One of the Isle of Wight's most iconic and oldest hotels has new owners for the first time in three decades.

The Royal, Ventnor is embarking on an "exciting" new chapter in its long history, under the stewardship of Mohamed Bathich.

Having completed the purchase of the hotel on Friday, November 22, Mohamed is planning to build on the success of recent years and "widen" its offering.

(Image: Christie & Co) From left: Matthew Brooks and Mohamed BathichFrom left: Matthew Brooks and Mohamed Bathich (Image: IWCP) Working alongside director of marketing and revenue, Matthew Brooks, who has been in the hospitality industry for around 40 years, the pair hope to attract a younger audience.

Speaking to the County Press, Matthew said: "We looked at many different hotels in different places.

"To have the opportunity to buy a hotel which has a loyal following is something we can build on."

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Mohamed has been managing apartments in London since 2004.

He previously worked for the Saudi royal family, before setting up his own company.

He feels now is the right time to expand to include the hotel sector.

"I chose to buy The Royal for two reasons", he said.

"One of them is the location and it's a landmark.

"Secondly is the team. They have been working here for so many years.

"From the moment I walked in I felt like I knew them and that's so rare.

"Life is so hectic in London. Here is a place to relax. And the weather here, it feels like we're in Spain but we're not!"

The Royal, a four-star hotel with two AA Rosettes, has been owned by William Baily since 1994.

Announcing he was selling last year, Mr Bailey said he thought now was the "right time".

Mohamed and Matthew said they have a good relationship with Mr Bailey, who did his "due diligence" to make sure the right buyer was found.

(Image: Christie & Co) (Image: Christie & Co) Matthew said: "It's important to us to understand what he did and how we can continue that.

"We don't want anybody to feel the quality of service and what we do in the hotel is going to change because there's been a change of ownership.

"It will continue at the same level and we will broaden what we do."

Going forward, the pair will look at refurbishing some areas of the hotel.

Mohamed, who already loves the garden, said he aims to make it even more "outstanding".