ENRICH Retreat and Spa at Bilambil Heights has achieved a major milestone only eight months after opening.

The day spa has won an industry award for the best day spa in Australasia, which was bestowed by industry body ASPA.

The award recognises excellence in businesses that provide high standard service in every area from staff to facilities to policy and procedures.

Spa owner Karina Stephens said "we opened the doors in January and it was a miracle just being able to do that, considering money was so tight and we were advised not to open until we had everything we needed in place.

"Even though we are a small business, we acted like we were a big business, everything we do is documented and evaluated continually.

"I think that attitude contributed to winning, especially when we were competing against much larger more established businesses.

"An attitude of excellence and dedication to my passion is what helped me succeed in winning the category for Best Day Spa (rural)."

Mrs Stephens and her husband Ian moved their existing training and development business from Sydney to Tweed Heads in September of last year and although preparations for the day spa were ongoing, the couple decided to open the doors anyway.

"I looked at people in the industry that were among the best and they became my benchmark.

"If I was going to open a day spa then it had to be special, it had to provide six-star service and it had to enrich lives," Mrs Stephens said.

Enrich offers an escape for busy people and encourages them to come for at least two hours and use all the facilities.

"That way they are really able to start to unwind and de-stress emotionally and physically," Mrs Stephens said.