The award was announced on 1st March at a black-tie ceremony held at Royal Lancaster London, celebrating the very best professionals across the UK beauty, spa and wellness industry. Judged by experienced industry experts, the awards are widely regarded as a benchmark of excellence. Riverhills Health Club & Spa impressed the judges with how their team supports each other and their clients, working together to overcome every challenge. The supportive ethos shines through in treatments, training, and the guest experience, and truly sets them apart in a category packed with remarkable talent from across the UK.
Riverhills’ win comes following an extraordinary period in its history. After a devastating fire in June 2023, the spa team continued to deliver high-quality treatments for guests while operating from temporary locations such as Suffolk New College during a £6 million redevelopment. The spa officially reopened in summer 2025, unveiling a luxurious new wellness destination featuring nine treatment rooms, enhanced thermal facilities and a sensory spa garden. Throughout this challenging period, the team demonstrated exceptional unity, adaptability and commitment. From maintaining service standards in temporary settings to helping shape innovative new guest experiences, such as the spa’s ‘Book Time, Not Treatments’ concept, the therapists played a central role in redefining the Riverhills experience.
Dave Courteen, Managing Director of Riverhills Health Club & Day Spa, said:
“Winning this award is a proud moment for Riverhills and reflects the exceptional experience our team now delivers every day. Following our redevelopment, we’ve created a truly outstanding spa environment, from our state-of-the-art facilities to our innovative ‘Book Time, Not Treatments’ concept, and it’s our team who bring that experience to life for every guest. This recognition highlights the quality, creativity and passion that define Riverhills today!”
Debbie Lawes, Spa Manager, added: “This award recognises not only the incredible resilience and dedication of our team, but also the exceptional support we had from partners such as Suffolk New College, who allowed us to use their treatment rooms to get back up and operating after the fire. I’m so proud of how the team has turned a period of adversity into an opportunity to create something truly special for everyone who visits Riverhills today. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together.”
Mark Moloney, Managing Director of Professional Beauty, commented: “We’re incredibly proud to champion an industry that combines creativity with resilience and real community impact. The Professional Beauty Awards celebrate the innovation, passion and dedication that keep our sector thriving, while recognising the vital role salons play on our high streets. Each winner exemplifies excellence and serves as an inspiration to the entire industry.”
This national recognition marks a significant milestone for Riverhills Health Club & Spa and reinforces its position as one of the UK’s leading day spa destinations.
Main photo shows from L-R: Jack Skipper, comedian & host, Phil Rowe, Club Manager; Lucia Callis, Therapist; Sahara Warner, Therapist; Victoria Marshall, Spa Revenue Manager; Terri Goad, Therapist; Claire Richardson, Therapist; Gina Cook, Therapist; Scarlet Adams, Therapist; Aimee Hunter, Therapist, Dave Courteen, MD, Eve Oxberry, Professional Beauty Editor.
