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
1,301+
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Hypnotherapy, Claims & Referral Governance

Spa Hypnotherapy: Define the Boundary Before the Session

A current hotel-spa report highlights a wider operating question: how should spas govern hypnotherapy without blurring wellness, licensed care and emergency referral? This international guide sets out an auditable service boundary for claims, informed choice, practitioner scope, data minimisation, room controls and supported handover before a psychologically suggestive session is sold.

Read the article

Photography, Privacy & Cultural Documentation

Spa Photography Consent: Make Choice Visible Before Capture

A current bathing-culture programme highlights a wider operating question: how should spas govern cameras without turning a booking, ticket or cultural invitation into blanket media permission? This international guide separates capture, editing, publication and reuse, while giving guests, staff and knowledge holders practical camera-free choices and an auditable route to stop an asset.

Read the article

Credential Verification & Workforce Assurance

Spa Qualification Checks: Verify Scope Before Hiring

A current French warning shows why a course certificate, an official qualification, legal permission and job-ready competence must stay separate. This international guide gives spa employers a fair, source-backed method for checking issuers, registers, local scope, practical assessment and change control without turning directory presence or credentials into evidence of quality or award merit.

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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.