The Tribune

Mandara Spa at The Cove, Atlantis, has been named the top hotel spa in North America for the fifth year in a row by Haute Grandeur.

The Atlantis-based spa, in a statement, said the award places it among the highest-ranking spas in top destinations ranging from Australia to Qatar and Hong Kong to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

It added that this year’s honour is especially meaningful because it was awarded with special credit to staff performance while the spa was undergoing a multi-million dollar transformation. 

The award was hailed as “an amazing honour” by Youlanda Deveaux, Mandara Spa’s regional vice-president for Caribbean and Latin America resort operations. The Cove-based spa, which includes ancient Balinese healing touches, traditional European therapies and a vast array of natural Bahamian elements, first won the award in 2022.

“To win the Haute Grandeur Best Spa Award five years in a row in a highly competitive industry is a major achievement and an amazing honour,” said Ms Deveaux.

“This is truly a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our staff who, for the past year, were providing services in temporary health and wellness settings as the spa underwent a multi-million dollar reimagination that will transform it into a magical place of tranquility and relaxation.”

Prime Minister Philip Davis KC and Audrey Oswell, Atlantis president, were among those who cut the ribbon officially opening the transformed spa on October 22 before more than 150 invited guests. The re-imagined facility includes a greater sense of place with art by Antonius Roberts and his students, Bahamian bush teas by Julie Hoffer and fresh island fruit sorbets by the Bunch family. 

“While guests did not have access to a few of the amenities they had in previous years, our staff went above and beyond to indulge them, making every treatment extra special. The small touches that made it distinctly Bahamian – fresh island fruit sorbet and curated bush teas – added to visitor satisfaction and we saw it in the smiles on guests’ faces every day,” Ms Deveaux added.

According to Haute Grandeur, the award, which ranks hotels, dining and other hospitality experiences, is regarded as “the pinnacle of achievement for spas globally”. Mandara Spa said Haute Grandeur awards are highly sought-after, representing the best in the field and bringing global recognition and distinction.

“The award comes as Mandara celebrates 25 years of making the guest experience at Atlantis one they will treasure forever,” Ms Deveaux said. “Now guests are experiencing the transformation that is taking Mandara to a level never before achieved in the world of spas while incorporating Bahamian art and cultural touches throughout.”  

Haute Grandeur also named Mandara Spa ‘Best Casino Hotel Spa’ in North America.