Daylesford massages its way into Guinness World Records

The town of Daylesford in Victoria, has established itself as the spa capital of Australia after breaking the world record for the largest ever simultaneous massage.

The new world record was set on Tuesday 30 March 2010 at Daylesford’s Massage en Masse (pictured), with 263 qualified massage therapists and 263 volunteer ‘massagees’ taking part in a history-making event at Lavandula Lavender Farm.

Daylesford broke the record by 96. The previous record for the largest ever simultaneous massage was 167 people, set in 2009 in Washington D.C, USA.

Guinness Book of Records adjudicator Chris Sheedy said the event was an historic moment for Daylesford with abundant enthusiasm from local spa and massage therapists.

“I’ve seen a whole lot of wonderful events around the world, but during the past decade I have never seen such a beautiful record attempt,” he said.

Tourism Victoria’s Marketing Director Don Richter said setting the new world record confirms that Daylesford is the nation’s leading spa and wellbeing destination.

“Spa and wellness is a growing market and now Daylesford is in the history books its therapeutic credentials will be showcased around the world,” Mr Richter said.

“We were confident Daylesford could break the record as the region boasts the largest concentration of naturally occurring mineral springs in the southern hemisphere and the highest number of therapists per capita. We want to share this amazing region with Australia and invite visitors to discover Daylesford’s depth and diversity first-hand.”

“Daylesford’s abundant natural mineral springs, award-winning restaurants and produce, boutique accommodation options and close proximity to Melbourne make it the perfect getaway.”

Australian model and TV presenter Sophie Falkiner hosted the record-breaking event which saw a grand total of 526 participants create a visually stunning display of bodies across the grounds of a picture perfect Lavandula Lavender Farm.

Inspired by Spencer Tunick, Massage en Masse was part of Tourism Victoria’s $7.3 million Daylesford Lead a double life national campaign to promote the region.

Source: Tourism Victoria