Celtic Collection and ICC Wales celebrate awards success
November 3, 2025
The Celtic Collection and International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales) are celebrating success after winning prestigious accolades at two major UK national award ceremonies.
Celtic Manor Resort and ICC Wales were both winners at this year’s Meetings & Inventive Travel (M&IT) Awards, known as the Oscars for the business events industry, held at London’s JW Marriott Grosvenor House.
A few days later, St Brides Spa Hotel completed a memorable week for The Celtic Collection when it was named Hotel of the Year for Wales at another glittering ceremony in London for the AA Hospitality Awards.
At the M&IT Awards, Celtic Manor Resort once again demonstrated its excellence by securing the Gold Award in the Best UK Hotel category, triumphing over a strong shortlist of fellow finalists including The Gleneagles Hotel, Chewton Glen, and The Grand Hotel Birmingham to secure the title for the eleventh time.
ICC Wales retained its Silver Award for Best UK Conference Centre, marking the third consecutive year it has secured this accolade. There was also further recognition at the M&IT Awards where The Celtic Collection was the only independent hotel operator to be shortlisted in the Best Hotel Brand category, featuring as a finalist alongside the large international groups of Four Seasons, Hilton, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, and Melia Hotels.
St Brides Spa Hotel, which enjoys a breathtaking clifftop location overlooking Saundersfoot Beach and Bay in Pembrokeshire, becomes the second Celtic Collection hotel in as many years to collect the coveted AA Hotel of the Year for Wales, following the success of Cardiff’s Parkgate Hotel in 2024.
The award caps a momentous year for St Brides which has been elevated by an extensive three-month refurbishment during 2025.
Reflecting on the awards, Julie Hammond, Group CEO of ICC Wales and The Celtic Collection, said: “It’s an honour to see the International Conference Centre Wales and The Celtic Collection recognised once again with these prestigious awards. Achieving Gold and Silver across such competitive categories at the M&IT Awards speaks volumes about the consistent quality and commitment of our teams.
“Winning the AA Hospitality Award is a very proud moment for St Brides Spa Hotel and reflects the commitment and effort behind the recent refurbishment. Since reopening in May, the hotel has enjoyed a vibrant summer season and we have been encouraged by the positive feedback from guests about the quality of our facilities. This recognition affirms the progress that we have made and the guest experience that we strive to deliver.”