Spafinder Wellness 365 has announced the 20 categories that will establish the top global wellness travel destinations in the company’s second annual Wellness Travel Awards.

The awards honour spas, hotels, resorts and retreats that offer the best experiences and packages to consumers seeking healthy vacations and travel.

The categories for 2015, which range from “Best for Fitness” to “Best for Healthy Cuisine” to “Best for Mind & Spirit” will be given to the spas, hotels/resorts and retreats offering exceptional wellness experiences in each designation. The programme will also honor the top properties on six continents with Crystal Awards and present Country Awards to winners in scores of countries and regions throughout the world.

“We are excited that this year’s nominees will be honoured in even more categories and nominated by an expanded panel of 33 journalists and experts from around the world,” said Spafinder Wellness chief brand officer Mia Kyricos.

“Not only are we excited for our industry, but also for consumers who will have the opportunity to cast votes for their favourite wellness destinations.”

To ensure the most deserving wellness travel properties are recognised, a detailed three-part approach is used to select winners. First and second steps consist of nominations curated by the global panel. The expanded 2015 panel includes 33 spa and wellness travel editors and experts from all over the world, including Spa Business managing editor Katie Barnes.

The panel nominations are then followed by voting from consumers. Step one of the nomination process is underway, and consumer voting will kick off in July.

Winners of the 2015 Wellness Travel Awards will be announced at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London on November 4.

The complete list of categories includes:

Best for Fitness
Best for Weight Loss
Best for Nutrition
Best for Healthy Cuisine
Best for Couples
Best Overall Healthy Living Programme
Best for Outdoor Adventure & Activities
Best for Going Solo
Best for Girlfriend Getaways
Best New Spa & Wellness Property
Best for Medical Services
Best for Hot Springs
Best for Affordability/Budget
Best for Mind & Spirit
Best for Families
Best for Beauty & Anti-Ageing
Best for Men