Julie Pankey, founder of SpaHive and spa consultancy firm JMPankey and Partners, has created ‘The Danielle Knerr Spa Leadership Award’ in memory of Danielle Knerr.

The award honours leaders in the spa industry who exemplify four traits: humility, compassion, empathy and discipline.

Knerr spent 20 years in the industry, having worked her way up from an entry-level housekeeper to be spa director at The Spa at Norwich Inn where she worked for 18 years.

“Danielle was a true leader and an inspiration to so many people. It was my great honour to create an award in her memory so we can recognise other exemplary industry leaders, while celebrating Danielle’s legacy,” said Pankey.

Jennifer Boisclair, spa director at the Norwich Spa at Foxwoods, Connecticut, received the award in 2018 and the 2019 award was given to Martha Zyla, spa director at Cascade Spa at Mill Falls, New Hampshire at the recent SpaHive event.

“Our team works tirelessly to give each guest the ultimate spa experience, offering the best-in-class services,” said Zyla. “I’m committed to excellence and to being an industry leader and a powerful voice for wellness.”