Ana Crawford

Ana is a sports science and recreation management degree graduate and a New Zealand native. It was during her studies when she discovered the true impact of optimal holistic health for herself - volunteering at Camp Eden Health Retreat in Australia. Since then, Ana has dedicated 21 years of her personal and professional life to global spa & wellness management, development and education (to bring the importance of health and wellness to the wider community). Ana is no stranger to the world-renowned GWD movement. Having lived and worked amidst a wide range of cultures internationally (where she has already played integral role in coordinating localised GWD activities within luxury hotels and resorts). Some of these have included; a stand-up paddle boarding event in Bodrum, Turkey and a community meditation / mindfulness / yoga workshop in Hong Kong. Her desire is to continue to share the importance of wellness globally and to make this accessible to all with the ultimate goal of growing wellness events and activities in New Zealand. Having managed and assisted in the development of spa & wellness globally since 2000 (e.g. at Chiva Som Health Resort, Thailand), in 2010, Ana set up an international spa & wellness consulting company - with offices now in Hong Kong and New Zealand. Wellness has always been at the heart of what she does and together with like-minded individuals in her network, she continues to focus on this within projects both in New Zealand and worldwide. Some clients over the years have included: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, The Langham Hotel Group, St Regis , HKU Space Spa Management Program & Ngai Tahu Tourism. In addition to consulting, Ana has also been heavily involved in charity / volunteer work internationally. Some philanthropy/passion work has included; running the charity division of the New Zealand Ball, Hong Kong (to raise money for the families of Christchurch earthquake victims), guest lecturing frequently at Auckland University of Technology for their Spa & Wellness Management program & teaching English to refugees and asylum seekers (struggling with their own adjustment and mental wellness) in Hong Kong. Ana has spoken at numerous product / press launches, conferences and events internationally. She is a natural leader and is excited to be an integral part of a strong wellness growth movement in her homeland, New Zealand. Matched with a strong personal interest in health and wellbeing, Her vast spa, wellness & community support experience makes her a natural choice for the GWD Ambassador role, NZ.