Eight of the world’s leading spa operations were honoured at the annual World Spa and Wellness Awards during a glamorous ceremony held in London over the weekend.

A highlight of the annual World Spa and Wellness Conference industry event, the awards champion spa and wellness destinations that set the standards in client service and care, business management and leadership.

The winning locations are deemed to offer exceptional facilities and treatments while 'going the extra mile', inspiring others in the industry with their business models.

Spanish wellness brand, SHA Wellness Clinic, scooped the top award and was named Worldwide Health & Wellness Destination of the Year. It’s already been a big year for the company after it unveiled SHA Mexico in January, marking its first international flagship outside of Spain.

A further new SHA destination is due to open in the Emirates in 2025.

“We feel we’ve reached our maximum potential at SHA Spain, so we’re making our offer more accessible to a global market,” explained SHA vice president Alejandro Bataller, speaking to Spa Business. Check out Bataller's exclusive interview here for more insights.

The 2024 World Spa & Wellness Awards winners are:

• Worldwide Health & Wellness Destination of the Year – SHA Wellness Clinic, Alicante, Spain (sponsored by Lemi Group).

• Spa of the Year: Asia & Australasia – RAKxa Integrative Wellness, Bang Nam Phueng, Thailand (sponsored by 111SKIN).• Spa of the Year: Europe – Six Senses Douro Valley, Samodães, Portugal (sponsored by Swissline).

• Spa of the Year: Middle East & Africa – Cinq Mondes Spa at Raffles The Palm Dubai, UAE (sponsored by Biologique Recherche).• Spa of the Year: North & South America – Golden Door, California, US (sponsored by Elly Lukas College).

• Spa Leader of the Year – Asela Jayaweera, Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Doha, Qatar (sponsored by Gharieni Group).• Spa Team of the Year – The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, UK (sponsored by RKF Luxury Linen).

• Sustainable Spa of the Year – Lefay Spa Lago di Garda, Gargnano BS, Italy (sponsored by Elemis).