Spa Finder, the world`s largest spa marketing and publishing company, today announced the launch of its new Spa Finder Connoisseur Spa Programme, and the selection of 22 of the world`s top spas to be awarded the å‘Connoisseur Spaå’ designation. The Connoisseur Spa label is awarded only to spas which offer programmes, ambience and management to the highest level of quality attainable in a spa experience.
 

Picture:Anara Spa at the Hyatt Regency Kauai

The Spa Finder programme is designed to help consumers easily identify an elite class of spa, while assisting those spas in marketing to a specific clientele looking for the ultimate in luxury and service.

“Spa Finder is recognising that a new category of spa has emerged because the industry is experiencing such exceptional growth,” says Pete Ellis, chairman and CEO of Spa Finder, Inc. At the same time, according to Ellis, the Connoisseur Spa programme offers participating spas a new way to reach those spa-goers who are specifically looking for the level of luxury and service they have to offer. “As always, our goal is to help consumers identify which spa best suits their tastes”.

To qualify as a Connoisseur Spa, a spa must satisfy a variety of strict criteria. One is a high staff-to-guest ratio, usually two or more staff members to every guest. A spa must also possess extraordinary ambience within the property and spa, exceptional guest services, plus outstanding cuisine and dining atmosphere.

Special consumer recognition was also considered, including receipt of awards such as the Spa Finder Readers` Choice Award. In addition, Spa Finder cross-referenced the most widely used industry classification systems and awarded the Connoisseur Spa designation only to the small number of spas that were consistently rated highest by all systems. “Less than one percent of spas worldwide can meet this criterion,” says Ellis. “These are properties that offer the consumer a once-in-a-lifetime experience”.

Spas selected to receive the Spa Finder Connoisseur Spa designation:

Anara Spa, Hyatt Regency Kauai, HI. Auberge du Soleil, CA. Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand. The Breakers, FL. Cal-A-Vie, CA. Canyon Ranch, AZ and MA. Capri Palace, Italy. The Golden Door, CA. The Greenbrier, WV. The Greenhouse, TX. Hotel de Paris, Monaco. Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Mexico. Le Mirador Resort & Spa, Switzerland. Le Trianon Palace, France. Mandarin Oriental Miami, FL. Miraval Life in Balance, AZ. Pangkor Laut, Malaysia. Parrott Cay, Turks & Caicos. Royal Parc Evian, France. Wyndham Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa, AZ. Wyndham Las Casitas Village & Golden Door Spa, PR.

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