Maintains a consistently high standard of luxury, service and quality where indulgence in or enjoyment of comforts and pleasures are a priority in addition to those necessary for a reasonable standard of well-being
Believes in the precepts of spa wellness and shares these philosophies with guests
Offers spa programs and menus designed to encourage health-enhancing activities and wellness
Demonstrates professional client management and business management
Demonstrates practice and promotion of the highest standard of quality and spa safety
All specialized/professional team members comply with local, provincial and federal regulations concerning licensing, registration, sanitation and appropriate accreditation or certification and only provide services in their area of the accreditation or certification
Demonstrates a commitment to providing education, training and professional development opportunities for all team members
Supports the ongoing improvement of quality and professional spa services offered to the public
Demonstrates a commitment to sustainable and environmentally safe practices
Provides a sanctuary away from everyday life for the mind, body and spirit
The following categories demonstrate the above in addition to category-specific criteria.
Top Destination Spa
Offers a wellness vacation experience
An integrated experience including spa services and health and wellness classes
Healthy spa cuisine and nutritional education
A full program of fitness and stress reduction classes
Top New Spa
A new spa that has opened since September 1, 2019.
Top Day Spa
A stand-alone spa facility that does not offer overnight accommodation
May contains facilities such as a sauna, pool, steam room or whirlpool that guests may use in addition to their treatment
Top Hotel Spa
Caters to both hotel guests and outside visitors
Spa facility located within the grounds of a hotel complex
Top Medi-Spa
Offers a medical program, which uses medical treatments such as lasers, microdermabrasion, injectables and other medical beauty procedures
Operates under the on-site supervision of a licensed healthcare professional
Offers traditional, clinical and alternative health practices and treatments in a spa-like setting
Top Hydro Spa
Offers wellness through water (Sanitas per Aquam) e.g. Nordic, thermal, mineral springs, hydrotherapy
May also offer other aspects of health and wellness services
NEW
Pillar of the Community Award
Recognizing a business or individual who has supported their community, staff and clients during unprecedented times
Has contributed to the growth, betterment, and recognition of the Canadian spa industry
Recognizing Canadian Industry Contributors
Education Award
This award recognizes an individual, business or educational institution developing and delivering high-quality education opportunities for spa practitioners and/or spa professionals in Canada
Top Spa Partner
This award recognizes an outstanding spa partner that demonstrates good business practices and provides superior support, training and education
Company or individual providing high-quality service and/or product support to the Canadian spa industry
Consumer’s Choice
A Canadian spa offering the best overall experience of increased health and wellness as determined by the consumer
Consumer’s favourite spa promoting health and wellness
Judging Criteria
Submissions will be assessed by a panel of distinguished judges based on their qualifying criteria
The judges will be looking for evidence that each criteria have been met
Submitted material should demonstrate clearly why the spa/business is thought to be worth an award
in its chosen category and how it is an award-winning level
What the Judges Seek
Judges are seeking points of distinction that make the nomination stand out from the rest
Clear and specific responses to the criteria
Evidence to back claims
A focus on quality not quantity
Common Mistakes
Failing to structure the application against the judging and nomination criteria
Failing to address the judging criteria in the application
Assuming judges know your spa, industry partners or educators
Failure to really read and interpret the criteria
Believing that submissions can be sent after the deadline
Copy and pasting general information from a website, rather than catering the answers to
the criteria
Thank you for celebrating the Canadian spa industry with us. Good luck!