Jetsettersblog

Queensland spas have claimed half of the top 10 spots in the 2010 Conde Nast Travellers Readers’ Spa Awards (Australasia and the South Pacific), polishing the Sunshine State’s crown as the Australian ultimate destination for spa-lovers.

Palm Cove beachside spas, the Sebel Reef House & Spa and Angsana Spa, Angsana Great Barrier Reef, claimed the number two and three positions. Reef House Day Spa was also voted in the Top 25 spas in the world.

The Whitsundays also shared the limelight with island-based Spa Hayman and Spa Qualia on Hamilton Island voted number six and seven. The Azure Spa on Lizard Island Resort off Cairns was named number 10.

These awards are highly prized within the spa industry and thousands of entries are received from readers and spa enthusiasts the world-over keen to cast their vote for their favourite spa. The winners were announced at an awards ceremony staged at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London earlier this week.

More about the Queensland winners

Queensland’s Sebel House & Spa in Palm Cove , named Australia’s top spa n the prestigious survey, offers luxuriously pampering experiences based ancient Aboriginal techniques and medicines, combined with aromatherapy healing methods and Li’Tya natural spa products.

The purpose built-facility embraces different architectural styles from around the world, complete with white-washed walls, terracotta tiles, native timbers and a freshwater moat complete with bridge.

The signature treatment is Mala Mayi – a 90 minute full-body rejuvenation. Guests are cleansed, revitalised, energised and exfoliated, cocooned in Mapi mid while enjoying a Paudi scalp massage. www.reefhouse.com.au

Palm Cove also claimed Australia’s number two position with a spa that boasts air-conditioned beachfront treatment rooms and open-air, sheltered roof-top spa pavilions, both with soothing sights of the Coral Sea.

Angsana Spa’s roof-top pavilions each feature two side-by-side massage beds and a private plunge pool.

Therapists are flown in from the Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Phuket, Thailand, and offer a contemporary holistic, non-clinical range of treatments including Jasmine Frangipani Sparkle, Aloe Sunkisser and Cloud Nine. www.angsana.com

Spa Hayman on the Great Barrier Reef, voted number six, offers guests an expanded range of health and spa therapies, 13 individual treatment rooms including a dedicated wet treatment room and a therapy rooms with peaceful garden views.

The award winning spa also boasts two separate relaxation lounges complete with a mediation suite, a beautiful Hydrotherapy area, separate female and male sauna and steam rooms and a hair salon. Hayman’s signature treatment – the Ocean Massage – allows guests to enjoy the ultimate sensorial experience surrounded by tranquil waters, tropical fish and the warm Whitsunday sun. www.hayman.com

Spa Qualia on Hamilton Island, awarded the number seven position, offers six deluxe treatment rooms complete with Roman baths, a relaxation area with steam room and outdoor tropical shower, and an open air yoga and meditation pavilion. www.qualia.com.au

Rounding out the Queensland award winners is Azure Spa on Lizard Island. The beauty of the Island is infused in every treatment to provide an experience of total harmony between health, beauty to refresh the body, mind and spirit. www.lizardisland.com.au

For more information on Queensland’s award winning spas visit www.queenslandholidays.com.au