The Elora Mill Hotel and Spa has been named the number one spa in Canada and number two in North America for the 2020 year.

The annual award by Spas of America is based on unique page views and consumer choices on www.spasofamerica.com.

Jocelyn Maurice, managing partner at the Elora Mill Hotel and Spa, said the recognition feels incredible and they were a little bit surprised by it because they are brand new.

“A lot of the spas that we are up against have, you know, been around for quite some time, but also it’s just a really impressive list of spas to be competing against,” Maurice said. “We knew this year was a very good year for Elora, but we didn’t know how good, you know, so, it was really nice to see.”

The Elora Mill Hotel and Spa opened their doors on July 6, 2018, where the spa that received the number one spot in North America, Red Mountain Resort in St. George, Utah, opened in 1998.

Craig Oliver, Spas of America president, said the North American spa and wellness industry was devastated by the events of the past year.

“Many spas [...] [were] forced to close, reduce staff and operate at a reduced capacity,” Oliver said.

So, how did the Elora Mill Hotel and Spa receive such high recognition during a pandemic year?

Maurice told the Grand 101.1 what sets them apart from their competition.

“One thing that I think is incredibly special is just where we’re located,” Maurice said. “The Elora Gorge is probably one of the most beautiful places in Canada, if not one of the most beautiful places in the world.”

Maurice said they're fortunate to have the spa perched where it is and then their designer, Lori Morris, took amazing advantage of the Elora Gorge views in every way.

It also helped that this past summer, some roads downtown Elora, Ontario were shut down to eliminate vehicle traffic, to allow people to explore the town more by foot.

Maurice said by doing so, it brought more awareness to Elora.

“The whole town was really on board with having visitors there and really being open to it,” Maurice said. “And Elora was also the first to put masks on, so just, you know, really open to, ‘hey, come to our town and do it safely, and let’s get back out and enjoy.’”

Maurice added they’re happy to be a part of such an amazing progressive community, and they wouldn’t be nearly what they are without them, as well as the nature that surrounds the hotel and spa.

Jocelyn Maurice, managing partner at the Elora Mill Hotel and Spa: