CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La, wins at the Asia Spa Awards 2008

CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La walked away with two wins at the recent AsiaSpa Awards. Shangri-La’s signature spa brand scooped the “In-Spa Training of the Year” award while the CHI signature therapy, Himalayan Tsangpo Ritual, was named “Spa Treatment of the Year.” This is the third year in a row that CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La has nabbed the “Spa Treatment of the Year;” the first was in 2006, for its Himalayan Healing Stone Massage, and last year for the Jade Journey therapy.

“The awards recognise our ongoing commitment to creating novel spa experiences that reflect the unique CHI concept,” says Ian Brewis, Shangri-La’s senior director of spa and health clubs. CHI is inspired by the legend of “Shangri-La,” a mystical place of serene calmness, longevity and vitality. The CHI philosophy is based on ancient Asian healing traditions, beliefs and rituals, while featuring some of the largest and most luxurious private spa suites and villas on the market. Currently, 13 CHI are in operation, with 15 more scheduled to open worldwide in the next three years.

In awarding the “In-Spa Training of the Year,” the panel of judges lauded the work of the Shangri-La Spa Academy, its regional trainers and in-house spa teams in developing an international workforce for CHI. The intensive three-month, 680-hour certification programme covers all aspects of professional spa therapy under the direction of a team of internationally accredited spa professionals. While providing a solid foundation of knowledge and practical job skills, trainees also undergo training and development in such areas as customer service, graciousness, ethics, and cross-cultural sensitivity.

CHI received a total of eight nominations. The results were determined by a judging panel of 29 independent spa industry expert judges selected by AsiaSpa magazine - the region’s leading spa and wellness magazine, covering the latest trends on wellbeing, fitness, nutrition and travel. The awards are designed to celebrate innovation in the Asian spa and wellness industry.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific’s leading luxury hotel group, currently owns and/or manages 58 hotels under the deluxe Shangri-La and mid-market Traders brands, with a rooms inventory of over 28,000. The group has over 50 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Japan, Macau, Maldives, Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.