Industry icon Deborah Szekely has been presented with the inaugural living a well life award, for embodying wellness principles and practices throughout her life.

Szekely's achievements were recognised in a surprise announcement at the Global Wellness Summit held at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida, last week.

Szekely – who recently celebrated her 95th birthday – co-founded wellness destination Rancho la Puerta in 1940 and the Golden Door in 1958. She received a standing ovation from delegates who gathered to honour her contributions to the industry.

Jane Iredale, founder of Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, presented Szekely with the award. “When we think about who was the first person to receive this award, we will say, ‘How appropriate, how deserving, how inspiring it was that it was given to Deborah,’” said Iredale.

In accepting the award, Szekely said: “The award will be on my desk to remind me to deserve it.”