Spa Finder, Inc., the global spa resource, announced its 2005 annual Readers' Choice 'Crystal Awards' at the Turning Point Spa Industry Conference, a gathering of global spa leaders held at the Sentosa Resort & Spa in Singapore. Spa Finder, Inc. CEO and Chairman Pete Ellis presented awards to the world's best spas, by continent, as determined by visitors to Spafinder.com and readers of Luxury SpaFinder Magazine, which together attract a media audience of millions of spa consumers annually. Spa Finder Readers' Choice Awards were also announced for readers' favorite spas by country or region.According to Ellis, the winning spas reflect the tastes of discerning spa goers who increasingly travel the world in search of the finest genuine-spa experiences for relaxation and wellness. 'The explosion in spa-going and spa innovation has become a truly global phenomenon, and Spa Finder's international readers represent some of the world's most sophisticated, adventurous spa travelers. To be selected as one of the world's best spas by these discerning spa-goers is an objective validation of a truly world-class spa experience. Congratulations to all of our 2005 Readers' Choice Award winners; you are crème de la crème of the spa world.'
Following are Spa Finder readers' favorite spas in the world, by continent and country/region (NOTE: To reflect the growth of the spa industry worldwide, this year's Awards now cover every continent on the globe, except the Arctic and Antarctica, and include countries/regions like India, China, and the Middle East.)
Readers' Choice Crystal Award Winners - Best Spas in the World
Best Spa in Africa - Resident Tunis, Tunisia
Best Spa in Asia - Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand
Best Spa in Australia - Daintree Eco Lodge
Best Spa in Europe - Evian Royal Resort (formerly Royal Parc Evian), France
Best Spa in North America - Canyon Ranch, AZ, U.S.A.
Best Spa in South America - Kurotel, Brazil
Readers' Choice Award Winners - Best Spas by Country or Region
Brazil - Kurotel Longevity Center and Spa, Gramado
Canada - Willow Stream the spa at The Fairmont Banff Springs, Alberta
The Caribbean - The BodyHoliday at LeSport, St. Lucia
Central America - Pura Vida Wellness Retreat and Spa, Costa Rica
China - Banyan Tree Spa Shanghai at the Westin Shanghai
Czech Republic - Spa Hotel Imperial, Karlovy Vary
France - Evian Royal Resort (formerly the Royal Parc Evian), Evian
Germany - Brenner's Park Hotel & Spa, Baden-Baden
Hungary - The Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
India - Ananda in the Himalayas, Uttaranchal
Ireland - Sámas at the Park Hotel Kenmare, Kenmare
Italy - Fonteverde Natural Spa Resort, Tuscany
Maldives Islands - Six Senses Spa at Soneva Fushi Resort
Mexico - Rancho La Puerta, Baja California
Middle East - Six Senses Spa at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, U.A.E.
Southeast Asia - Banyan Tree Phuket at Laguna Resort, Thailand
South Pacific - Le Manea Spa at Le Taha'a Private Island, French Polynesia
United Kingdom - Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, London, and The Spa at Chewton Glen, Hampshire (tie vote)
Spa Finder Readers Also Name Top Spas for Specific Spa Experiences
To help in-market spa consumers identify the best spas for their unique spa goals and requirements, Spa Finder has also published its readers' top-10 favorite spas in a range of user-friendly categories, including: Best for Weight Loss, Best Spa Cuisine, Best for Mineral Springs, Best for Going Solo, Most Affordable, Most Romantic, Best Spa at a Casino Hotel, Best Fitness Program, Best for Hiking, Best for Water Sports, Best for Golf, Best for Winter Sports, Best Medical Spas, Best for Mind-Body-Spirit, Best Urban Hotel Spa, and Best for Yoga. New categories include: Best Accommodations, Best for Men, and Best Spa Interior Design.
'More and more people are enjoying spas to improve how they look and feel, but with so many different types of spas, and so many different spa programs and services, spa-goers can have vastly different expectations and goals,' added Ellis. 'Our Awards are designed to reflect the true diversity and global reach of today's spa marketplace.'
Readers of Spa Finder publications and visitors to Spafinder.com cast ballots for nearly 1,000 premier spa properties worldwide. Voters were asked to only cast ballots for spas they've personally visited within the past three years. A complete listing of Spa Finder Readers' Choice Award winners is featured in the new Spa Finder Worldwide Directory: 2006 Guide to Spas (available on newsstands today) and at Spafinder.com.
About Spa Finder, Inc.
As the world's largest spa marketing and media company, Spa Finder reaches millions of health conscious consumers via its award-winning website, Spafinder.com. The company publishes Luxury SpaFinder Magazine, the trusted authority on luxury spas and associated lifestyles, and The Spa Enthusiast(R), the leading publication for active spa-goers. Spa Finder also operates the world's largest spa gift certificate and incentive programs as well as the 'Spa Distribution Network,' the Internet's first online spa booking program.