Nominations Open 2027 · Gala Ceremony in Dubai Jury Signup Nominee Login Jury Login
International Spa Awards FAQ
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything about participation, the schedule, merit-based judging, fees and the Dubai gala — answered simply.

Who Can Participate

Who can be nominated?

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Any spa, wellness, beauty or related business or professional operating anywhere in the world.

Is the programme open worldwide?

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Yes. The International Spa Awards is open globally, with nominees from 110+ countries.

Can small or new spas enter?

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Yes. All sizes and ages are welcome, including newly opened spas.

Can I nominate myself?

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Yes. Both self-nominations and third-party nominations are accepted.

Can someone nominate a business on its behalf?

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Yes. Guests, partners or team members may nominate a business.

What types of businesses are eligible?

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Spas, wellness centres, hotel & resort spas, medical & aesthetic clinics, beauty salons, retreats and wellness brands.

Are individual professionals or teams eligible?

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Yes. Spa teams, therapists, directors and individual professionals can be recognised.

Can wellness product brands enter?

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Yes. Skincare, product and equipment brands are eligible.

Are there geographic restrictions?

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None. Businesses from any country may participate.

Can spa groups or chains enter?

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Yes. Multi-location groups and chains may enter relevant categories.

What information do I need to nominate?

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Your business details, chosen category and supporting information about your excellence.

How do I submit a nomination?

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Use the Nominate Free Now button anywhere on this site to open the official nomination form.

Schedule

When do nominations open?

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Nominations open on 10 October 2026.

When do nominations close?

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Closing dates are shown on the nomination page while a cycle is open.

When does the jury review take place?

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Jury / management review takes place after nominations are verified.

When are winners confirmed internally?

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Winners are confirmed internally after the jury review.

When are winners announced?

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Winners are announced at the Gala Ceremony in Dubai.

When and where is the gala?

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In Dubai, UAE. Dates and venue details are shared with nominees once confirmed.

Are nominations limited?

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Yes. Nominations are limited and accepted first-come, first-served.

Why should I nominate early?

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Nominating early gives you more time to prepare supporting material before the cycle closes.

What happens after I submit?

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Your details are verified, then evaluated by the Jury team or the Management of Golden Tree.

When will I know if I've won?

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Confirmed winners are notified confidentially ahead of the gala.

Judging

How are winners chosen?

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By independent, merit-based jury / management evaluation against weighted criteria.

Are winners decided by the public?

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No. There is no public voting at any stage.

Who is on the jury?

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An international panel of wellness, hospitality and spa industry experts.

What criteria are used?

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Service, treatment quality, innovation, design, hygiene, sustainability and reputation.

How are criteria weighted?

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Each criterion carries a defined percentage weight that together totals 100%.

Does paying a fee affect judging?

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No. Fees never influence the jury's decision.

Can I see my scores?

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Scores are confidential, but the criteria are fully transparent.

How is fairness ensured?

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Through independent evaluation, consistent criteria and verification of information.

Can the organiser verify my information?

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Yes. Submitted information may be verified at any time.

What happens if information is false?

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False information leads to disqualification.

Is the process the same for all categories?

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Yes. The same merit-based process applies across every category.

Fee & Costs

Is there a nomination fee?

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No. Nomination is free — there is no nomination fee and no registration fee. The Free plan covers one award programme in one category at City level, with a mandatory Winner Package order if you are selected as a winner; optional paid plans start with Silver at USD 140.

Does paying guarantee winning?

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No. Selection is merit-based; paying never guarantees a win.

What packages are available?

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Five nomination plans — Free, Silver, Gold, Diamond and Platinum — and five winner packages, detailed on the Fees page. The Free plan carries a mandatory Winner Package order if you are selected as a winner.

Where can I see prices?

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All prices appear only on the Fees page.

Are fees refundable?

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The Free plan has no fee. Paid plan fees are non-refundable.

Can I carry forward or transfer my nomination?

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No. Credits are same-year only, non-transferable and cannot be carried forward.

What is a Winner Package?

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The package that lets confirmed winners claim their title, logo rights, trophies and gala benefits.

Who can order a Winner Package?

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Only confirmed winners may order, and ordering never influences selection.

How long do I have to order a Winner Package?

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Within 10 days of the winner announcement.

If I win multiple categories, do I need multiple packages?

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No. Multiple categories within one programme need only one Winner Package.

What support is included?

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Email on every tier; Email, WhatsApp and Call from the Gold tier upwards.

Gala Ceremony

When is the gala ceremony?

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Dates and venue details are shared with nominees once confirmed.

Where is the gala held?

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In Dubai, UAE. The venue is shared with nominees once confirmed.

What time does the gala run?

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It is an evening event; timings are shared with attendees.

What is the dress code?

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Black-Tie.

What's on the agenda?

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Doors & meet-and-greet, red carpet, entertainment, awards presentation, winners' speeches, gala dinner and networking.

Who attends the gala?

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500+ global wellness leaders, winners and industry guests.

How many gala passes do winners get?

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Gala passes scale with the chosen Winner Package, from 2 up to 10.

Do I receive my trophy at the gala?

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Winners are honoured on stage and can collect items at the gala or have them shipped.

Can I bring guests?

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Yes, based on the number of gala passes in your package.

Is there media coverage?

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Yes. The gala includes professional photography and international press coverage.

What if I can't attend the gala?

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Winner items can be shipped at additional cost if you cannot attend in person.

Still Have Questions?

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