Both of Belgravia Leisure’s spa and wellness destinations have earned national recognition at the 2025 Spa & Wellness Awards, with Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa named Most Unique Property and Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa awarded Best Tourism Wellness Focused Attraction (for the second year in a row).
These wins highlight the growing influence of wellness tourism and the importance of culturally grounded, innovative experiences in shaping the future of the industry.
Held in Byron Bay and founded by wellness advocate Kris Abbey, the Spa & Wellness Awards celebrate excellence across spa, travel and wellness sectors. Judged by a respected advisory board and supported by traveller votes, the awards focus on quality, sustainability, originality and innovation: values that both Wai Ariki and Hepburn Bathhouse embody.
Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa continues to lead wellness tourism in Victoria’s spa country. With a history dating back to 1895, the bathhouse and spa, known for its mineral-rich waters has recently undergone a $1.7 million redevelopment, including a collaboration with The Block. The refreshed Sanctuary bathing experience now features hot and cold therapy, a cold plunge pool, a new sauna and exclusive summer spa treatments designed to relax the body and reinvigorate the mind.
SJ Tilbury, General Manager at Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa shared her excitement:
“We’re honoured to receive the award again this year. It speaks volumes of our team’s ongoing commitment to creating unforgettable wellness experiences that are deeply connected to the property’s heritage and natural surroundings.”
Guests can also enjoy Elemis skincare facials and take part in a hands-on Apothecary workshop to create custom body scrubs. The property offers private and Sanctuary bathing options, scenic bushwalks and locally inspired cuisine at the Pavilion Café. For those seeking a longer escape, 23 luxury villas provide a serene retreat with gourmet hampers delivered to guests’ doors.
Meanwhile, Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, located in Rotorua, New Zealand, offers a wellness experience rooted in Ngāti Whakaue cultural traditions. Designed to integrate the region’s geothermal landscape with Māori healing practices, Wai Ariki is a space where architecture, culture and wellbeing converge. The property features two distinct spa journeys: Wai Whakaora (Restorative Journey) and Āhuru Mōwai (The Sanctuary) each founded on te ao Māori values and designed to offer peace and rejuvenation.
Debbie Robertson, General Manager at Wai Ariki, reflected on the significance of the award:
“The property is a culturally, architecturally and experientially unique space that honours our tūpuna (ancestors). Its physical design is infused with local whakairo (Māori carvings), while reflecting the volcanic colour palette of the surrounding rohe.”
“We are proud of Wai Ariki’s continued impact on our Rotorua community and grateful for this recognition.”
Wai Ariki has previously been recognised for its design excellence, including being a finalist at the World Architecture Festival and winning a Commercial Architecture Award in 2024. These accolades reinforce its standing as a world-class destination that blends tradition with innovation.
As wellness tourism continues to grow, Wai Ariki and Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa are setting the bar high for what meaningful, restorative travel can look like. These awards celebrate the venue’s ongoing investment into community wellness while highlighting the evolving role of spa destinations in promoting health, culture and connection.
Learn more or book your next experience at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa and Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa today.
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