The Celtic Collection has made history as the first Welsh hospitality company to be named AA Group of the Year.
More than 1,000 industry professionals gathered at London’s JW Marriott Grosvenor House yesterday (21st September) to celebrate excellence across the UK hospitality landscape with the AA Hospitality Awards shining a spotlight on the businesses and people that deliver outstanding guest experiences, exceptional service and genuine passion for their craft.
Born from the legacy of Celtic Manor Resort, The Celtic Collection is now Wales’ largest independent hotel group, with 13 hotels and venues across South Wales. The Collection offers a diverse range of experiences from the flagship resort to luxury city centre stays, coastal retreats, convention facilities including ICC Wales, and the Tŷ Hotel brand.
The accolade follows a period of significant recognition and investment across the Collection’s prestigious portfolio of business, leisure and lifestyle destinations. This has been expanded through a combination of new developments, management agreements and strategic partnerships including consultancy and support services for The Retreats Group, operator of the acclaimed Twr y Felin Hotel, Roch Castle, and Penrhiw Priory on the St Davids Peninsula.
The wider portfolio has also grown. The Parkgate Hotel, opened in Cardiff in 2021 with the Welsh Rugby Union, was named AA Hotel of the Year for Wales in 2024. St Brides Spa Hotel in Pembrokeshire, run with the Port of Milford Haven, took the same title in 2025 after a multi-million pound refurbishment. The Tŷ Hotels brand has expanded into Magor, Milford Waterfront and Newport, the latter opening in 2024 as Wales’ largest all-electric hotel.
Julie Hammond, Group Chief Executive Officer at The Celtic Collection said: “To be named AA Hotel Group of the Year, against strong competition from hotels around the UK, is an exceptional honour and a proud moment for everyone at The Celtic Collection.
“This award recognises not only the quality of our hotels and venues, but also the passion, warmth and dedication of the people who bring them to life every day.
“As our portfolio continues to grow, we remain committed to delivering outstanding guest experiences while staying true to the values of authentic hospitality. This accolade is a testament to the hard work of our teams across the group, and we are incredibly grateful for their commitment to excellence.”
Simon Numphud, Managing Director of AA Hotel & Hospitality Services said: “Congratulations to The Celtic Collection on being named Group of the Year at the AA Hospitality Awards 2026. Our annual Awards celebrate the businesses and people that set the standard for the industry across the UK, and The Celtic Collection is a brilliant example of a team that deliver true hospitality for their guests.
“Their commitment to delivering exceptional experiences is exactly what these awards set out to celebrate. A truly deserved recognition of their hard work, commitment and love for what they do.”
The Collection was awarded ISO 14001 certification across its entire group in 2026, building on more than two decades of sustainability work. It also picked up the Extra Mile Award at the Hotel Cateys, recognising initiatives such as preparing 2,000 meals a month for homeless and vulnerable people, delivered in partnership with Business in the Community.
For more information, visit https://www.celtic-collection.
