The 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards tallied a record amount of votes globally – more than any other year in its 10-year history. As such, the Awards provide a comprehensive consumer assessment of the global spa market available today, identifying spa-goers’ favorite spas by continent, country/region and across 27 categories.

The leading spa in the Yosemite National Park region, Ascent Spa also earned Silver LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council earlier this year for its sustainable construction and eco-friendly operation. The 10,000-square-foot destination spa features 12 treatment rooms, men’s and women’s dry saunas and steam rooms, three relaxation rooms, and a wellness center with exercise and fitness rooms. The Ascent Spa boutique features lines with indigenous, local and organic products.

“We are very proud that Ascent Spa has earned such notable accolades so quickly since opening in 2010,” said Paul Ratchford, Tenaya Lodge General Manager. “Ascent Spa Director Heidi Clark and her skilled staff of therapists deserve high praise for creating a haven of health and wellness for Tenaya Lodge guests.” 

“Working your way to the top of a spa category with this level of competition is nothing short of an extraordinary feat,” noted Susie Ellis, president of SpaFinder Wellness, Inc. “This Crystal Award salutes the hard work of Ascent Spa at Tenaya Lodge’s owners and staff who achieved this honor together by delivering the highest level of services for every client, every day.” 

Readers’ Choice Awards are based on votes submitted worldwide at SpaFinder Wellness’ global consumer websites (including SpaFinder.com) and by readers of SpaFinder Wellness digital publications. Voters were asked to cast ballots only for stay and day spas they’ve personally visited within the past three years.

About SpaFinder® Wellness, Inc.
SpaFinder Wellness is a wellness discovery engine that connects millions seeking a healthier, happier lifestyle with wellness providers around the globe. Its unique digital platform gives people everywhere the ability to discover, search, evaluate and reserve the services they want, at the time, location and price that they desire – whether they are seeking spa, fitness or wellness experiences. SpaFinder Wellness is the largest retailer and wholesaler of gift cards for the spa and wellness industry, and also offers SpaFinder Wellness currency to support corporate wellness programs to help employees maintain healthy lifestyles. For more information, please visit www.SpaFinder.com.

About Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is an all-season resort framed by noble evergreen forest ad a rich range of Sierra recreation. The lodge, set adjacent to Yosemite National Park’s South Gate at an elevation of 5,288 feet, offers 297 rooms, suites and mountain cottage accommodations. Tenaya Lodge offers easy access to Yosemite’s iconic attractions and many guests savor the alpine serenity of the new Ascent Spa at Tenaya Lodge. Resort dining options run the table from casual to candlelit at Sierra, Jackalope’s, Timberloft and Embers restaurants. For more information, visit the newly redesigned website, www.TenayaLodge.com.

About Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts
Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts is an industry leader providing Stewardship and Hospitality in Special Places SM, with hotel, retail, food service, recreation and transportation operations at historic and scenic properties in North America and Australia. The company operates Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and in Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Sequoia and Yosemite national parks, including The Ahwahnee and other Yosemite lodges; Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite & the Cottages at Tenaya Lodge; Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa in British Columbia; Niagara Falls State Park; The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake in Ohio; Gideon Putnam Resort in Saratoga; Holiday Inn West Yellowstone, Gray Wolf Inn & Suites and Yellowstone Park Hotel. The company also owns and operates five luxury resorts in Australia: Lizard Island Resort, Heron Island Resort, Wilson Island Resort, Kings Canyon Resort and El Questro Homestead and Wilderness Park. To learn more about Delaware North Companies’ hospitality management expertise, visitwww.ExperienceDNC.com.

About Delaware North Companies
Delaware North Companies is one of the world’s leading hospitality and food service providers. Its family of companies includes Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment, Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services, Delaware North Companies Sportservice, Delaware North Companies International and Delaware North Companies Boston, owner of TD Garden. Delaware North Companies is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States with revenues exceeding $2 billion annually and 55,000 associates serving half a billion customers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. For more information, visit www.DelawareNorth.com.

Media Contact:
Dan Marengo
Marengo Public Relations
for the Tenaya Lodge
510-334-7714