A five-star resort in Dartmoor has been named one of the best places to work in the UK for a second consecutive year

The Caterer Best Places To Work in Hospitality 2025 has released its top 30 operators who are leading the way in employee engagement and workplace culture, which features Bovey Castle’s owners the Eden Hotel Collection.

Companies included within the top 30 are recommended by their own employees, and the rankings are seen as an influential tool in helping hospitality organisations retain and recruit talent.

In a survey of Eden’s 500-strong workforce – 150 of which are from Bovey Castle – 95 per cent said it is a company which cares about its people, while 91 per cent said leaders are inspiring and positive.

The recognition comes off the back of a year that has seen Eden’s 90-day retention rate average 97 per cent, with overall retention up by 28 per cent – its strongest increase since 2018.

This has resulted in vacancies decreasing by 68 per cent over the last few years, with the time taken to screen and interview candidates on average taking less than seven days.

Nearly 50 employees have also completed an apprenticeship or leadership programme in the past year, while more than 70 were promoted.

The improvements have been driven by key initiatives that have been developed based on colleague feedback to aid their wellbeing, including the introduction of Wagestream for early access to earned wages, through to a science-backed reward and recognition system called the Happy Hub to boost feel-good hormones.

Elsewhere, Eden has invested £1.5 million in purchasing a 15-cottage complex for staff accommodation at Bovey Castle, while an enhanced employee referral programme has been introduced where existing team members can earn up to £1,000 for each successful referral they make.

Dean Gunston, General Manager at Bovey Castle, said: “I feel lucky to work with a team who love what they do, and that really shines through in the feedback that we have from our guests, but also in industry recognition such as this, which is well deserved.”

Lisa Redding, Group People Director at The Eden Hotel Collection, commented: “To not only break into the top 30 hospitality places to work, but to stay there, is something we are extremely proud of.

“Hospitality is a really rewarding career for people of all backgrounds, and we have created a brilliant culture where those starting out in their careers are able to learn from some of the industry’s best – which alongside acting on feedback from our people – has helped us to retain and grow our workforce.”

The Eden Hotel Collection also operates The Arden Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, The Greenway Hotel and Spa in Cheltenham, Brockencote Hall Hotel in Kidderminster, Mallory Court Hotel and Spa in Leamington.

Mark Chambers, Managing Director at The Eden Hotel Collection, added: “Ensuring we have a happy and motivated workforce is our greatest asset as a business, which is why surveys such as Best Places To Work are important to understand how we can remain one of the industry leaders when it comes to both an employer, and a leading hotel collection.”

For more information about career opportunities at The Eden Hotel Collection visitwww.edenhotelcollection.com/careers