Mala McAlpin 
The annual World Spa Awards were held over the weekend at the illustrious St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. The gala reception saw global leaders, pioneers and influencers gather at the ultra-luxe private island escape in celebration of the world’s best and brightest day spas, resorts, wellness retreats, salons, airport spas and everything between.
The awards, celebrating their 4th year this year, are owned and operated by UK-based World Media And Events Limited, and winners and finalists are decided by public vote. According to the organisation, “World Spa Awards was established in response to overwhelming demand from the spa industry for a programme that was fair and transparent; a programme with a mission to serve as the definitive benchmark of excellence, and to help to foster a new era of growth in spa tourism.”
From April this year, businesses were able to register themselves as candidates, and over a 16-week window, members of the public and industry professionals submitted votes online for their chosen candidate. Votes by industry members counted 5x times more than a vote by a member of the public, and only those with the highest number of votes in their categories took home the prize.
Australia came away with some impressive wins on the global stage, as well as our most outstanding spas being recognised in our own country’s categories.
Melbourne-based Miss Fox, now in its 8th year, was thrilled to be awarded the title of World’s Best Beauty Salon. Director Victoria Fox says of the win “this award is being dedicated to the exceptional team members past and present who have made Miss Fox what it is today. Whilst our venue and menu are remarkable, it is our passionate therapists bringing their hearts and souls to work every day that creates the magic that is Miss Fox.”
Gaia Retreat, based in Brooklet in the NSW Northern Rivers region, was named World’s Best Day Spa. Gaia; who is co-founder and owned by Olivia Newton-John and offers a unique rainforest pamper retreat, is now celebrating accepting this award for the second year running.
Other home-grown honourable mentions include:
Australia’s Best Hotel Spa 2018 – Spa Retreat at Palazzo Versace (Gold Coast)
Australia’s Best Resort Spa 2018 – The Spa at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley (NSW Blue Mountains)
Australia’s Best Wellness Retreat 2018 – Golden Door Elysia Health Retreat & Spa, Hunter Valley (NSW)
