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Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa has been crowned New Zealand’s Best Resort Spa for the seventh consecutive year at the prestigious World Spa Awards announced today.
The award recognises excellence in spa and wellness tourism globally, and the win reinforces Gibbston Valley’s position as one of the country’s leading luxury wellness destinations.
Gibbston Valley head of hospitality Ashling Swirtz says the award recognises the unique offering of the spa and its ability to meet the needs of today’s traveller looking for opportunities to slow down and recharge.
“Guests are increasingly looking for restorative, experience-led travel, somewhere they can genuinely recharge. Our response has been to place a much stronger focus on personalisation so we can understand what each guest needs from their time with us.”
Ashling says the spa’s vineyard setting has also shaped its treatment menu, including the use of the TheraVine range, which draws on grapevine-derived ingredients for anti-ageing benefits.
“We’re in a vineyard, so it makes sense that our spa experience reflects our location,” she says.
Located within the larger Gibbston Valley estate just 20 minutes from Queenstown, Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa offers face and body treatments inspired by its vineyard surroundings.
Ashling says guest expectations have evolved significantly over the past several years.
“We’ve placed a strong emphasis on creating warmer, more personalised experiences for every guest. And being a vineyard and wine destination gives us a point of difference that guests simply can’t experience elsewhere.”
The latest accolade follows a string of successes for Gibbston Valley. In October last year, the lodge was awarded a Michelin Key, one of only 19 properties in New Zealand to receive the international honour. The property retained its Michelin Key in the recently announced 2026 Michelin Guide hotel selection.
According to Ashling, the wins highlight the strength of Gibbston Valley’s integrated luxury offering.
“The Michelin Key and now our seventh World Spa Award reflect our commitment to getting the small details right while also delivering the bigger picture. We want every stay to feel seamless, thoughtful and genuinely special.”
“The wellness industry is constantly evolving, and our team is committed to ongoing learning, introducing relevant new experiences while ensuring they remain authentic to who we are.”
