The Hills Health Ranch founders Pat and Juanita Corbett are among the first inductees – and the only Canadians – to be honoured in the inaugural Spa Hall of Fame launched by the Washington Spa Alliance.
Pat says they were both “shocked” for all kinds of reasons, not the least of which is being singled out by a huge, United States-based spa organization.
“It is a big deal. We are honoured and humbled by it … to be a part of the first inductee group is quite stunning.”
To be placed in the same category with several illustrious spas, which he and Juanita know the owners personally, and what they have accomplished, is also staggering, he explains.
“To have us with them just adds to the humbling experience of it all.”
The Spa Hall of Fame’s inaugural Class of 2015 includes spa founders, visionaries and distinguished contributors – from a professor at Cornell University to a spa historian/author with Fodor’s vacation guides.
The Corbetts travelled to Washington, D.C. to be recognized for lifetime achievement along with seven others at an induction ceremony at the National Press Club on March 17.
“It is a pretty prestigious venue for this to occur, so [it is] historic.”
He adds there were major American newspaper, magazine and online media there that were exposed to “incredible publicity” for the Cariboo and British Columbia tourism through The Hill’s obvious presence as the sole Canadian inductee.
Pat says they attribute this recognition to The Hills Health Ranch and its “amazing” staff.
“Nothing this big comes about from the efforts of just two people. It only happens when a group of dedicated people are working together to bring about an amazing outcome.”
The Spa Hall of Fame will live as a virtual museum at www.washingtonspaalliance.com.
