More than 150 industry experts gathered at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair this week to celebrate the Condé Nast Traveller UK’s Wellness & Spa Awards 2026, in partnership with Healing Holidays.
Five of the 35 spas reviewed by the magazine received honours in person at the ceremony. Following the presentation, attendees including A-List facialist Adeela Crown, wellness advocate Nieve Tierney, dermatologist Uliana Gout, and physician Anjali Mahto, alongside Frances Geoghean, engaged in discussions centered on emerging trends in longevity, the practice of cold plunges, advancements in high-tech treatments, and innovative facial techniques.
The event featured a curated selection of canapés, including beetroot tacos, burrata tarts, tuna crudo, and sweet corn tempura. Guests enjoyed beverages such as Silverhand English Sparkling Wine, cocktails made with Sapling Vodka, and non-alcoholic sparkling wine from French Bloom. Dessert included passionfruit pavlovas and melon ice cream popsicles.
Sapling Spirits, the vodka supplier for the event, is a climate-positive company that plants a tree for every bottle sold. Their vodka is distilled four times from organic winter wheat, resulting in a smooth and crisp taste, according to the company’s website. They also offer a climate-positive gin and a line of flavoured vodkas aimed at reducing food waste.
Divia Thani, Condé Nast Traveller’s global editorial director, emphasized the importance of trustworthy reporting in the age of artificial intelligence, stating that the magazine’s Wellness & Spa Guide provides information audiences can “trust and act on.” The guide focuses on substantive spas, including those specializing in longevity, Mayr medicine, and burnout recovery.
Rakxa Integrative Wellness in Asia was among the honoured spas, recognized for weaving together Thai, Indian, and Chinese medicine with a technology-forward approach.
