people, having a little minute chat whilst in-between lengths is a great way to connect, helping knock down any feelings of isolation, that many feel in their normal every day.
Although I have never come across any concrete scientific proof that being in blue spaces improves or enhances mental well-being, I’m pretty sure it does! The colour blue is calming and is abundant throughout the natural world. When the sky is blue I always feel happier! You might also have heard of the term ‘biophilia’ – this means the ‘love of nature’ and refers to our inbuilt desire to be near and connected with nature!
Whether you rely on the science or just your own sense of well-being after being by or in the water; swimming really is a great way for EVERYONE to stay physically and mentally fit. Club Continental is open 7 days a week; and you don’t need to be a member! Pop in and see either me or a member of my team to find out more.
Over the last months, plastics have been a hotter topic than ever before; sparked primarily by Sir David Attenborough’s Blue Planet. People and businesses around the world have been moving quickly; trying to help reduce the amounts of plastics they use.
Here at Club Continental things are no different. Adam (the Club Continental Manager) and his team have been busily working hard to ensure that they are doing what they can so that they don’t add to the shocking statistics. They do not want to add to the amount of single use plastic waste that ends up in our oceans.
Today, we take 10 minutes out of Adams busy schedule to hear why he feels so passionately about the cause…
As participants in the leisure and fitness industry, we have a responsibility to work with other sectors to tackle this problem head on. No one starts their day thinking that they want to add to the plastic crisis. Yet, we are all living in a rapid social climate, trying to fit so much in to our day, so because of this we look for convenience. Sometimes it’s just easier to rely on others to help us make the better choices.
Here at Club Continental we know our members want to help make a difference. Plastic has a real and direct impact on our health; the environment and all of our futures. It’s something that I feel we as a gym need to help address.
Over the last 30 years I have witnessed single use plastics becoming the norm within the gym environment. I hope that our new initiative (to be launched on the 1st September 2019) will inspire others in the industry to audit and overhaul, where possible, their own green policies in a similar way.
What’s amazing is many within the sports arenas and sectors already have made significant change. We saw Wimbledon this year making a massive step. Many Premier League clubs are urging their players to use their influence to empower and mobilise their supporters to consider their environmental impact. Plus many gyms around the world are totally eradicating single use plastic from their vending machines, protein and shake bars and changing rooms.
To me it makes absolute sense for organisations to adjust their policies and strategies to support their members, staff and guests to tackle the issue. We want to make it as easy as possible for them to see that together, we ARE and we WILL make a difference.
From September 1st we will be removing all single use plastic from Club Continental. The main area of change that our members and guests will see this happen is by the removal of the plastic cups used with our water fountain.
I am enormously proud of the effort my team puts into helping people achieve their goals; they are all mindful and considerate – whilst motivating and supportive. So, when I mentioned my concerns after calculating the annual plastic cup consumption for the Club, they all supported me. When you realise that each plastic cup has a lifespan of around 35 seconds; you know things simply have to change!
Our next step as a Club is to deliver other sustainability initiatives – such as energy and water reduction. I know that I will have the support of our members and friends. I know this because I am sure they will want to help make tomorrow better than today on all counts.
Adam and his team are in the process of created an amazing resource for anyone that wants to help them on their quest. Like Club Continental on Facebook to access this awesome PDF that will be coming soon!
How many times, when we see someone that looks fit, thin or strong, someone who wears their clothes well and who can shop in any high street store do we stop and think WOW! Their life must be perfect..!?
As we are in the middle of Mental Health Awareness Week 2019, we wanted to highlight that sometimes, just sometimes our outsides don’t always match our insides. And sometimes, just sometimes, we are just sensitive people living in a broken world. A world by where how many likes on our profile picture or how many times we are told we look pretty or handsome or thin today can confuse us because…
Here at Club Continental we care about your inside as much as we do your physical appearance … your ‘outside!
We know that being strong with a six pack on the outside, won’t naturally mean you don’t have days, weeks or perhaps even months that you wont feel ‘weak’ on the inside.
As people we think (wrongly in most cases!) that other people will feel more comfortable, more relieved if we don’t tell them the truth! When they say ‘you look well’ or ask how you are, we say ‘OK’. Sometimes to make them feel better; sometimes because that’s our script – the script we stick to be it true or not!
Each year, thanks to the work that many amazing organisations and individuals do around Mental Health and well-being, we are making progress as a society. Many staff and members within our Club community are talking more openly about issues that affect their mental well-being. It could be stress, addiction, bullying, relationships, health conditions, money worries…and everything else in-between.
It’s a great time for everybody to show their support and take a minute to think about our mental health – but also those we work with, our friends and our families.
As an independent gym, hurtling towards our 30 year Birthday – being older and wiser we have learnt that putting in a little extra time to talk, to chat and to just be still for a moment, is just as important as working up a sweat.
We all know that working out is great for our body and mind; that exercise helps positive changes in our brains; it reduces tension and stress whilst boosting mental energy through endorphins.
Going to the gym is often about our outsides. But here at Club Continental we want to highlight and support people to improve, grow and see their internal strength too.
Join us #workupaconversation as well as a work-out. Take note of how people may feel on the inside, as well as how they look on the outside.
Thanks for listening, here’s to talking and may we always #workupaconversation!
With miles of shelves stacked with chocolate eggs and sugar-rich sweets; hot cross bun mountains and beer and wine displays galore; going anywhere over Easter can be an open invite to take a break from temptation and indulge in Easter and Bank Holidays treats.
Like a bully in the playground, they can taunt you until, the next think you know, you’re packing the foil-covered bunnies away in the cupboard!
BUT its so difficult to see past all the unhealthy treats when it comes to Easter and Bank Holiday…
It can be hard, and we don’t need to tell you how to replace the treats with healthy options, we all know that a carrot with hummus is much better for us than an eleven inch chocolate bunny with Haribo eggs from its cute little basket!
Many of us have a long weekend to look forward to, four days off with family and friends; BBQs, nights out, lazy days…and we know that time for celebration often includes some indulgence.
Taking a break from the usual routine and enjoying some relaxation time is essential for our minds and our bodies, but, if you’re anything like us, we don’t want to completely fall off the fitness train and then need to run the track to get back on!
Simply put, we know that we will indulge; you know that you will indulge too! And for some it will be just a little, for others a little more! But how do we stay on track, not undo too much of our great work, but still have a great time?
Tips we love you will already know. But like muscles getting stronger with repetition, what you practise grows stronger. So yes, it may be things you know; but re-read, remember and realise …
You are stronger than you think and there are no bullies in the playground!
Don’t think you CAN’T indulge in any of your cravings this Easter. Frankly, a little of what you fancy does you no harm! We all need the odd treat – but be advocates for quality over quantity.
Rather than be pounced on by the big yellow supermarket sign: 8 eggs for £10! Opt for a single egg; one you will feel you have really worked for; treated yourself too. One you sit down to enjoy, piece by piece, moment by precious moment.
Remember: You don’t need to fill your kitchen cupboards because the supermarket tells you too!
When you think of indulging and treating yourself, for many of us, the first thing that comes to mind isn’t always chocolate. Chocolate is a familiar ‘friend’ because Easter (and clever marketing) has infiltrated our minds! If you think about it as an important time to celebrate and to reward yourself, we all need rewards! Have something to look forward to. But that isn’t always in the chocolate form!
Seeing other people treat themselves to things reminds us that we deserve it too, and it’s all too easy to think that our ‘indulgence’ can be mirrored by theirs – or clever marketing!
I bet chocolate, for many, wouldn’t be a reward! For some of us, 30 minutes to ourselves, in a place we love with an indulgent Magazine or a great Podcast is worth so much more than a cream egg!
Really think about what you need, what you want to indulge in and stretch for it, make it happen and enjoy it – whatever ‘it’ is.
The weather’person’ says we are in for a weekend hotter than Egypt! So make the most of it! Time with the family where exercise is part of the family fun.
And if the sun really does shine like they say it will, it’s perfect timing to indulge in the great outdoors, rather than the bag of Mini Eggs!
Go for a country walk or bike ride. Visit some historical sites. Play a game of football in the park, or maybe even take yourself to your nearest beach for a spot of volleyball!
Be together, on your feet, out in the air making memories.
And let’s face it, if we are eating and drinking a little more than usual this weekend, the more we are on our feet – the better!
Meeting friends for a drink hungry, inevitably means you are more likely to over indulge in a light bite or appetiser to accompany the Gun & Tonic!
Family buffets and BBQs full of chocolate and pastries will be so much harder to decline if you haven’t fuelled yourself on nutritious goodness beforehand or gone prepared with some healthy treats that everyone can enjoy.
Make sure you have a healthy breakfast, eat a high fibre or protein snack before the goodies are in your eyeline, and you are far less likely to overindulge.
You have no reason not to have THE best weekend. Don’t feel you have a mountain to climb or that you have to hibernate, blindfolded with your arms tied behind your back to get through the four-day weekend!
Know that you do have control. You can make the right choices and you are doing an amazing job.
Here’s to you.
Membership at Club Continental: where people matter 7 days a week.
