Best In-Spa Education Programme

	Best In-Spa Education Programme Awarded to a spa, spa academy or educational institution in the Asia Pacific that: Sets leading standards in the industry for spa training through structured, measurable and committed training programs and their implementation. Recognizes the importance of on-going training in the delivery of consistent service excellence, the career growth of the staff and the financial sustainability of their business through committed financial investment, ie: makes significant provision for training in the spa’s annual budget. Provides initial training as well as regular on-the-job training to all staff. Provides training in a variety of formats, for maximum effectiveness. Examples include on-the-job, classroom-based, self-study / online, one-to-one coaching, etc. Incorporates training beyond technical skills to include the broader spa experience areas including treatment benefits, behavior and attitude, duty of care and customer service skills. Designs and implements their own training programs, not just those of their product partners. Incorporates the overall spa philosophy, specific or general, into every training session. Implements a system of on-going performance appraisal that is used to guide future training initiatives and staff development. Submissions must include a copy of the latest training plan, outlining in-house training which has (and will) take place.

	Best Spa Academy

	Best Spa Academy Awarded to a spa academy or educational institution in the Asia Pacific that: Has a comprehensive curriculum which aims to develop values, skills, knowledge and attitudes of the individual learner while reflecting actual and evolving needs of the spa and wellness industry (by keeping "its ear on the ground" and initiating Training Needs Analysis, as appropriate). Produces knowledgeable and skilled graduates with the right values who are highly sought after by top spas and have no difficulty finding jobs. Has operated successfully for at least one year. Has the relevant accreditations with complete local and national operating license/permits. Academy should also be accredited by at least one credible international therapy examination body (CIBTAC, ITEC, CIDESCO). Has the facility to train at least 12 trainees on practical and theoretical classes. Facilities must meet the essential requirements of safety, security and sanitation. Has an experienced faculty with at least 10 years of collective spa and wellness experience both from the international and local markets and are highly credible in the local spa and wellness industry. Trainers must be formally certified (if applicable) and have at least two years practical experience in the subjects that they teach. Provides opportunities for real life learning and application, e.g.: student spa facilities, case studies, on the job application, industry research. Has a system that monitors quality of learning and effectiveness of faculty and the Academy i.e. post workshop feedback forms with enhancement and corrective measures in place to respond to feedback received.

	Best Human Resource Programme

	Best Human Resource Programme Awarded to a spa operation in the Asia Pacific that: Sets the standards for Human Resource (HR) practice within the industry through structured, measurable, committed and ethical HR policies and their implementation. Practices effective sourcing, pre-screening, interviewing and reference checking procedures. Has a forward-thinking approach in its HR practice that ensures the long-term development and retention of its staff. Implements HR policies aimed at growing their staff – both in work-based and life skills. Carries out regular performance reviews in order to acknowledge staff excellence and guide career development. Demonstrates how integrity-driven HR policy contributes to the sustained financial success of the operation and the well-being of all working within it. Has a clearly evident nurturing and caring attitude towards its staff as demonstrated through a measurable impact on employee retention figures.

	Best Spa Consultant / Company

	Best Spa Consultant / Company Awarded to a one-man firm or consulting company in the Asia Pacific that: Embraces the essence of TCA’s definition of ‘spa’ in the projects they work with. Implements innovative, functional and effective spa concepts that assist in driving standards up and the industry forward. Has a leader(s) recognized in the industry as being an expert in their field. Is experienced and able to professionally advise on all aspects of spa set-up and operation. Has an operation focused on sustained quality and integrity – both for itself and the projects they work with. Consultants must have at least 5 years full-time experience in the industry, and the company must have a minimum of 3 successful spa projects in operation at the time of submission. Elicits and implements client feedback about its operation(s). Submissions must include the names and numbers of three past clients who will be willing to act as a referee to the nominee.

	Best Wellness and Spa Group

	Best Wellness and Spa Group Awarded to the company in the Asia Pacific that: Is the most innovative, benchmarking operator in the business. Embraces the essence of TCA’s definition of ‘spa’ in the spas under its management. Has a forward-thinking approach to business development coupled with quality and integrity that not only grows and sustains their business but drives standards up and the industry forward. Is accepted as an industry leader. Has a brand identity and spa concept that is clearly evident and consistent across all spas in the group – in architecture, interior design, treatments, service protocols and marketing. Offers signature treatments on its menu that are distinctive from competitors and incorporates the spa’s concept. Conducts structured, measured and regular in-house training for all staff in both technical skills and soft skills. Demonstrates that integrity-driven HR policy is essential for the sustained financial success of the operation and the well-being of all working within it. Elicits and implements guest and staff feedback about its operation.

	Best Day Spa

	Best Day Spa Awarded to the day spa in the Asia Pacific that: Embraces the essence of TCA’s definition of ‘spa’ across the operation. Has operated successfully for at least one year. Provides a haven of rest and rejuvenation for mind, body and spirit amongst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Offers a variety of treatments on its menu that deliver wellness of mind, body and spirit. Has a menu clearly designed for the spa’s target markets, including services for ongoing health and beauty maintenance and promoting overall wellbeing. Has established systems for customer relationship management, such as membership, loyalty programs or ongoing customer communications. Has a brand identity and spa concept that is clearly evident in architecture, interior design, treatments, products, service protocols and marketing. Has a forward-thinking approach to wellness coupled with quality and integrity that not only grows and sustains their business but drives standards up and the industry forward. Conducts structured, measured and regular in-house training for all staff in both technical skills and soft skills. Provides a relaxation area for guests' use before and/or after treatment. Elicits and implements client feedback about its operation.

	Best Petite Day Spa

	Best Petite Day Spa Awarded to the Petite Day Spa in the Asia Pacific that: Meets all of the criteria of ‘Best Day Spa’ above, plus... The spa must have SIX (6) or less treatment beds.

	Best Hotel Spa

	Best Hotel Spa Awarded to the hotel spa in the Asia Pacific that: Embraces the essence of TCA’s definition of ‘spa’ across the operation. Has operated successfully for at least one year. Provides a haven of rest and rejuvenation for mind, body and spirit amongst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Offers a variety of treatments that deliver wellness of body, mind and spirit. Has a menu of services clearly designed for the spa’s target markets, including at least one signature treatment that is distinctive from competitors and reflective of the spa’s concept. Has a brand identity and spa concept that is clearly evident in architecture, interior design, treatments, products, service protocols and marketing. Conducts structured, measured and regular in-house training for all staff in both technical skills and soft skills. Has a forward-thinking approach to wellness coupled with quality and integrity that not only grows and sustains their business but drives standards up and the industry forward. Offers at least one water-based service, e.g. Vichy shower, rain shower or a treatment incorporating steam or sauna. This treatment need not necessarily be therapeutic in its own right. Provides guests with appropriate refreshments, and a relaxation area for use before and/or after treatment. Collaborates with other departments in the hotel to contribute to guest wellness, such as providing a health-conscious menu in the restaurants, or spa services and products in the guest room. Elicits and implements client feedback about its operation.

	Best Boutique Hotel Spa

	Best Boutique Hotel Spa Awarded to the boutique hotel spa in the Asia Pacific that: Meets all of the criteria listed in ‘Best Hotel Spa’ above, plus... Has operated successfully for at least one year. The Spa that falls under this category should be located in a boutique hotel with a maximum of FORTY (40) rooms.

	Best Resort Spa

	Best Resort Spa Awarded to the resort spa in the Asia Pacific that: Embraces the essence of TCA’s definition of ‘spa’ across the operation. Has operated successfully for at least one year. Provides a relaxed and informal haven of rest and rejuvenation that incorporates elements of nature. Offers a variety of treatments that deliver wellness of body, mind and spirit. Has treatments on its menu that are distinctive from competitors and incorporates both the spa’s concept and, ideally, reflect a ‘sense of place’ by using elements taken from the local environment or culture. Has a brand identity and spa concept that is clearly evident in architecture, interior design, treatments, products, service protocols and marketing. Conducts structured, measured and regular in-house training for all staff in both technical skills and soft skills. Has a forward-thinking approach to wellness coupled with quality and integrity that not only grows and sustains their business but drives standards up and the industry forward. Offers at least one water-based service on its menu e.g. Vichy shower, rain shower or a treatment incorporating steam or sauna. This service need not necessarily be therapeutic in its own right. Provides guests with appropriate refreshments, and a relaxation area for use before and/or after treatment. Collaborates with other departments in the hotel to contribute to guest wellness, such as providing a health-conscious menu in the restaurants, or spa services and products in the guest room. Elicits and implements client feedback about its operation

	Best Destination Spa

	Best Destination Spa Awarded to the Destination Spa in the Asia Pacific that: Embraces the essence of TCA’s definition of ‘spa’ across the operation. Has operated successfully for at least one year. Provides a haven of rest and rejuvenation for mind, body and spirit away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life amidst a tranquil and peaceful environment that is rebalancing and rejuvenating in its own right. Is chosen by guests who are seeking improvements in their body, mind and spirit wellness. Offers a lifestyle consultation to guests in order to properly assess their needs and goals, and tailors services and packages accordingly. Offers a wide variety of treatments and services on its menu to deliver wellness of body, mind and spirit. Services must include at least some elements of spa, fitness and mind-body therapy (such as yoga or meditation). Additional services may (but not necessarily) include beauty, holistic, medical and spiritual options. Offers health-conscious food & beverage that embraces elements of the host country’s local food. Offers opportunities for guest education, through advice, seminars and/or classes. Discourages unhealthy or stress-inducing practices, such as smoking, excess alcohol consumption, and the use of mobile phones and computers (at least in public areas). Conducts structured, measured and regular in-house training for all staff in both technical skills and soft skills. Has a brand identity and concept that is clearly evident in architecture, interior design, treatments, products, service protocols and marketing. Has a forward-thinking approach to wellness coupled with quality and integrity that not only grows and sustains their business but drives standards up and the industry forward. Has at least one signature treatment that is distinctive from competitors and incorporates both the operation's concept and, ideally, elements taken from the host country. Offers at least one water-based service, e.g. Vichy shower, bathing, rain shower or a treatment incorporating steam or sauna. This service need not necessarily be therapeutic in its own right. Provides a relaxation area for guests' use before and after treatment. Elicits and implements client feedback about its operation. Embraces wellness across the board: to the planet by being environmentally friendly; to its staff by considering their wellness as well as that of its guests; to its host country by being sympathetic to its natural surroundings; and to local culture.

	Best Wellness Retreat

	Best Wellness Retreat Awarded to the Wellness Retreat in the Asia Pacific that: Embraces the essence of TCA’s definition of ‘spa’ across the operation. Has operated successfully for at least one year. Provides a haven of rest and rejuvenation for mind, body and spirit away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life amidst a tranquil and peaceful environment that is rebalancing and rejuvenating in its own right. Is chosen by guests who are seeking improvements in their body, mind and spirit wellness. Offers a lifestyle consultation to guests in order to properly assess their needs and goals, and tailors services and packages accordingly. Offers a menu of holistic treatments that delivers integrative wellness of body, mind and spirit and that allows the therapist to cater to individual needs – a minimum of 3 healthy lifestyle program such as Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi or meditation. Offers health-conscious food & beverage that embraces elements of the host country’s local food. Offers opportunities for guest education, through advice, seminars and/or classes. Conducts structured, measured and regular in-house training for all staff in both technical skills and soft skills. Has a brand identity and concept that is clearly evident in architecture, interior design, treatments, products, service protocols and marketing. Has a forward-thinking approach to wellness coupled with quality and integrity that not only grows and sustains their business but drives standards up and the industry forward. Has at least one signature treatment that is distinctive from competitors and incorporates both the operation’s concept and, ideally, elements taken from the host country. Provides a relaxation area for guests’ use before and after treatment. Elicits and implements client feedback about its operation. Embraces wellness across the board: to the planet by being environmentally friendly; to its staff by considering their wellness as well as that of its guests; to its host country by being sympathetic to its natural surroundings; and to local culture.

	Best Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Wellness Centre

	Best Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Wellness Centre This category incorporates those companies who provide Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) treatment, including Ayurvedic treatment or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM); where the entire focus within the operation is on therapeutically improving health and wellness. It is awarded to the CAM Wellness Centre in the Asia Pacific that: Provides a space of healing, rest and rejuvenation for mind, body and spirit. Has operated successfully for at least one year. Is chosen by guests who are seeking improvements in their health as well as in body, mind and spirit wellness. Has a menu of CAM treatments (including traditional therapies such as Ayurveda or TCM) that deliver therapeutic health benefits. May be delivering a range of CAM modalities or specialising in just one. Provides individual health and lifestyle consultations with each client in order to identify immediate and long term treatment requirements and to ensure each client is treated individually. Is led by medically trained professionals and treatments are delivered by therapists / practitioners all of whom have studied to recognized standards. Has a brand identity and concept that is clearly evident in architecture, interior design, treatments, products, service protocols and marketing. Conducts structured, measured and regular in-house training for all staff in both technical skills and soft skills. Has a forward-thinking approach to wellness coupled with quality and integrity that not only grows and sustains their business but drives standards up and the industry forward. Elicits and implements client feedback about its operation.

	Best Signature Experience

	Best Signature Experience Awarded for the Signature experience or treatment which is published and available to guests at time of publication and which: Embraces the essence of TCA’s definition of ‘spa’ across the operation. Encompasses the spa's concept. The ‘signature’ may be the treatment itself, or it may be the journey that is created by the combination of unique facilities or service rituals. Treatments (including products or equipment used) must have therapeutic foundations that result in real benefits to guests – no gimmicks. The experience should be original (created by, or exclusively for, the spa), and ideally go beyond industry trends – it should be unique. Is marketed in the spa and via other mediums as the operation's Signature Experience – the one not to be missed. Menu of services is required as part of the submission process to demonstrate how the experience or treatment is marketed to guests.

	Best Product: Signature Body Treatment

	Best Product: Signature Body Treatment This award honours the best Product Brand which has proven sustained excellence in more than three spa locations in the Asia Pacific Region. It is awarded for the signature body treatment which is published and available to spa guests and which: Has a brand identity and concept that is clearly evident in its marketing efforts and materials, packaging and reputation. A strong dedication and pledge towards seeking and providing excellence and the best product quality – eco-friendly, eco-sustainability, pure, organic, innovative and technologically/scientifically advanced. Goes beyond dictated industry trends and dares to be different – unique. Supports its spa partners to deliver consistent excellence over time by providing quality training and education. Provides retail training and makes available samples for staff to experience the products themselves. Provides regular in-house training for the spa account as a minimum bi-annually. The Menu of services is required for two Spa accounts as part of the submission process. Should the nominee reach the finals, one or both of the spas identified will undergo a secret shopping audit. Vouchers will need to be supplied for both. Submissions must include one (1) copy of the body treatment steps taken from the training manual.

	Best Product: Signature Facial Experience

	Best Product: Signature Facial Experience This award honours the best Product Brand which has proven sustained excellence in more than three spa locations in the Asia Pacific Region. It is awarded for the signature facial treatment which is published and available to spa guests and which: This product range is chosen by guests who are seeking improvements in their skin. Has a brand identity and concept that is clearly evident in its marketing efforts and materials, packaging and reputation. A strong dedication and pledge towards seeking and providing excellence and the best product quality – eco-friendly, eco-sustainability, pure, organic, innovative and technologically/scientifically advanced. Goes beyond dictated industry trends and dares to be different – unique. Supports its spa partners to deliver consistent excellence over time by providing quality training and education. Provides retail training and makes available samples for staff to experience the products themselves. Provides regular in-house training for the spa account as a minimum bi-annually. The Menu of services is required for two Spa accounts as part of the submission process. Should the nominee reach the finals, one or both of the spas identified will undergo a secret shopping audit. Vouchers will need to be supplied for both. Submissions must include one (1) copy of the facial steps taken from the training manual.

	Distinguished Industry Leader (Peer-Nominated)

	Distinguished Industry Leader (Peer-Nominated) This category acknowledges and rewards an individual who has made a positive contribution to the Industry. This is a peer-nominated award. The application fee for this category is waived. Embraces the essence of TCA’s definition of ‘spa’ in the Industry. Stands for excellence and quality in all that he or she does. Represents the Industry and leads with integrity and passion. Inspires others to participate in raising Industry standards. Shares information and knowledge freely. Values and appreciates other viewpoints and aims for industry cooperation. Instigates positive change via their contribution. Reaches out beyond their job function to support others in their organization or the broader industry. Is considered an expert in their chosen field.

The Crystal Awards Asia Pacific 2010 will unfold according to the following timeline:

April 26	Categories & Criteria for 2010 awards posted
May 15	Submission Forms to be made available
July 7	Closing date for submissions
End-July	Announcement of Nominees List (the scores are still being collated and expected to be out first week of August)
Aug & Sep	Audit & Mystery Shopping / Online Consumers Poll
October 14	The Crystal Awards Asia Pacific 2010 Gala Evening (to be held in conjunction with Wellness Summit 2010, Singapore)

Click here to view the Categories & Criteria for The Crystal Awards Asia Pacific 2010.