Byron Bay, Australia. Gaia Retreat & Spa is extremely delighted to have just recently been awarded 'Australia's Leading Boutique Hotel' and 'Australia's Leading Spa Resort' at the 2014 World Travel Awards for the second year in a row.

Receiving these great honours by an award program that is regarded as the 'Oscars of the Travel industry' by The Wall Street Journal comes at a time when Gaia has just upgraded to accommodate a new top end range of boutique retreat accommodation with their new Komala Villas. Gaia has also recently launched its own Certified Organic Skincare Range Retreatment.

Gaia Retreat and Spa directors Warwick Evans, Ruth Kalnin, Olivia Newton-John and Gregg Cave couldn't be more excited to receive these respected awards after almost 10 years in the spa and retreat industry. It is a tribute to their wonderful, highly skilled and committed team at Gaia.

"I am so thrilled that Gaia has received this prestigious award, it's truly an honour to be recognized,” says Olivia Newton-John, Gaia Director. “I'm so proud to share this with my fellow directors, Gregg, Ruth and Warwick, as well as our entire staff. Gaia has become my personal sanctuary and I am grateful for our wonderful healers and therapists - our family - who have all helped make our dream a reality by creating an unforgettable experience for our guests." 

2014 World Travel Awards hosted 400 senior, elite members of the Asia and Australasia travel industries on October 10, 2014, in India, it is also one of the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by Royalty, government and industry leaders, luminaries and international media. For this year's Gala Event, travel, tourism and hospitality organizations from 40 countries received prestigious accolades at the glittering “Gala Presentation Ceremony” at The Oberoi, New Delhi, a sophisticated and luxurious hotel known for its exquisite interiors, impeccable service and fine cuisine.

Gaia's Director Gregg Cave says “To receive highly respected awards is one thing, but to receive two of the World Travel awards two years in a row is an amazing honour to our dedicated team at Gaia - they bring heart to work each day and I am truly grateful for this blessing!”

Each of the new luxurious Komala Villas offer seclusion, privacy and tranquil indoor, outdoor living with a large private deck, daybed kabana, saltwater infinity plunge pool and private treatment area. The Retreatment organic skin care range captures the healing spirit of the indigenous Byron Bay hinterland reflecting the true essence and meaning of Gaia… spirit of Mother Earth.  Drawing from the local extracts and many Australian natives the Retreatment range absorbs naturally into the skin, nourishing and regenerating to restore youthfulness and vitality.

Since opening in 2005, Gaia has received numerous accolades and awards, gaining an impeccable reputation as a leading unique boutique Australian Spa experience.  Some of the awards include: The Spa Traveller Awards - Winner 2012 'Readers Choice Ultimate Wellness Spa' - The World, 'Best Spa Resort 2011, 2012 and 2013 Winner - 'Best Wellness Cuisine' 2011 and 2012, World Luxury Hotel Award - 2013 Winner - 'Country Best Luxury Destination Spa', Gourmet Travellers - 2011 Winner –'Best Health Retreat', Conde Nast Traveller Readers Spa Award - 2008 Winner- 'Favourite Overseas Hotel Spa - Australasia and South Pacific', Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Winner of 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 in the categories – 'Best Relaxation & Spa Hotels in Australia' and 'Best Relaxation & Spa Hotels in the South Pacific.' 

For more information visit www.gaiaretreat.com.au or follow us on Twitter @GaiaRetreat and Facebook @gaiaretreatandspa.

Media Contacts:

Priscylla Elliott or Kylie Tuck

E-mail: media@gaiaretreat.com.au

Phone: +61(2) 6687 1216