COMO Shambhala Retreat Uma Ubud, Bali was voted "Spa Retreat of the Year" at the prestigious AsiaSpa Awards 2009, an event filled with the who's who of the Asian luxury spa industry at Armani Bar in Hong Kong.

Launched in 2005 to give recognition to exceptional spas in the Asia region, the AsiaSpa Awards are the industry's most anticipated annual event. Shining a spotlight on the outstanding efforts of individuals and companies within the spa realm, these prestigious awards give credit to those driving Asia's increasingly sophisticated spa scene.

The AsiaSpa Awards are decided by a panel of 27 handpicked judges, all experts in their fields of spa healing and beauty. The awards honour the best of the best in terms of quality, service and innovation in 27 different categories.

The "Spa Retreat of the Year" award recognizes that COMO Shambhala Retreat in Uma Ubud, Bali goes far beyond the usual luxury spa offerings, the property's unique retreat concepts designed to guide guests towards radical lifestyle change.

Since its opening, in recognition of Bali's powerful spirituality, Uma Ubud has developed a substantial COMO Shambhala Retreat, designed for guests seeking greater health through Yoga and related treatments. The open-air pavilion for group and private Yoga practice has the best views in all the resort. There is also a meditation bale, a reflexology area, steam, sauna, gym, four treatment rooms and a 25metre jade green pool.

The Asian-based therapies range from specific body treatments to facials, to sophisticated massages, including the COMO Shambhala signature massage, delivered by experienced practitioners.

COMO Shambhala's innovative position in the global spa market continues to expand. The company's Board of Advisors made up of experts in holistic health to help direct the company's evolution; members include Dr Robert Thurman, Yoga teacher Rodney Yee and Donna Karan.

For more information about AsiaSpa Awards, please visit www.asiaspa.com.