The Wahanda Blog

For ultimate relaxation you need a place where time ceases to exist, where all your problems have drifted away and you can lie back in complete and utter bliss. You may not realise it whilst you’re indulging yourself but the design of your spa is what takes your experience to another level, from so-so to sensational.

The Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design honours the designers who have made some of the best spas in the world the havens they are today. Whittled down to five nominees, the panel of judges looked into both the practicality of the design as well as the aesthetic of the surroundings.

The awards are presented by The International Hotel/Motel and Restaurant Show and will be held at a special ceremony held on November the 9^th at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Centre in New York.

Each of the nominees provides a unique and indulgent spa experience. The competition is tough – we take a look at the five spas in the running…

The Eau Spa at Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach (designed by RTKL Associates)

Nestled in the heart of the infamous Palm Beach where the rich and famous go to indulge their wild side this spa has been designed with hedonism and decadence in mind. An adult playground awaits guests where they can relax in swinging chairs, their feet grazing pools below them, or play a game of life-size chess while clocks tick to another world’s time around them.

ESPA at The Europe Hotel and Restaurant, County Kerry, Ireland (designed by HBA/Hirsch Bedner)

Also taking inspiration from their surroundings this spa incorporates the stunning views of Loch Lein, one of Killarney’s most magnificent lakes. Providing a holistic and restorative experience this spa has been designed with privacy in mind with a private spa suite which features a double steam shower, bath, sauna and steam room.

Lapis at FontaineBleau, Miami Beach (designed by Richardson Sadeki)

For many the ultimate in relaxation is looking out over cool blue seas, so it was an ingenious idea of designers Richardson Sadeki to harness the relaxing properties of water and use it throughout the Lapis Spa. Mineral rich water is used in many forms throughout the spa with mist, rain and steam surrounding you wherever you go.

The Peninsula Spa by Espa, New York (designed by Champalimaud)

In the city that never sleeps it can prove hard to escape from the demands of New York. Up high, however, nothing can get you. Situated on the 5^th floor of the legendary Peninsula Hotel this rooftop oasis features a glass enclosed pool so you can stare into the sky whilst doing the backstroke and a private spa suite for those wishing to retreat in total privacy.

The Spa at Four Seasons Resort, Bora Bora (designed by BAMO)

Capturing the unique balance that defines Bora Bora, surging energy meeting luxuriant tranquility, this spa’s design allows guests to journey through walkways suspended above trees and lagoons. The sanctuary, once inside, is warm and welcoming with rich hardwood textures throughout.

So who does hold the Gold Key to great spa design? Will it be the whimsical Eau Spa at the Ritz or possibly the romantic ESPA at The Europe? There’s one thing for sure, it’s not long until we find out. Roll on the 9^th of November…