1. A person goes to improve their wellness in body, mind and spirit.
2. A variety of professional services are offered, including at least one form of bodywork, such as massage.
3. The spa operator and all their staff make a connection with the guest in body, mind and spirit.
4. The spa experience is delivered to guests through the vehicles of their five senses.
5. The guests’ expectations of wellness are met.
6. The business is driven with integrity and a commitment to quality.

Salon Spas refer to facilities that service clients on a day-use basis, without attached accommodation. Majority of the business is in beauty (including facials), hair and nails, but still offer some body massage and treatments.

Day Spas refer to facilities that service clients on a day-use basis. A day spa is a stand-alone operation and without attached accommodation. Its spa menu is tailored to the needs of its particular target market, which is often local clientele. Services range from express treatments through to full day or multiple visit packages, and may cover any of a diverse range of therapies, from pampering beauty through to holistic and therapeutic options.

Hotel Spas refer to urban spas located within city hotels (with 40 rooms or more), and may be operated by the hotel, or a third party manager. The spa is created with the hotel guest in mind, but often also serves external guests, including local clientele. Services range from relaxation for business travellers through to those required for ongoing health and beauty maintenance. Facilities and price points may range from budget to luxury, depending upon the hotel’s positioning.

Boutique Hotel Spas refer to spas located in a boutique hotel or small luxury hotel (with less than forty rooms) that offers a unique concept and personalized comfort. Location varies from hip city centres, a manor in the country, a safari in Africa or a secluded island. The spa should be consistent with the hotel concept, reflecting the character of the hotel and enhancing the guest experience.

Destination Spas refer to all-encompassing facilities that are 100% dedicated to health and wellness. Also known as health resorts; accommodation is a supporting facility to the spa activities. The menu offers all-inclusive programmes for health, longevity, wellness and beauty – such as detox, weight loss, stress management, yoga and meditation – integrating fitness, spa treatments, holistic and medical services, healthy cuisine and education. All guests should receive a lifestyle consultation and individualized program. Average stays range from a few days to a week or longer. Must have at least one physician onsite as permanent staff (western or traditional medicine).

Resort Spas refer to spa facilities located within a resort, targeting leisure travellers. The spa menu is designed to enhance the guest experience, and as such often utilizes local ingredients and/or indigenous therapies as well as designed to create a ‘sense of place’. Spa services may be sold in packages together with accommodation, however the resort spa differs from a destination spa in that the spa is a supporting amenity to the hotel and residences.

Wellness Retreats are similar to Destination Spas, in that the entire premises are designed for wellness, but without a full-time physician. Consultations may be available, but are not mandatory. Wellness Retreats go beyond the usual resort spa offerings, cultivating programmes for health, emotional or spiritual purposes. The objective is to provide a unique and permanent guide towards a lifestyle change. Retreats do not necessarily have a specific health goal; they emphasize overall wellness of the body, mind and soul. This category also incorporates destinations that have the natural potential to allow one to journey inwards for self-discovery and inner soul searching.

CAM/Integrated Medical Centre: could be a standalone centre, or a department within another organization (hospital, hotel, etc.). Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is a broad domain of healing resources, encompassing all therapies that may be an alternative to, or used in conjunction with, orthodox medicine. Examples include:

1. Traditional / Natural Medical systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Naturopathy.
2. Mind-Body Medicine, e.g.: meditation, mental healing and creative therapies like art, music and dance.
3. Biologically Based Practices, e.g.: herbal remedies, nutritional approaches, aromatherapy.
4. Manipulative and Body-Based Practices such as in chiropractic therapy, osteopathy and massage.
5. Energy Therapies, incorporating Biofield therapies, which bring positive changes in the energy field of the person (Qi Qong, Spiritual Healing and Reiki), as well as bioelectromagnetic-based therapies that involve the use of electromagnetic fields, e.g. magnet therapy.

Sustainable Spa of Year may be any type of spa that has fully embraced principles of sustainability. Candidates must be able to demonstrate how sustainability has been planned and implemented into at least the following aspects of the business: design; inventory management; energy, water and waste management; products & treatments; marketing; operating policies and procedures. Certification by an accrediting authority (such as Green Globe) is helpful but not essential.

Spa Retailer of the Year: awarded to the spa that has the most professional approach to retailing in the spa environment, and proven track record in sales. Elements considered include: range selection; visual merchandising; retail marketing strategy; incentive programs and sales techniques and training.

Best Spa Design: acknowledges the enormous contribution of Design in delivering the spa experience. The best spa design is one that captures and clearly communicates the spa’s concept; creating an environment that is differentiated, attractive and comfortable for the guest. It must also support efficiency and guest service, by artfully managing operational requirements, including flow in both front-of-house and back-of-house areas.

Best Spa Equipment refers to a specific item (not brand) of spa equipment that is outstanding in its ability to deliver results-oriented services to the increasingly demanding spa consumer. ‘Equipment’ can incorporate anything from treatment furniture through to diagnostics and therapeutic devices. This award considers: uniqueness, the customer experience, results, proof of claims, and the training provided by the supplier.

Best Conscious Cuisine refers to food & beverage served within any type of spa or wellness facility. Candidates will be required to submit a menu that demonstrates how the spa is incorporating ‘conscious’ principles such as SLOW food (seasonal, local, organic, whole) and/or other dietary approaches that promote health and social responsibility. Also important is a component of guest education.

Best Private Label Spa Products: refers to spa or skincare products produced by, or exclusively for, a spa – for professional use in their own operation and retail sale. Private label products should demonstrate the spa’s concept and quality – as evidenced through name, packaging, ingredients, formulation and production process. Candidates should explain the spa team’s role in the briefing and development process.

Best Medi-Spa Products: is awarded to the product supplier with the best overall range for medi-spa services. Emphasis is on results-oriented products designed to address specific skincare concerns. Products may or may not have patented ingredients, but should contain cutting-edge ingredients that can make tangible improvement – whether it be in facial care or body treatments, such as slimming. Candidates must be able to provide scientific research that verifies efficacy claims.

Best Natural & Organic Products: is awarded to the product supplier with the best overall range of natural and organic products. Emphasis is on the purity and quality of ingredients, sustainability, the efficacy of formulation, and the production process. Additional considerations include social responsibility (e.g. fair trade), and the use of packaging to support sustainability and product preservation.

Product Company of the Year recognizes product suppliers who go the extra mile to provide valuable support to their spa clients. This includes (but is not limited to): reliable and friendly service; education and training; marketing input; promotional advice and incentives; proactive business support and advice.

Best Signature Treatment may refer to an original treatment developed by (or exclusively for) a spa / spa brand. The ‘signature treatment’ must be original, and include not just a treatment, but also a ritual, package or facility that is created specifically and exclusively for that spa. It should embody the spa’s concept and help to differentiate the spa in the market. The experience should be promoted as the spa’s ‘Signature’. The experience must also be authentic and/or therapeutic in nature, and have a real benefit for guests – not created as a fashion or gimmick. Ideally, (but not necessarily) the signature will be created by the spa team.

Best Men’s Treatment - as designed by either a spa or a product company. The best men’s treatment will use products uniquely designed for men, with protocols developed specifically for men’s needs and preferences.

Spa Management Company of the Year may be either an owner/operator, or a company acting under a third party management agreement. The company should have been operating spas for at least two years, and have a proven track record of business performance and ongoing improvement. Aspects considered include: uniqueness of concept; brand identity and marketing; consistency of service delivery; systems and procedures; training; staff retention and development and business performance.

Spa Consultant of the Year refers to an independent consultant (not aligned with a product or equipment supplier) who has done outstanding work during the year. The Consultant may be an individual or a company. Awarded on the basis of client satisfaction and the achievement of outcomes relative to the scope of work for which the consultant was appointed. Submissions to be in the form of case studies.

Best Wellness & Spa Group refers to an owner/operator or third party management company that has at least three spas in operation. The group must have a proven track record of business performance and demonstrate strong consistency between its various operations. Aspects considered include: uniqueness of concept; brand identity and marketing; consistency of service delivery; centralized systems and procedures; centralized training; centralized Human Resource programmes, and demonstrated business success.