The following categories will be honoured at the first Crystal Awards Europe:

	Best Human Resource Programme

	Best Human Resource Programme Awarded to a spa operation that: Sets the standards for Human Resource (HR) practice within the industry through structured, measurable, committed and ethical HR policies and their implementation. Practices efficient 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 that integrity-driven HR policy is essential for 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 that has a measurable impact on employee retention figures.

	Best Wellness and Spa Group

	Best Wellness and Spa Group Awarded to the company that: Is the most innovative, benchmarking operator in the business. 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 – not just in a single location but in all if a multiple spa operator – in architecture, fixtures, fittings & equipment and treatments. 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. Embraces the essence of TCA’s definition of ‘spa’ in their operation.

	Best Day Spa

	Best Day Spa Awarded to the Day Spa that: Embraces the essence of TCA's definition of ‘spa’ across the operation. Provides a haven of rest and rejuvenation for mind, body and spirit amongst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Has treatments on its menu that deliver wellness of body, mind and spirit. Has a brand identity and spa concept that is clearly evident in architecture, fixtures, fittings & equipment, treatments and products. 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 treatment on its menu e.g. Vichy shower, rain shower or a treatment incorporating steam or sauna. This treatment need not necessarily be seen as therapeutic in its own right. Conducts structured, measured and regular in-house training for all staff in both technical skills and soft skills. Has a 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.

	Best Boutique Hotel Spa

	Best Boutique Hotel Spa Awarded to the Boutique Hotel Spa that: Is the most innovative, benchmarking operator in the business. Embraces the essence of TCA's definition of ‘spa’ across the operation. across the operation. Provides a haven of rest and rejuvenation for mind, body and spirit amongst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Has treatments on its menu that deliver wellness of body, mind and spirit. Has a brand identity and spa concept that is clearly evident in architecture, fixtures, fittings & equipment, treatments and products. 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. Has a 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 treatment on its menu e.g. Vichy shower, rain shower or a treatment incorporating steam or sauna. This treatment need not necessarily be seen as therapeutic in its own right. Provides a relaxation area for guests’ use before and after treatment. Offers, within the hotel, a health-conscious menu that embraces elements of the host country’s local food. Elicits and implements client feedback about its operation. Note: The Spa that falls under this category should be located in a boutique hotel with less than FORTY (40) rooms.

	Best Hotel Spa

	Best Hotel Spa Awarded to the Hotel Spa that: Is the most innovative, benchmarking operator in the business. Embraces the essence of TCA's definition of ‘spa’ across the operation. across the operation. Provides a haven of rest and rejuvenation for mind, body and spirit amongst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Has treatments on its menu that deliver wellness of body, mind and spirit. Has a brand identity and spa concept that is clearly evident in architecture, fixtures, fittings & equipment, treatments and products. 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. Has a 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 treatment on its menu e.g. Vichy shower, rain shower or a treatment incorporating steam or sauna. This treatment need not necessarily be seen as therapeutic in its own right. Provides a relaxation area for guests' use before and after treatment. Offers, within the hotel, a health-conscious menu that embraces elements of the host country's local food. Elicits and implements client feedback about its operation.

	Best Resort Spa

	Best Resort Spa Awarded to the Resort Spa that: Embraces the essence of TCA's definition of ‘spa’ across the operation. across the operation. Provides a relaxed and informal haven of rest and rejuvenation for mind, body and spirit amongst the beauty and tranquility of nature. Incorporates elements of nature within the spa. Has treatments on its menu that deliver wellness of body, mind and spirit. Has a brand identity and spa concept that is clearly evident in architecture, fixtures, fittings & equipment, treatments and products. 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. Has a 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 treatment on its menu e.g. Vichy shower, rain shower or a treatment incorporating steam or sauna. This treatment need not necessarily be seen as therapeutic in its own right. Provides a relaxation area for guests' use before and after treatment. Offers, within the resort, a health-conscious menu that embraces elements of the host country's local food. Elicits and implements client feedback about its operation.

	Best Destination Spa

	Best Destination Spa Awarded to the Destination Spa that: Embraces the essence of TCA's definition of ‘spa’ across the operation. across the operation. Provides a haven of rest and rejuvenation for mind, body and spirit away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Is chosen by guests because the spa experience is more important than the hotel/resort experience when choosing the destination. Has treatments on its menu that deliver wellness of body, mind and spirit and that allow the therapist to cater to individual needs. Conducts structured, measured and regular in-house training for all staff in both technical skills and soft skills. Has a brand identity and spa concept that is clearly evident in architecture, fixtures, fittings & equipment, treatments and products. 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 a 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 treatment on its menu e.g. Vichy shower, bathing, rain shower or a treatment incorporating steam or sauna. This treatment need not necessarily be seen as therapeutic in its own right. Provides a relaxation area for guests' use before and after treatment. Offers, within the hotel/resort, a health-conscious menu that embraces elements of the host country's local food. Offers healthy lifestyle programs such as Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi or meditation. 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 spa guests: Embraces the essence of TCA's definition of ‘spa’ across the operation. across the operation. Encompasses the spa's concept and ideally incorporates the culture of the host country. Goes beyond the dictates of industry trends and dares to be different - unique. Is a journey through the spa experience from the point of initial contact to leaving the spa after treatment is finished; incorporates a combination of treatments - chosen from scrubs, wraps, body treatments and facials; focused on mind, body and spirit wellness; allows time to use sauna and steam facilities if in alignment with the treatment's focus; allows time for relaxation after treatment is finished; and all delivered with consistent excellence over time by more than one therapist. Is marketed in the spa and via other mediums as the operation's Signature Experience - the one not to be missed. Conducts structured, measured and regular in-house training for all staff in both technical skills and soft skills. 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 house signature body treatment which has proven sustained excellence in more than three spa locations in the Europe Region and use only products branded by the single product line. It is awarded for the signature body treatment which is published and available to spa guests and which: Embraces the essence of TCA's definition of a ‘spa’ across the operation. across the operation. Encompasses the spa's concept and ideally incorporates the culture of the host country. Distributes its products through salon and spa operations only. 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 house signature facial treatment which has proven sustained excellence in more than three spa locations in the Europe Region and use only products branded by the single product line. It is awarded for the signature facial treatment which is published and available to spa guests and which: Embraces the essence of TCA's definition of ‘spa’ across the operation. across the operation. Encompasses the spa's concept and ideally incorporates the culture of the host country. Distributes its products through salon and spa operations only. 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

	Best Luxury Spa

	Best Luxury Spa Awarded to the Luxury Spa that: Embraces the essence of TCA’s definition of a ‘spa’ across the operation. Is the most innovative, commonly benchmarked operator in the category. Provides an elegant, sumptuous and well-appointed facility in every aspect, from check-in, retail and public areas to locker rooms and treatment areas, serving its clientele with the ultimate in discretion and care. Incorporates elements of nature within the spa. Has treatments on its menu that deliver transformative experiences. Has a brand identity and spa concept that is clearly evident in architecture, fixtures, fittings & equipment, treatments and products. 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 signature treatments that are distinctive from competitors and can be delivered with an element of customization or personalization, creating unforgettable experiences. Offers at least one water-based treatment on its menu e.g. Vichy shower, rain shower or a treatment incorporating steam or sauna. This treatment need not necessarily be seen as therapeutic in its own right. Provides a relaxation area for guests’ use before and after treatment. Offers, within the hotel, a health-conscious menu that embraces elements of the host country’s local food. Sells retail products of the highest quality to complement spa services. Elicits and implements client feedback about its operation.

	Best Medi-Spa

	Best Medi-Spa Awarded to the Medi-Spa that: Embraces the essence of TCA’s definition of ‘spa’ across the operation. Provides a modern, well-designed and fully licensed facility for the performance of medical spa services that deliver optimal results. Has treatments on its menu that deliver superior, consistent results. Has a brand identity and spa concept that is clearly evident in architecture, fixtures, fittings & equipment, treatments and products. 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 a selection of currently sought-after services to enhance and improve physical appearance and mental well-being. Employs highly-trained medical and spa professionals who are well versed in the latest treatment protocols. Provides a relaxation area for guests’ use before and after treatment. Has a well-documented process to track client progress, including before and after photos. Elicits and implements client feedback about its operation.

The Crystal Awards Europe 2009/2010 will unfold according to the following timeline:

April 1, 2009		Submission Forms made available
November 30, 2009		Closing date for Submission Process
December 2009		Announcement of Nominees List
January to March 2010		Audit & Mystery Shopping / Online Consumers Poll
May 2010		Announcement of winners for The Crystal Awards Europe 2009/2010

To participate, please view the Categories & Criteria for The Crystal Awards Europe 2009/2010 or click to go to Submission Form.