Historic AA win for Wales' largest independent hotel group

The Celtic Collection is named AA Group of the Year, celebrating a portfolio of award winners that includes the newly refurbished St Brides Spa Hotel and The Parkgate Hotel

The Celtic Collection has made history as the first Welsh hospitality company to be named AA Group of the Year. Presented at the AA Hospitality Awards in September 2026, the accolade recognises the Collection’s exceptional hotels, guest experiences and continued growth.

Born from the legacy of the world-renowned Celtic Manor Resort, The Celtic Collection has grown to become Wales’ largest independent hotel group. Encompassing 13 hotels and venues and more than 1,200 bedrooms 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 International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales), and the Tŷ Hotel brand.

The flagship Celtic Manor Resort has also received significant event industry recognition, being voted Best UK Hotel at the Meetings & Incentive Travel Awards for the 12th time in 2026.

The AA accolade follows a period of significant recognition and investment across the Collection’s portfolio, which has expanded through a combination of new developments, management agreements and strategic partnerships.

This includes St Brides Spa Hotel, perched on the clifftop above Saundersfoot's Blue Flag beach, which The Celtic Collection manages in partnership with the Port of Milford Haven. Following a multi-million pound renovation of all 35 bedrooms, the restaurant and spa in 2025, the Pembrokeshire retreat was named AA Hotel of the Year Wales and included in The Times' Best 50 Places to Stay in 2026.

This year, all 20 of its Hotel and Village Apartments have also been refurbished, offering more space and flexibility for families, groups and longer coastal breaks, while the Marine Spa, awarded AA Best UK Spa and rated 5 Bubble in The Good Spa Guide, completes the offer with an infinity pool overlooking the beach.

In the Welsh capital, The Parkgate Hotel opened in 2021 in partnership with the Welsh Rugby Union and has quickly established itself as one of Cardiff's finest luxury hotels, earning the title of AA Hotel of the Year for Wales in 2024.

The Tŷ Hotel brand has continued to expand with properties in Magor, Milford Waterfront and Newport, the latter opening in 2024 as Wales’ largest all-electric hotel. The Collection also operates the International Convention Centre Wales in a joint venture partnership with Welsh Government.

In addition to its owned and managed properties, The Celtic Collection is dedicated to showcasing the very best of Wales through strategic partnerships. This includes 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.

Alongside investment in its hotels and venues, The Celtic Collection is focused on its people, communities and environmental performance. This year, it received ISO 14001 certification across the entire group, building on more than two decades of sustainability initiatives. Its community work, including preparing 2,000 meals every month for homeless and vulnerable people, earned the group the Extra Mile Award at the Hotel Cateys. 

Julie Hammond, Group Chief Executive Officer at The Celtic Collection, said: “2026 has been a truly memorable year for The Celtic Collection. Being named AA Group of the Year, the first Welsh company to receive the honour, was a proud moment for everyone across the group, and it reflects the passion, warmth and dedication our teams bring to every guest experience.

“We have continued to invest in our portfolio, from completing the transformation of St Brides Spa Hotel to achieving ISO 14001 certification across the entire group, and it has been wonderful to see that work recognised by guests and the industry alike.

“As we look ahead, we remain committed to showcasing the very best of Wales and delivering outstanding experiences while staying true to the values of authentic hospitality.”

The Celtic Collection will be exhibiting on the UKinbound stand (S5-220) at WTM London, Excel London, from Tuesday 3 to Thursday 5 November 2026. Buyers are invited to visit the stand to meet the award-winning team and discover the full scale of the Collection across Wales, from the newly refurbished St Brides Spa Hotel on the Pembrokeshire coast to The Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff and the flagship Celtic Manor Resort.

For more information, visit https://www.celtic-collection.com.