In the Asia-Pacific region, wellness has become a way of life rather than just a fleeting trend, and this spirit was reflected at Hotel Morrissey Jakarta where the Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Coalition (APSWC) hosted its 2025 Awards on 25 April. A night dedicated to recognising those who continue to raise the bar for the industry.
For those unfamiliar, the APSWC is a not-for-profit trade association, founded in 2007, that brings together spa and wellness associations, operators, and professionals from across the Asia-Pacific. Its mission is clear-cut: to promote, protect, educate, and develop the spa and wellness industry, acting as a bridge between nations in this dynamic sector.
The event hosted by APSWC gathered an impressive crowd: from government officials to wellness leaders travelling from as far afield as Japan, India, the Philippines, and beyond. The presence of Ni Luh Enik Ermawati, Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Tourism, marked the significance of this occasion, which was about honouring tradition and embracing innovation.
First launched in 2023, the APSWC Awards have rapidly evolved, with categories expanding to reflect the fast-changing landscape of the wellness industry. In 2025, a total of 30 awards were presented at Morrissey Hotel Jakarta across 30 categories, recognising excellence from nine countries: Belgium, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The APSWC Awards, now in their third year, have quickly become a marker of prestige. Designed to honour excellence and innovation, these awards celebrate individuals and businesses who are shaping the future of wellness in the region. The awards are adjudicated by a panel of 24 experts spanning spa, fitness, wellness, tourism, and business sectors, representing 18 countries across the region: from Japan to New Zealand and India to Fiji. What makes these accolades stand out is the fair blend of expert evaluation and public voice , with 50% of the outcome determined by public voting, which saw close to 10,000 votes cast this year.
From innovative skincare brands to wellness resorts redefining guest experiences, the awards highlighted the region’s diverse talent. Categories ranged from Sustainable Skincare Line of the Year to Wellness Influencer of the Year, ensuring recognition was given across every facet of the industry.
Winners were presented with a custom-designed trophy, handcrafted exclusively for the APSWC Awards in Singapore. Each trophy is sustainably produced from recycled chopsticks, underscoring the APSWC’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility.
Thailand dominated the night with seven trophies, while Indonesia’s own Martha Tilaar Spa proudly secured four, including the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award presented to the legendary Dr. Martha Tilaar. Though unable to attend, her daughter, Wulan Tilaar, accepted the honour, marking a poignant moment that paid tribute to Dr. Tilaar’s 55 years of unwavering dedication to Indonesian beauty heritage and community empowerment.
In a way, the event was also a celebration of resilience. Despite global challenges, the Asia-Pacific spa and wellness community continues to evolve, innovate, and inspire, this is a sentiment echoed in every acceptance speech and shared amongst peers.
Continuing to shine a spotlight on both individuals and companies for driving innovation and setting new standards in spa and wellness across the Asia-Pacific region, the Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Community will present the APSWC Awards 2026 in Siem Reap, Cambodia in April 2026. Until then, the coalition will continue its work, including the upcoming release of its 2025 Industry White Paper, offering valuable insights for both industry players and policymakers.
For more information, check apswc.org, or contact chairman@apswc.org or info@apswc.org.
