The SPA Traveller Awards 2011 shines the spotlight on the world’s best spas
The inaugural SPA Traveller Awards 2011 revealed some of the world’s hidden gems along with the best romantic getaways, family-friendly destinations and wellbeing retreats.
You voted in your thousands for the spas you consider to offer the best treatments, therapists and ambience from food to views.
So, if you’re looking for the UK or world’s top family-friendly spa, you can now whisk your kids off to Chewton Glen in Hampshire or off to Cyprus to experience The Spa at Aphrodite Hills or Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort safe in the knowledge these spas are top with our readers.
In the UK category, The Dorchester Spa scooped Best Spa for Ladies while the ever-popular Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa in Leicestershire was voted Best Destination Spa. And if you’re looking for a romantic getaway, check into the Verbana Spa at The Feversham Arms in Yorkshire which won this category.
Internationally, Gaia Retreat & Spa in Australia (owned by singer Olivia Newton-John) picked up the Best International Spa Cuisine Award and we had a tie for the Best International Day Spa between the >Spa at The Address in Dubai Mall with Forme Spa, Parnell in Auckland.
Director and Managing Editor of The SPA Traveller, Janet Brice, said: “These awards are a benchmark for excellence within the spa industry.
“In my editorial role on The SPA Traveller I visit so many spas around the world and I am delighted to see our readers had selected the best of the best from mountain retreats, beachside escapes to chic urban day spas,” she said.
“We were absolutely thrilled with the response we have had from our readers especially as this is our first year of awards. Congratulations to all the winners and runners-up both in the UK and internationally.
“This year’s SPA Traveller Awards have been so successful we are looking forward to opening up the nominations in the New Year for next year’s awards especially as we will be including some exciting new categories.” Nominations are now open for The SPA Traveller Awards 2012 
Grayshott Spa in Surry picked up two awards; Top UK Spa Therapist and Best UK Spa Cuisine.
A delighted Elaine Williams, Director of Natural Therapies at Grayshott took the top honour in the UK Spa therapist category.
“I have been at Grayshott Spa for over 20 years so this is not just a job to me, it is part of my life. To be recognised with such an accolade is truly an honour and I must thank our loyal clients and all who voted,” said Elaine.
“I am passionate about providing people with natural alternatives and firmly believe in the healing power of nature. I look forward to developing Grayshott further in this field”.
Qualified in psychology, nursing, osteopathy, naturopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology and acupuncture, thousands of Grayshott guests have received beneficial and in some cases life-changing treatments and advice from Elaine.
Executive Chef at Grayshott, Adam Palmer, was equally delighted with Grayshott's win in the Best UK Spa Cuisine category.
“Spa cuisine is known for being bland and boring but we believe that healthy eating should be about inspiration not deprivation.
“We have taken care to create an exciting menu of delicious, healthy cuisine with a focus on portion control and lots of choice. Our guests love it which is evident in this award win,” said Adam.
Adam has previously created menus for leading spas and has published several books on the subject of elegant and delicious low fat cuisine. He developed the 'Grayshott Healthy Eating Plate', which defines the quantity of food types per meal into the recommended three categories: fibre, fat and protein. The plate is colour coded by food category so guests know what portion size they should be eating.
Ayurvidic therapist at Chapel Spa in Cheltenham, Kathy Moores, received the runner-up award in the Top UK Spa Therapist category.
“I am delighted to have been voted runner up in the SPA Traveller
Awards.
“Ayurveda is the worlds oldest and most
complete holistic healing therapy and it’s so wonderful that more and
more people are becoming interested in experiencing these
ancient treatments. This award is an honour and proof that Ayurveda is as important today to peoples health and wellbeing as it was thousands of years ago.”
Finally, Ellie Lam, senior press officer for Elemis was thrilled when they won the top award for Most Effective New Spa Products 2011.
“This is great news,” she said.
For a full list of The SPA Traveller Awards 2011 Winners »
Nominations are now open for The SPA Traveller Awards 2012 »
