The Headland Hotel and Spa Named Sustainable Hotel of the Year at Hotel Cateys 2025

The Headland Hotel and Spa has been named Sustainable Hotel of the Year at the Hotel Cateys 2025, a ceremony often described as the Oscars of hospitality.

The award places the Newquay hotel among the top sustainable operators in the country and celebrates what judges called a holistic and community centred approach to sustainability.

Celebrated in London

Sustainability Lead Bethany Branigan accepted the award in London on Monday evening alongside members of the team. The hotel was shortlisted with leading sustainable operators from across the UK.

Bethany said: “I am over the moon for us to have one this award, it has been a huge team effort and I just want to thank everyone across the hotel who works hard every day to make our sustainability efforts genuinely meaningful.”

📷Sustainability Lead Bethany Branigan accepts the Sustainable Hotel of the Year award at the Hotel Cateys 2025

A Year of Progress

The recognition follows a strong year for the hotel, which achieved EarthCheck Silver Certification in September. The hotel says these achievements reflect its long term commitment to reducing environmental impact, supporting local suppliers and building a sustainability driven culture among staff.

Family Director Veryan Palmer said: “Behind every sustainably sourced ingredient, energy efficient upgrade and new initiative is a team of passionate people. This award is a testament to the dedication and creativity of every member of our staff.

“We have really committed to this journey and so much work goes into improving and growing and although awards aren’t the reason we do this, it does make it feel totally worth it!”

📷The Headland Hotel and Spa

What Impressed the Judges

The Hotel Cateys judging panel praised The Headland for its thorough sustainability work, noting:

• “A brilliant example of taking a holistic approach to sustainability. Supporting local and reducing its negative impact.”
• “Lots of community initiatives, strong engagement with employers and plenty of environmental programmes.”
• “This winner had a purposeful, targeted and measured approach to sustainability. Its storytelling and communication demonstrated its ambition, passion and longevity. A strong entry in a strong year – congratulations.”

What Happens Next

The hotel says the award has strengthened its commitment to further improving its environmental and social work. New projects are already underway to enhance resource efficiency, deepen community links and continue shaping what it describes as the future of responsible hospitality.

📷The Headland Hotel and Spa stormy seas

About The Headland

Founded in 1897 and sitting beside Fistral Beach on Cornwall’s north coast, The Headland is a family owned five star hotel known for its relaxed style. It has 86 rooms, including 22 suites and two interlinking suites, each with its own character.

The property also offers 39 coastal cottages ranging from one to three bedrooms, giving guests the benefits of a five star stay with their own private space. Visitors have exclusive access to the Headland Spa and AquaClub and can dine at Restaurant RenMor, The Deck, The Spa Lounge or Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling.

📷Head Concierge Sarah Gaskin, Commerical Manager Leigh Archer, Sustainability Lead Bethany Branigan, Managing Director Jason Adam