Spa Awards · Annual 12 · 2026

The independent standard for global wellness.

A published annual programme recognising spa and wellness properties through a clear framework, informed review and a permanent public record.

The current annual record is now published.

Wellness architecture opening onto a mountain landscape
Global wellnessPublished 2026
Spa Awards 2026 seal
Independent recognition 2026 Annual 12
Countries
57+
Spa brands
1,316+
Awards given
1,182
Record
Global reach.
Local context.

The 2026 laureate record

A public record of recognised places.

Each published profile connects a property to its location, experience type and current record of recognition.

Explore all selections

From the Spa Awards archive

Places in focus.

A selection previously highlighted by Spa Awards, reunited with each property’s published profile and official website.

Explore the spa directory

Why the distinction matters

Recognition with value for guests and properties.

01

For guests

A concise way to discover properties whose identity, experience and published recognition can be examined in one place.

Search the wellness index
02

For properties

A structured programme that places achievements in context and preserves confirmed recognition in a durable record.

Prepare a dossier
Treatment setting surrounded by a living landscape
Context is considered alongside the complete experience.

Governance & independence

A standard is credible only when its process is visible.

The programme separates nomination, evaluation and publication, and gives every distinction a clear place in the annual record.

Our purpose and principles
  1. 01

    Published methodology

    The framework and stages are available before a property enters.

  2. 02

    Structured review

    Evidence is considered within the relevant category and local context.

  3. 03

    Clear principles

    Recognition and commercial activity remain distinct in the published programme.

  4. 04

    Permanent public record

    Confirmed distinctions remain connected to their edition and profile.

The evaluation framework

Five connected measures of the whole experience.

No single facility or headline feature stands in for the quality of the complete guest journey.

  1. 01

    Service

    Expertise, consistency and care across the complete guest journey.

  2. 02

    Facilities

    Purposeful spaces, maintenance and a setting aligned with wellbeing.

  3. 03

    Innovation

    Relevant programmes and thoughtful evolution of established practice.

  4. 04

    Guest experience

    Clarity, personalisation and value that extends beyond the visit.

  5. 05

    Sustainability

    Responsible choices embedded in operations, culture and place.

The annual programme

From entry to published recognition.

Four distinct stages make the process easier to understand for applicants, properties and readers of the annual.

View the full procedure
  1. 01

    Nomination

    A property enters the programme with an initial record of identity, context and eligibility.

  2. 02

    Review

    Evidence is considered against the published framework and the category entered.

  3. 03

    Evaluation

    The complete experience is examined across five connected criteria.

  4. 04

    Publication

    Confirmed laureates are added to the annual edition and to a permanent public record.

Laureate case study

Published profile · 2026

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa

California, United States

Escape to Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, a Provencal-style sanctuary in California. Experience transformative wellness with 5:1 service, vinotherapy, and elite fitness.

Read the laureate dossier
Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
Luxury Boutique Spa2026 record

Knowledge & perspective

Context for a changing culture of wellbeing.

Editorial analysis, destination intelligence and ideas shaping the way wellness is designed and experienced.

Visit the journal

Hotel Spa Opening & Service Readiness

Spa Opening Readiness: Proof Before Promotion

A newly opened Bangkok hotel makes spa opening readiness a timely operating question. This evidence-led guide shows leaders how to define the live service boundary, commission thermal systems, rehearse access and staff handovers, distinguish sustainability intent from certification, and synchronise every guest-facing channel before promotion becomes a promise.

Read the article

Marketplace Governance & Guest Continuity

Spa Marketplace Acquisitions: Continuity Before Consolidation

Spa marketplace acquisitions succeed operationally when existing bookings, voucher value, spa-partner terms, pricing, guest data, ranking rules and complaints remain traceable through change. Using a current UK acquisition announcement as a bounded signal, this guide sets out the continuity ledger, migration controls and evidence that spa operators should require before consolidation.

Read the article

Inclusive Employment & Workforce Design

Inclusive Spa Employment: Build Access Into the Job

Inclusive spa employment depends on accessible recruitment, predictable treatment rooms, usable technology, equal competence standards, fair pay and genuine progression. Using Seeing Hands Rwanda as a bounded industry signal, this evidence-led guide shows spa leaders how to remove barriers without lowering standards, stereotyping workers or mistaking training, placement, directory presence or policy for verified employment outcomes.

Read the article

Independent recognition

Recognition built to endure.

A transparent annual programme celebrating exceptional properties that advance the culture, craft and enduring practice of wellbeing around the world.