2026 / Annual 12 Enter the programme

Spa Awards · Annual 12 · 2026

Discover exceptional spas around the world.

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

View the 2026 laureates Nominate your spa

For spa owners: nominations open all year · €100 one-time application · Free directory option available.

Wellness architecture opening onto a mountain landscape
Global wellnessPublished 2026
Spa Awards 2026 seal
Published selection standards 2026 Annual 12
Countries
45
Spa brands
1,295
Awards given
1,071
Record
Global reach.
Local context.

For spa owners & operators · Applications always open

Your next chapter
starts with a nomination.

Show the world what makes your spa worth discovering. Share your story, showcase your property and put your standards forward for Spa Awards consideration.

  • A richer public profileTell your story with 6–8 photographs, a detailed introduction and official website and booking links.
  • Consideration for recognitionSubmit your dossier for editorial review for relevant city and country selections, including Top 10 and Top 50 lists.
  • One application. No deadline.Apply whenever your property is ready. Spa Awards determines the appropriate edition and geographic selection.

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

Vista, United States

Cal-a-Vie is a residential health and wellness retreat in Vista, California, offering three-, four- and seven-night programmes with personalised schedules, fitness, nutrition and spa care.

Read the laureate dossier
Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
Wellness Retreat2026 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

Acoustic Choice & Thermal Guest Experience

Spa Conversation Zones: Make Every Sound Rule Operable

A planned Calgary thermal spa divides its future guest journey into social, whisper and silent spaces. The idea is promising, but a label does not control sound, protect choice or prove an operating result. This guide turns conversation zones into testable requirements for acoustics, wayfinding, staff response, accessibility and daily review.

Read the article

Wellness Incentives, Data & Access

Wellness Incentives: Reward the Action, Measure the Outcome

A new fitness–food reward links recorded attendance to grocery credit, but the qualifying action, delivered benefit and wider outcome remain different evidence states. This guide helps spa and wellness operators write fair eligibility rules, minimise data, preserve accessible choice and evaluate behaviour without turning a check-in, household account or redeemed reward into proof of health.

Read the article

Public Sauna Stewardship & Accountability

Public Sauna Charter: Make Every Commitment Testable

The new Public Sauna-Bathing Charter frames access, culture, safety, community and environmental responsibility as shared principles rather than certification. This evidence-led guide helps sauna, spa and bathing professionals turn voluntary commitments into operating controls, public proof and reviewable claims without confusing signatory intent, legal compliance, health outcomes or award status.

Read the article

For spa owners & operators · Applications always open

Exceptional care deserves to be seen.

Introduce your spa to a global wellness audience. Build a richer profile and submit your dossier for city and country nomination review.

  • Enhanced directory profile
  • 6–8 property photographs
  • Editorial nomination review
Premium nomination · €100 one time

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Start your application
Your property. Your timing. Open
all year. No edition to choose.
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Premium includes an enhanced profile and nomination review, not a guaranteed award or ranking. Free listings have reduced content and no external links. View selection rules and paid-participation policy.