06 Nov 2014
Wellness Travel Awards announced today at World Travel Market
BY Helen Andrews
The winners of the first Global Wellness Travel Awards have been unveiled by Spafinder Wellness 365 at the World Travel Market in London today (6 November).
The new awards are the first to honour destination spas, hotels, resorts and retreats around the world dedicated to offering experiences and environments that leave visitors healthier when they check out than when they checked in.
373 locations were nominated for the awards by 26 travel and wellness industry journalists and experts – including Spa Business editor Liz Terry and managing editor Katie Barnes. Consumers across the globe then voted for the nominees online between 18 June and 19 September. Locations with the most votes were named winners.
Mia Kyricos, chief brand officer of Spafinder Wellness announced the awards at the press event alongside John Bevan, managing director of Spafinder’s European division. Crystal Awards were given to the top wellness travel destinations on six continents – two of which are Four Seasons properties.
• Africa: La Mamounia (Marrakech, Morocco)
• Asia: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (Bali, Indonesia)
• Australia: Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat (Queensland, Australia)
• Europe: George V Paris Four Seasons (Paris, France)
• North America: Canyon Ranch (Brand-Wide, U.S.)
• South America: Lapinha Spa (Lapa, Brazil)
In addition to the Crystal Awards, consumers voted for their favourite wellness travel destinations in 41 countries, from Vietnam to Chile. Four Seasons properties were once again in the spotlight, winning awards in Argentina, Egypt, France, India, Malaysia, the Maldives, Morocco and Russia. The Lifehouse Spa & Hotel, located in Essex, took honours for the UK, and St. Anne’s Spa in Grafton, Ontario, won the Country Award for Canada.
Voters also recognised top destinations in 18 “Best for” categories, with well-known Miraval Resort and Spa and Canyon Ranch Tucson – both located in Arizona – garnering five and four awards respectively.
Additionally, category winners included Blue Lagoon in Grindavik, Iceland (“Best for Mineral or Hot Springs“); Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Oahu, Hawaii (“Best for Families”); and Parrot Cay by COMO in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos (“Best for Yoga”). Salamander Resort and Spa in Virginia was voted “Best New Wellness Travel Property.”
Spafinder Wellness 365 defines wellness travel “as vacations, getaways and business trips that help travellers stay (or get) healthy by offering unique options, such as healthy cuisine or programs that allow guests to relax and rejuvenate.”
“The awards are an industry accolade and an important consumer guide,” said Kyricos.
“And these winners are just a few of the thousands of wellness destinations that are dedicated to providing healthy travel experiences for every budget and every interest. Keeping well differs for everyone, and the awards reflect the many paths to wellness that are offered around the globe.”
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