The leading figures of global spa industry are heading to the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort ahead of the World Spa Awards 2018 – the global initiative to recognise, reward and celebrate excellence in the spa and wellness sector.

The red-carpet ceremony will take place at the paradise private island resort on Friday October 26th.

Launched in 2015, World Spa Awards is a dynamic awards programme designed to drive up standards within spa and wellness tourism, by rewarding the organisations that are the leaders in the field.

Winners announced at the ceremony will include Best Hotel Spa, Best Spa Design and Best Spa Destination.

Rebecca Cohen, managing director, World Spa Awards, said: “It is with great anticipation and honour that World Spa Awards will host its fourth annual gala ceremony in the Maldives.

“And I can think of no finer host than the most exclusive address in the paradise nation – the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, which is a true sanctuary for mind, body and soul.”

A spectacular 40-minute seaplane flight from Malé International Airport, the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort promises an unrivalled private island escape in the southern Dhaalu Atoll.

The resort’s eco-conscious design draws on island-inspired style and contemporary architectural elements, and its villas come with private plunge pools.

The unique Iridium Spa is the largest overwater spa in the Maldives at 20,000 square foot, making it the perfect venue to celebrate the brilliance of the global spa industry.

Alexander Blair, general manager, the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting the fourth annual World Spa Awards here at the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort.

“It is an honour to hold such a prestigious Gala Ceremony in our beautiful surroundings.

“Our resort is home to the unique lobster-shaped Iridium Spa, which is the largest overwater spa in the Maldives – so the St. Regis Maldives lends itself perfectly as a venue to celebrate the brilliance of the global spa industry.

“We look forward to welcoming hospitality leaders from around the world to help recognise great success.”

Attendees at the World Spa Awards can participate in an exclusive spa and wellness itinerary.

Highlights include the Mindful Touch St. Regis Experience by Natura Bissé – a ground-breaking beauty protocol combines a facial skincare ritual with mindfulness and virtual reality to relax your body and awaken your senses.

The world-renowned Bastien Gonzalez is running a pop-up studio, giving attendees a complimentary opportunity to experience world-class Mani and Pedi treatments from leading experts in their field.

The Aroma Bar by Aromatherapy Associates will let attendees to discover the power of aromatherapy to enhance wellbeing.

Meet an aromatherapy expert who will help you understand more about aromatherapy and how it helps improve wellbeing through interactive experience.

World Spa Awards is the sister event to World Travel Awards, currently celebrating its 25th anniversary.

For more information about the 2018 World Spa Awards, visit the official website or find a full list of finalists here.