The winners of the 2009 AsiaSpa Awards were announced at a glamorous gala awards ceremony held at Armani Bar Hong Kong last Thursday.

The majority of Asia’s spa destinations won an award, including properties in, Thailand, The Philippines, The Maldives, China, Cambodia and Hong Kong.

Established in 2005, the AsiaSpa Awards continues to be one of the industry’s most esteemed recognitions in the Asia Pacific region.

It aims to set the standards, highlighting innovation and quality.

Resorts, companies, organizations and personalities that take home the much-coveted trophy are deemed benchmarks for this fast-growing enterprise.

AsiaSpa’s sixth anniversary party was nothing less than a celebratory occasion, held at the hottest Hong Kong spot – Prive.

More than 250 turned up in white and gold for the Grecian-themed event. Guests were greeted by flutes of bubbly and models in Greek garb.

The magazine’s Editor-in-Chief made a speech in honour of the milestone along with Blu Inc Managing Director Olivier Burlot (below).

Thailand picked up the largest number of awards at the glamorous AsiaSpa Awards Ceremony, which was held last week in The Salon of the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong.

The awards, organised by AsiaSpa magazine and now in their fourth year, celebrate the best spas in terms of innovation and quality, and are voted on by 29 independent judges.

More than 400 industry VIPs attended the black and bling themed event.

“We are very proud to support the best businesses in the industry and to give them the recognition they deserve,” said Olivier Burlot, Managing Director of Blu Inc Media.

Launched in 2005 to give recognition to exceptional spas in the Asia region, the AsiaSpa Awards have become a highly anticipated annual event.

Shining a spotlight on the outstanding efforts of individuals and companies within the industry, they are a reflection of Asia’s increasingly sophisticated spa culture.

From an initial 19 categories in the inaugural year, the categories have been increased over the years to 26, including new additions such as Spa Design of the Year, Men’s Product of the Year, and Socially Responsible Spa of the Year, in response to increasing eco and community awareness.

All nominations will be published in the November/December 2008 issue of AsiaSpa magazine, with the Awards evening to be held on 13 November.

You can also view the full list of nominees at asiaspaawards.com