1. Embraces the essence of TCA's definition of ‘spa’ across the operation.
2. Has operated successfully for at least one year.
3. Spa has an identity and concept that is clearly integrated into the salon’s identity, menu, sales and service procedures: not an add-on facility.
4. The spa must have at least two treatment rooms.
5. The spa must have at least one full time therapist (or full-time equivalent).
6. Offers a variety of spa services – including body massage and body treatments – that comprise at least 10% of total revenue.
7. Has a menu clearly designed for the salon’s target market(s), including services for ongoing health and beauty maintenance.
8. Has established protocols for guest service, including conducting a consultation with each guest prior to treatment.
9. Provides a relaxation area for guests' use before and/or after treatment, in conjunction with service rituals (e.g. herbal tea, cold towels, etc.).
10. Conducts structured, measured and regular in-house training for all staff in both technical skills and soft skills.
11. Has established systems for customer relationship management, such as membership, loyalty programs or regular, ongoing customer communications.
12. Elicits and implements client feedback about its operation.

1. Embraces the essence of TCA's definition of ‘spa’ across the operation.
2. Has operated successfully for at least one year.
3. Provides a haven of rest and rejuvenation for mind, body and spirit amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
4. Has a brand identity and spa concept that is clearly evident in interior design, treatments, products, service protocols and marketing.
5. Has at least three treatment rooms / revenue stations.
6. Has at least four full time staff, including three full-time therapists (or full-time equivalent).
7. Offers a variety of treatments on its menu that deliver wellness of mind, body and spirit.
8. Has a menu clearly designed for the spa’s target markets, including services for ongoing health and beauty maintenance.
9. Has established protocols for guest service, including conducting a consultation with each guest prior to treatment.
10. Provides a relaxation area for guests' use before and/or after treatment, in conjunction with service rituals (e.g. serving of herbal tea, cold towels, etc.)
11. Conducts structured, measured and regular in-house training for all staff in both technical skills and soft skills.
12. Has a forward-thinking approach to wellness coupled with quality and integrity that grows and sustains the business and drives up standards.
13. Has established systems for customer relationship management, such as membership, loyalty programs or ongoing customer communications.
14. Elicits and implements client feedback about its operation.

1. Embraces the essence of TCA’s definition of ‘spa’ across the operation.
2. Has operated successfully for at least one year.
3. Provides a haven of rest and rejuvenation for mind, body and spirit amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
4. Has a brand identity and spa concept that is clearly evident in interior design, treatments, products, service protocols and marketing.
5. Offers at least one hydrothermal facility or service, e.g. hydropool, steam, sauna, Vichy shower, etc.
6. Offers a variety of treatments that deliver wellness of body, mind and spirit.
7. Has a menu of services clearly designed for the spa’s target markets and is reflective of the spa’s concept.
8. Has established protocols for guest service, including conducting a consultation with each guest prior to treatment.
9. Provides guests with appropriate refreshments and a relaxation area for use before and/or after treatment.
10. Conducts structured, measured and regular in-house training for all staff in both technical skills and soft skills.
11. Has a forward-thinking approach to wellness coupled with quality and integrity that grows and sustains the business and drives up standards.
12. 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.
13. Elicits and implements client feedback about its operation.

1. Meets all of the criteria listed in ‘Best Hotel Spa’ above, plus...
2. The Spa that falls under this category should be located in a boutique hotel with less than 40 rooms.

1. Embraces the essence of TCA’s definition of ‘spa’ across the operation.
2. Has operated successfully for at least one year.
3. Is chosen by guests for the specific purpose of seeking improvements in health or wellness of body, mind and spirit.
4. Has a minimum stay requirement of at least 2 nights.
5. 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.
6. Has a brand identity and concept that is clearly evident in architecture, interior design, treatments, products, service protocols and marketing.
7. Offers at least one hydrothermal service, e.g. hydrotherapy, Vichy shower, bathing or a treatment incorporating steam or sauna.
8. Provides a relaxation area for guests' use before and after treatment.
9. 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 work (such as yoga or meditation). Additional services may (but not necessarily) include beauty, holistic, medical and spiritual options.
10. 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.
11. Has at least one physician on-site as permanent staff. The physician may be a doctor of western/orthodox or traditional medicine, such as TCM, Ayurveda, Naturopathy, etc.
12. Offers only health-conscious food & beverage; preferably that embraces elements of the host country’s local cuisine.
13. Offers a lifestyle consultation to every guest in order to properly assess their needs and goals, and tailors services and packages accordingly.
14. Offers opportunities for guest education, through advice, seminars and/or classes.
15. 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).
16. Conducts structured, measured and regular in-house training for all staff in both technical skills and soft skills.
17. Elicits and implements client feedback about its operation.
18. Has a forward-thinking approach to wellness coupled with quality and integrity that grows and sustains the business and drives up standards.
19. 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.

1. Embraces the essence of TCA’s definition of ‘spa’ across the operation.
2. Has operated successfully for at least one year.
3. Provides a relaxed and informal haven of rest and rejuvenation that incorporates elements of nature.
4. Has a brand identity and spa concept that is clearly evident in interior design, treatments, products, service protocols and marketing.
5. Offers at least one hydrothermal experience on its menu e.g. Vichy shower, rain shower or a treatment incorporating steam or sauna. This experience need not necessarily be therapeutic.
6. Targets primarily tourists and leisure travelers.
7. Has a menu of services clearly designed for the resort’s target markets and is reflective of the spa’s concept.
8. 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.
9. Provides guests with appropriate refreshments, and a relaxation area for use before and/or after treatment.
10. Has established protocols for guest service, including conducting a consultation with each guest prior to treatment.
11. Conducts structured, measured and regular in-house training for all staff in both technical skills and soft skills.
12. Has a forward-thinking approach to wellness coupled with quality and integrity that grows and sustains the business and drives up standards.
13. 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.
14. Elicits and implements client feedback about its operation.

1. Embraces the essence of TCA’s definition of ‘spa’ across the operation.
2. Has operated successfully for at least one year.
3. Is chosen by guests for the purpose of seeking improvement in wellness of their body, mind and spirit.
4. 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.
5. Has a brand identity and concept that is clearly evident in architecture, interior design, treatments, products, service protocols and marketing.
6. Offers at least one hydrothermal service, e.g. hydrotherapy, Vichy shower, bathing or a treatment incorporating steam or sauna.
7. Provides a relaxation area for guests' use before and after treatment.
8. Offers a variety of treatments and programmes 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.
9. 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.
10. Offers only health-conscious food & beverage; preferably that embraces elements of the host country’s local cuisine.
11. Offers opportunities for guest education, through advice, seminars and/or classes.
12. 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).
13. Has established protocols for guest service, including conducting a consultation with each guest prior to treatment.
14. Conducts structured, measured and regular in-house training for all staff in both technical skills and soft skills.
15. Has a forward-thinking approach to wellness coupled with quality and integrity that grows and sustains the business and drives up standards.
16. Elicits and implements client feedback about its operation.
17. 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.

It is awarded to the CAM/Integrated Medical Centre that:

1. Provides a space of healing, rest and rejuvenation for mind, body and spirit.
2. Has operated successfully for at least one year.
3. Is chosen by guests who are seeking improvements in their health, and/or are taking a preventative approach to optimise wellness of body, mind and spirit.
4. Has a menu of CAM/Integrated Medical treatments that deliver therapeutic health benefits.
5. May be delivering a range of CAM modalities or specialising in just one.
6. Has more than one CAM/Integrated Medical practitioner, i.e.: is not an individual practitioner’s clinic.
7. 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.
8. Is led by medically trained professionals and treatments are delivered by therapists / practitioners all of whom have studied to recognized standards.
9. Has a brand identity and concept that is clearly evident in interior design, treatments, products, service protocols and marketing.
10. Conducts structured, measured and regular in-house training for all staff in both technical skills and soft skills.
11. Has a forward-thinking approach to wellness coupled with quality and integrity that grows and sustains the business and drives up standards.
12. Has established systems for customer relationship management, such as ongoing customer communications.
13. Elicits and implements client feedback about its operation.

1. Embraces the essence of TCA’s definition of ‘spa’ across the operation.
2. Has operated successfully for at least one year.
3. Has a brand identity and spa concept that is clearly evident in interior design, treatments, products, service protocols and marketing.
4. Is built (or renovated) according to best practices in sustainable design, such as those proposed by LEED, Green Globe or similar organizations.
5. Green Globe (or similar) certification is helpful but not essential.
6. Takes action to monitor and minimize its carbon footprint.
7. Maximizes energy efficiency through design, technology and/or operating procedures.
8. Minimizes water use through design, technology, treatment menu and /or operating procedures.
9. Minimizes waste through the principles of:
   a. Re-use, e.g.: minimal use of disposables
   b. Reduce, e.g.: making do with less inventory, minimal packaging, etc.
   c. Recycle, e.g.: packaging and other waste
10. Uses products containing only ingredients that are sustainable and ethically produced.
11. Uses products with packaging that is recyclable, and/or made from recycled materials.
12. Produces collaterals made from recycled materials and environmentally friendly inks and production methods.
13. Consciously uses marketing formats that have minimal environmental impacts, e.g.: using e-marketing rather than traditional brochures.
14. Promotes education of environmental and sustainability issues to its guests and staff.
15. Has a program of continual improvement, coupled with quality and integrity that grows and sustains the business and drives up standards up.
16. Elicits and implements client feedback about its operation.

1. Embraces the essence of TCA’s definition of ‘spa’ across the operation.
2. Has operated successfully for at least one year.
3. Has a brand identity and spa concept that is clearly evident in interior design, treatments, products, service protocols and marketing.
4. Has Retail sales comprising at least 30% of the spa’s total revenue.
5. Is clearly a spa – not retail shop with a beauty room. The spa must have at least three treatment rooms and three full time (or full time equivalent) therapists.
6. Integrates Retail seamlessly into the spa’s layout, sales and service procedures: not an add-on facility.
7. Has a documented retail strategy and plan, including a calendar of promotional activity.
8. Offers a wide variety of retail merchandise that is clearly selected to meet the needs and desires of the spa’s target market.
9. Has documented visual merchandising guidelines.
10. Conducts sales on the basis of guests’ needs, as ascertained by consultation.
11. Uses a variety of tools to assist the staff in the sales process, e.g.: interactive tester areas, consultation and prescription forms, information sheets, brochures, samples, etc.
12. Offers opportunities for guest education, through advice, seminars and/or classes.
13. Conducts structured, measured and regular in-house training for all staff in knowledge and skills related to retail sales.
14. Sets retail KPIs for staff, and has innovative incentive programs to encourage them to achieve these goals.
15. Has established systems for customer relationship management, such as membership, loyalty programs or ongoing customer communications.
16. Elicits and implements client feedback about its operation.

1. Embraces the essence of TCA’s definition of ‘spa’ across the operation.
2. Has operated successfully for at least one year.
3. Captures and clearly communicates the spa’s concept - consistently throughout the entire spa.
4. Creates a physical environment that is clearly differentiated, creating not just a unique space and experience for the guests, but also providing a platform for marketing.
5. Creates an ambience that is not only attractive, but also welcoming and comfortable for guests.
6. Offers a seamless journey in terms of guest flow, with adequate privacy.
7. Demonstrates functionality and efficiency in terms of back-of-house spaces and flow.
8. Is designed according to the brief of the owner, and meet’s the owner’s objectives.
9. Utilizes materials that combine aesthetics with good operational functionality.
10. Consciously uses lighting, colour and shape for the desired psychological effect.
11. Provides innovative solutions to design challenges or limitations (such as small space, limited budget, building restrictions, regulation, etc.).
12. Incorporates sustainability to the greatest extent possible.

(Submissions must include a layout, photographs, and description of the design brief, the concept and any design limitations.)

1. Has been in successful commercial use for at least one year.
2. Helps the spa deliver results-oriented treatments to its guests.
3. Is clearly superior to competitors or similar equipment available on the market in at least one aspect, such as: design, ease of use, safety, results and/or cost.
4. If furniture: offers an innovative and attractive design solution for better service or guest experience. If diagnostic / therapeutic: enables the spa to offer more effective diagnoses and treatments.
5. Takes every precaution for guest and staff safety.
6. Aids efficiency of operation (where appropriate), saving the spa time and/or money.
7. Demonstrates clear proof of marketing claims, such as research results, testimonials, before and after pictures, etc.
8. Provides education and training (where appropriate) for staff.
9. Provides information and education for guests, to help them make more informed decisions.
10. Supports the spa’s marketing / use of the equipment through innovative promotions and ideas.
11. Supports the spa business with manageable payment terms, guarantees / warrantees, reliable customer service, and supportive policies for maintenance and repair.

1. Offers innovative menus designed to promote health and well-being in guests.
2. Plans menus based on SLOW food principles:
   a. Seasonal: encouraging fresh food, rather than refrigerated or frozen
   b. Local: to minimize carbon footprint and the need for preservation systems (such as irradiation) that damage the nutritional and energetic quality of the food
   c. Organic: food grown/raised with no chemicals or additives such as hormones or antibiotics
   d. Whole: using no refined food products or ingredients
3. Prepares food according to Spa Cuisine principles, using cooking techniques that minimize calories and maintain maximum nutrition, e.g.: avoid frying.
4. Avoids known unhealthy ingredients, such as: trans-fats, salt, refined carbohydrates (sugar, white flours), etc.
5. Provide education to staff so that they may advise guests appropriately.
6. Label foods with key nutritional content to enable guests to make more informed decisions.
7. Educate guest on the benefits of SLOW food and spa cuisine principles.
8. Promote healthy eating on a day-to-day basis, by both guests and staff, through activities such as cooking lessons, offering recipes, retailing cookbooks, etc.

1. Is produced by, or exclusively for, the spa brand. (The product may be produced by a contract manufacturer on behalf of the spa.)
2. Actively engage the spa’s personnel in the briefing and development process.
3. Encapsulates the concept of the spa in terms of range selection, packaging and ingredients.
4. Comprises at least five products within the range.
5. Is used in professional signature treatments within the spa, and also offered for retail sale.
6. Is clearly designed with the needs and desires of the spa’s target market in mind.
7. Matches the quality of the spa in terms of packaging, collaterals and presentation.
8. Reflects the philosophy and concept of the spa in its ingredients and formulation.
9. Is able to back up performance claims (if any) with objective proof, such as efficacy testing results.
10. Is consistent with spa philosophy, in that products utilize ingredients that contribute to physical and/or emotional well-being, such as essential oils, herbal extracts, natural plant oils, etc.
11. Minimizes use of unnecessary chemical ingredients, such as artificial fragrance and colourants.
12. Does not contain petroleum-based products, or ingredients that are known or suspected to be irritants and/or a hazard to health, e.g.: parabens.

Note: the range may or may not be natural / organic: it depends on the spa’s concept. E.g.: medi-spa products may need synthetic (or ‘naturally derived’) actives to achieve the promised efficacy.

1. Has been used commercially in spa operations for at least one year.
2. Offers a variety of products (minimum 5 SKU) that are designed for specific skin conditions and concerns.
3. Has a clear, differentiated concept that helps the range stand out from other medi-spa brands.
4. The product concept is consistently applied in formulation, packaging, collateral materials and pricing.
5. Is superior to other medi-spa product ranges in at least one aspect, such as: efficacy, method and ease of use, packaging and presentation, safety (no/low reactions) and / or cost (for comparable quality).
6. Utilizes cutting-edge active ingredients with demonstrated effectiveness. (Exclusive use of a patented ingredient may be helpful, but is not essential.)
7. Minimizes use of unnecessary chemical ingredients, such as artificial fragrance and colourants.
8. Does not contain ingredients that are known or suspected to be irritants and/or a hazard to health, e.g.: sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens.
9. Exemplifies ‘truth in marketing’, with clear proof of marketing claims (e.g. slimming, anti-wrinkle), such as efficacy test results, testimonials, before and after pictures, etc.
10. Is offered in conjunction with unique signature treatments, developed by the product company for use by its spa customers.
11. Provides initial training for staff in product knowledge and treatments, as well as ongoing education.
12. Provides information and education for guests, to help them make more informed decisions.
13. Assists the spa’s treatment sales and retailing (if applicable) through ongoing marketing support, e.g.: sampling, promotional ideas, collateral materials, staff incentives, etc.

Note: the range may or may not be sold in retail – depending on the company’s marketing strategy and safety of product use in non-professional hands.

1. Has been used commercially in spa operations for at least one year.
2. Offers a variety of products - minimum 5 SKUs.
3. Uses no synthetic fragrances or colours.
4. Uses no petroleum-derived products (e.g. paraffin, PEG compounds, propyl-, alkyl-, etc.)
5. Uses no silicon oils and derivatives.
6. Uses no genetically modified ingredients.
7. Uses no irradiation treatment of botanical ingredients or the end product.
8. Uses only food-grade preservatives.
9. Does not contain ingredients that are known or suspected to be irritants and/or a hazard to health, e.g.: sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens.
10. Uses only sustainable ingredients and environmentally responsible packaging.
11. Does not test on animals.
12. Has a clear, differentiated concept that helps the range stand out from other natural brands.
13. The product concept is consistently applied in formulation, packaging, collateral materials and pricing.
14. Is superior to other natural product ranges in at least one aspect, such as: purity of ingredients, integrity of sourcing and production (e.g. fair trade), packaging and presentation, efficacy and / or cost (for comparable quality).
15. Range should be certified by a recognized organic agency, e.g.: Ecocert, OR produced in a manner that meets or exceeds recognized ‘green’ standards. (E.g.: use of ‘wild-crafted’ ingredients cannot be organically certified.)
16. Is offered in conjunction with unique signature treatments, developed by the product company for use by its spa customers.
17. Provides initial training for staff in product knowledge and treatments, as well as ongoing education.
18. Provides information and education for guests, to help them make more informed decisions.
19. Assists the spa’s treatment sales and retailing through ongoing marketing support, e.g.: sampling, promotional ideas, collateral materials, staff incentives, etc.

1. Has been supplying spas with products for at least two years.
2. Has a clear, differentiated product that stands out from other spa product ranges.
3. Has an excellent reputation for friendly, helpful and reliable customer service.
4. Has knowledgeable staff who understands the technical aspects of their products, and are up-to-date with industry innovations and trends.
5. Provides training for spa staff; not just in product knowledge and signature treatments, but also supporting aspects such as consultations, sales, industry trends, consumer behaviour, etc.
6. Offers spa clients initial training as well as a program of continuing education.
7. Provides spa clients with guidance for visual merchandising.
8. Assists the spa’s treatment sales and retailing through ongoing marketing support, e.g.: sampling, promotional ideas, collateral materials, staff incentives, etc.
9. Demonstrates ‘truth in marketing’; able to offer proof of marketing claims (e.g. slimming, anti-wrinkle), such as efficacy test results, testimonials, before and after pictures, etc.
10. Has established systems to help spa clients optimize their inventory management and admin.
11. Has customer-friendly policies with regard to minimum orders, returns, damaged stock, etc.
12. Has established systems for customer relationship management, with proactive regular communication.
13. Offers advice to clients as to how they may improve or develop their business.

1. Embraces the essence of TCA’s definition of ‘spa’ .
2. Is unique and reflects the spa's concept and philosophy.
3. Delivers on the needs or desires of the spa’s target market.
4. Is an original treatment developed by, or exclusively for, the spa.
   [The treatment may be developed by a consultant, product or equipment supplier for the spa, but it must be used only in that spa.]
5. 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.
6. Is marketed in the spa and via other mediums as the operation's Signature Experience – the one not to be missed.

Note: menu of services is required as part of the submission process to demonstrate how the experience or treatment is marketed to guests.

1. Embraces the essence of TCA’s definition of ‘spa’ .
2. Is specifically designed for the needs of men, e.g.: shaving.
3. Uses products formulated specifically for men
4. Uses protocols designed to appeal to men.
5. Is marketed in a way that directly targets and is appealing to men.

1. Embraces the essence of TCA’s definition of ‘spa’ in the spas under its management.
2. Has operated spas successfully for at least two years.
3. Has established a clear concept with differentiated position in the market.
4. Has created a unique brand identity that is consistently applied throughout interior design, product offerings, service protocols and marketing.
5. Utilizes the spa’s available resources effectively to show demonstrated business growth.
6. Has a clearly evident nurturing and caring attitude towards its staff as demonstrated through a measurable impact on employee retention figures.
7. Recognizes the importance of training through a committed in-house training programme.
8. Has a proven track record of consistent service excellence, as demonstrated through customer feedback, repeat visits and testimonials.
9. Has established and documented protocols for guest service, including conducting a consultation with each guest prior to treatment.
10. Has documented standard operating policies and procedures, that are implemented and ‘lived’ on a day-to-day basis.
11. Has demonstrated skill in financial management. This includes not just profitability, but also the ability to adapt to changing market conditions by introducing measures for revenue generation and cost control.
12. Has established systems for quality monitoring (including client feedback) and control, with a focus on consistency and continual improvement.
13. Has established systems for customer relationship management, such as membership, loyalty programs or regular customer communication.

Note: submissions must include feedback, facts, statistics or financials that demonstrate the positive impact of management on business performance.

Awarded to the independent consultant or consulting company that:

1. Embraces the essence of TCA’s definition of ‘spa’ in the projects they work with.
2. Is experienced and able to professionally advise on all aspects of spa set-up and operation.
3. Creates and implements unique, functional, efficient and effective spa concepts that assist in driving standards up and the industry forward.
4. Provides innovative solutions to design challenges or limitations (such as small space, limited budget, building restrictions, regulation, etc.).
5. Delivers on the objectives set by its clients.
6. Has an operation focused on sustained quality and integrity – both for itself and the projects they work with.
7. Has at least 5 years full-time experience in the industry, and a minimum of 3 successful spa projects in operation at the time of submission.
8. Elicits and implements client feedback about its operation(s).

Note: submission to include at least two case studies of work done in the previous twelve months, summarizing the client brief, the work done by the consultant, and the outcome. Specific attention should be paid to key challenges, and how the consultant was able to overcome them. Submissions must also include the names and contact details of two past clients who will be willing to act as referees.

1. Has at least three spas in operation, all of which embrace the essence of TCA’s definition of ‘spa’ .
2. Is the most innovative, benchmarking operator in the business.
3. 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.
4. Is accepted as an industry leader.
5. Has a brand identity and spa concept that is clearly evident and consistently applied across all spas in the group – in architecture, interior design, treatments, service protocols and marketing.
6. Offers signature treatments on its menu that are distinctive from competitors and incorporates the spa’s concept.
7. Conducts structured, measured and regular in-house training for all staff in both technical skills and soft skills.
8. 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.
9. Has strong centralized systems to support all operations, including (but not limited to): standard operating procedures, reporting procedures, yield management, customer relationship management.
10. Has established systems for quality monitoring (including client feedback) and control, with a focus on consistency and continual improvement.

1. Sets leading standards in the industry for spa training through structured, measurable and committed training programs and their implementation.
2. 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, i.e.: makes significant provision for training in the spa’s annual budget.
3. Provides initial training as well as regular on-the-job training to all staff.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Designs and implements their own training programs, not just those of their product partners.
7. Incorporates the overall spa philosophy, specific or general, into every training session.
8. Implements a system of on-going performance appraisal that is used to guide future training initiatives and staff development.
9. Submissions must include a copy of the latest training plan, outlining in-house training which has (and will) take place.

1. 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).
2. Produces knowledgeable and skilled graduates with the right values who are highly sought after by top spas and have no difficulty finding jobs.
3. Has operated successfully for at least one full academic year.
4. 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).
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Provides opportunities for real life learning and application, e.g.: student spa facilities, case studies, on the job application, industry research.
8. 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.

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