Nine spas from across Canada have distinguished themselves as among the most elite in Canada by successfully completing the Spa Industry Association of Canada’s rigorous Quality Assurance Program, which is the only national program of regulations for the Canadian spa industry. Renewal is not automatic, as spas must re-qualify once their terms expire. Sponsored by MD+Spa Source, the Quality Assurance Program is designed to demonstrate to consumers which spas exceed industry standards and best practices. Third-party assessors conduct on-site inspections to complete the accreditation process with extensive evaluation on all elements of operating a spa, including booking and appointment processes, management and human resource practices, physical inspection of the property and equipment, sanitation, and sterilization procedures. “Spa goers have added confidence and comfort when they interact with a spa displaying the Leading Spas of Canada Quality of Assurance Approved seal because it shows that spa consistently delivers a superior spa experience,” says Diane Sparrow, president of the Spa Industry Association of Canada.
The spas achieving and renewing this distinction in 2012 include:
· Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara (Parksville, BC)
· Sante Spa Victoria (Victoria, BC)
· Haven Spa at Sidney Pier Hotel (Sidney, BC)
· Island Currents Spa at Sonora (Sonora Island, BC)
· Riverstone Spa (Winnipeg, MB)
· Sun Tree Spa at Temple Gardens Mineral Spa (Moose Jaw, SK)
· Ten Spa (Winnipeg, MB)
· The Spa Magnolia (Victoria, BC)
· Vida Spa at Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel (Vancouver, BC)