Destination Deluxe has confirmed that its Awards & Wellness Summit 2026 will take place on 22–23 September at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River. The event is designed to bring together senior figures from hotels, spas, wellness brands, and travel curation to discuss the future of wellbeing and celebrate industry excellence.
Vivienne Tang, Founder and CEO of Destination Deluxe, said the summit is intended to gather the people shaping the industry in one room, not only to honour achievement but also to exchange ideas and build relationships. She added that the focus is on exploring where wellness is heading next.
Keynotes and Global Perspectives
The program will open with a keynote from Dr. Tanupol Virunhagarun, CEO of Group 8 at Bangkok Dusit Medical Services, which operates BDMS Wellness Clinic, BDMS Wellness Resort, and BDMS Silver. His presentation, “From Scientific Wellness to Well-Living: Designing the Future of Longevity,” will examine how science, technology, and personalised care are redefining longevity.
Bianca Sengos, Founder and CEO of Rainbow Sounds, will lead an interactive session titled “Resonate Together: SonicSounds, A Rainbow Sounds Experience,” using therapeutic bowls, somatic breath, and collective mindfulness.
Panels on the Future of Wellness
Three panel discussions will feature 15 international speakers. The first, “Beyond Longevity: The New Human Performance Era,” will include Dr. Annamaria Acquaviva of Palazzo di Varignana, Dr. Wanviput Sanphasitvong of VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center, Ingo Schweder of GOCO Hospitality, Dr. Jane Xiao of ZenoWell, and Professor Gerry Bodeker of the Global Wellness Institute.
The second panel, “Designing for Transformation: The Next Era of Wellness Hospitality,” will feature Sammy Gharieni of Gharieni Group, Eva Alexandridis of 111SKIN and 111CRYO, Dr. Tania Bardhan of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Alina M. Hernandez of Wellness Innovation Hub, and Andrea Lomas-Gong of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Melinda Yon of Beyond Consulting will moderate.
The third panel, “The Rise of Purpose-Led Travel Experiences,” will include Constantin Bjerke Finckenstein of Datu Wellness, Diana Nicoli of Bloom & Grow, James Appleby of Manduka, Melita Koulmandas of Song Saa Collective, and Michael Murray of VIKASA.
Immersive Wellness and Networking
Beyond the discussions, the summit will offer participatory experiences. On 22 September, attendees can join a Mindful Mandala Workshop led by Pratchayapron Nopburee of Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, aerial yoga, and a floating soundbath by Akasha Curation, supported by Manduka. The day will close with drinks at BKK Social Club.
On 23 September, Niki Lundberg of VIKASA will lead a morning session by the river, and Damian Chaparro of Aro Ha will conduct “The Great Gate,” an inner transformation workshop. Hosted lunch roundtables and networking will continue throughout the day.
Awards Across 25 Categories
The Destination Deluxe Awards will recognise excellence in hotels, wellness retreats, spas, treatments, practitioners, architecture, regenerative travel, longevity, beauty, and skincare. Of the 25 categories, 22 will be judged by a panel of 21 industry experts, including the top honour, Wellness Retreat of the Year. The remaining three People’s Choice awards will be decided by public vote. The event receives more than 1,000 nominations annually.
The awards ceremony will take place on 23 September from 19:30 to 22:30. Tickets are priced at US$760. Special accommodation rates are available for attendees, starting at THB 13,000++ per night for a Deluxe River View Room.
For travel professionals, the summit offers a chance to connect with leaders in the wellness and hospitality sectors. Related developments in the region include Bangkok's first integrated wellness club and the broader shift toward longevity economies in ASEAN. The event also aligns with the growing demand for purpose-led travel experiences.
