DESTINATION DELUXE AWARDS & WELLNESS SUMMIT 2026
The Destination Deluxe Awards & Wellness Summit 2026 on 22-23 September 2026 will convene pioneers shaping the future of wellness travel and longevity, celebrating the most forward thinking destinations, brands, and experiences in the global wellbeing space.
The Destination Deluxe Awards & Wellness Summit will draw to a close with the prestigious Destination Deluxe Awards 2025. This culmination marks the highlight of a day dedicated to exploring the latest trends and innovations in wellness and travel. From engaging panel discussions to wellness activities, attendees will immerse themselves in a world of wellness before eagerly awaiting the announcement of the award winners.
WHERE: Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok
WHEN: 22-23 September 2026
PRICE: US$760
ACCOMMODATION: 35-40% off on Deluxe Palm Court Room at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok
CONTACT: contact@destinationdeluxe.com
WHAT TO EXPECT
A curated two-day experience blending industry insights, wellness activations, and meaningful connections. Set against the luxurious backdrop of the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, the event brings together top leaders in wellness, travel, beauty, and spa for:
- High-level networking
- Engaging panel discussions
- Curated brand showcases & exhibition experiences
- Transformational wellness experiences
- Celebration of excellence at the Destination Deluxe Awards
Expect inspiration, innovation, and unforgettable moments.
WHO ATTENDS
Attendees from across the globe in the wellness, beauty and travel industries.
- Wellness Enthusiasts
- Hotel Directors
- Spa & Wellness Directors
- Skincare Brands
- Fitness & Wellness Brands
- Travel Curators
- Wellness Practitioners
- Retreat Leaders
WHY ATTEND
If you’re serious about shaping the future of wellness, this is where the real conversations (and deals) happen. Expect:
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Direct access to the who’s who of wellness, luxury travel, and spa innovation
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A rare chance to forge high-value connections in a relaxed, inspiring setting
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Fresh insights, strategic partnerships, and cutting-edge ideas to future-proof your business
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Unfiltered intel from experts leading a $1 trillion+ industry
Step away from the noise. Step into the future of wellness.
KEYNOTES
FROM SCIENTIFIC WELLNESS TO WELL-LIVING: DESIGNING THE FUTURE OF LONGEVITY
Explore how science, technology, and personalized care are redefining longevity and shaping a future where living longer means living better.
Dr. Tanupol Virunhagarun
CEO of Group 8 (BDMS Wellness Clinic, BDMS Wellness Resort and BDMS Silver), Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS)
Dr. Tanupol Virunhagarun is CEO of Group 8, overseeing BDMS Wellness Clinic, BDMS Wellness Resort and BDMS Silver at Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS). A physician specializing in preventive, lifestyle, anti-aging and regenerative medicine, he is committed to advancing scientific wellness and proactive healthcare to support healthier, longer lives.
RESONATE TOGETHER: SONICSOUNDS, A RAINBOW SOUNDS EXPERIENCE
What happens when a room full of people create sound together? In this interactive experience with Rainbow Sounds founder Bianca Sengos, you won’t just receive sound, you’ll be part of it. Participants will be surrounded by sound therapy bowls and be guided to play, explore, and resonate together. Through guided somatic breath, gentle movement, and sound, you’ll experience SonicSounds, Rainbow Sounds’ unique, trademarked approach to interactive mindfulness, brought to you from Australia. Coming together to resonate is one of the latest group experiences yoga teachers are adding to their schedules, and this is your chance to feel it for yourself. This is not a traditional sound bath. It’s a shared, hands-on experience where the room comes alive through collective vibration, connection, and play.
Bianca Sengos
Founder & CEO of Rainbow Sounds
Bianca Sengos is an entrepreneur and innovator in the field of sound therapy and wellbeing. As the founder of Rainbow Sounds, she has built the company into a multi-million-dollar global business supporting practitioners, wellness spaces, and organisations worldwide through the design and distribution of high-purity sound therapy bowls. She has developed innovative training programs that integrate sound with neuroscience-informed principles, creating scalable and impactful wellbeing experiences. Rainbow Sounds partners with leading brands across the health, fitness, and wellness industries, contributing to the evolution of sound-based experiences in modern and luxury environments. Bianca’s focus is on the future of social wellness and wellbeing. She’s enhancing lives one sound therapy bowl at a time.
PANELS
PANEL DISCUSSION
Beyond Longevity: The New Human Performance Era
Dr. Annamaria Acquaviva
Dietician Nutritionist
Scientific Director of Palazzo di Varignana
Dr. Annamaria Acquaviva is a dietitian nutritionist, with a background in pharmacy, and a mindfulness expert with over 20 years of experience in longevity, functional and clinical nutrition. She is the creator of the Acquaviva Method and Scientific Director at Palazzo di Varignana, where she leads innovative health retreats and the Ginkgo Longevity Restaurant. She is an international speaker and author of Health Revolution: The 5 Pillars of Health, and is recognized for her ability to translate science into “transformative” wellness experiences.
Dr. Wanviput Sanphasitvong
Business Development Director of VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center
CEO of LifestyleTech Solutions
Dr. Wanviput Sanphasitvong is a longevity physician at VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center and Bumrungrad International Hospital, board-certified in Preventive Medicine, Public Health, and Lifestyle Medicine. Her work centers on healthy longevity and the application of AI in health. A founding member of the Asia Longevity Professionals Association, she is active in the Healthy Longevity Medicine Society, Longevity Education Hub, and Longevity Docs, and serves as Business development director at VitalLife.
Ingo Schweder
Founder & CEO of GOCO Hospitality
With over 40 years of expertise in the spa and hospitality industries, Ingo Schweder spearheads GOCO Hospitality and Horwath HTL Health and Wellness. Managing over 400 projects valued at $4.5 billion in 42 countries, he excels in wellness developments for prestigious hospitality and real estate brands. Ingo owns Glen Ivy Hot Springs, California. He co-founded Space Yoga & Space Cycle, and worked with prestigious brands like Mandarin Oriental, and Ananda in the Himalayas. In partnership with a subsidiary of Temasek Holdings Limited, he formed a JV expanding into Wellness Real Estate, acquiring resorts, and pursuing new projects across the globe.
Dr. Jane Xiao
Co-Founder of ZenoWell
Founder of Vagus Nerve Community
Distinguished Researcher
Cognitive Neuroscientist
Dr. Jane Xiao is Co-Founder of ZenoWell, a distinguished researcher, and a cognitive neuroscientist specialising in neural decoding and non-invasive neuromodulation. A leading expert in brain health, she has authored more than 20 SCI publications and holds multiple patents in vagus nerve stimulation. Her research focuses on transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) to support longevity, stroke recovery, migraine treatment, ADHD, cognitive performance, and overall brain health.
Professor Gerry Bodeker
Chair of Mental Wellness Initiative, Global Wellness Institute
Professor Gerry Bodeker, a Harvard-trained public health academic, researches and advises on integrative medicine and wellness. He taught medical sciences at Oxford for 20 years, is an adjunct professor atColumbia University, and consults for the UN, governments, and the private sector on culturally rooted wellness strategies. Specializing in Asian medicine, including Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, he has authored numerous publications, including WHO’sGlobal Atlas of Traditional MedicineandMental Wellness: Pathways, Evidence and Horizons. Gerry currently serves as Chair of the Mental Wellness Initiative of the Global Wellness Institute and is Co-Chair of the GWI’s Microplastics Watch Initiative, co-authoring the white paperUnderstanding the Microplastics Crisis: Framing a Wellness Response. He is also an Advisory Board member of theKing’s College London Centre for Chinese Medicine.
PANEL DISCUSSION
The Rise of Purpose-Led Travel Experiences
Constantin Bjerke Finckenstein
Founder of Datu Wellness
Constantin Bjerke Finckenstein is an award-winning multicultural media entrepreneur, board advisor and creative producer whose career bridges global storytelling, brand building and wellbeing hospitality. A five-time Cannes Lions winner, he established himself through ventures such as Crane.tv, one of the first online video magazines to redefine digital cultural publishing, and Cult Global, creating acclaimed branded entertainment campaigns for international brands including BMW, Coca-Cola and Booking.com. Following a personal healing journey inspired by Ayurveda and Panchakarma in India, Constantin co-founded Datu Wellness,curating expert-led retreats across the Mediterranean rooted in Eastern healing traditions. In parallel, he founded Mirus Media, focused on transforming elite footballers into purpose-driven brands within the evolving creator economy. Deeply committed to social impact and conservation, he has served on the boards of IFAW and the World Woman Foundation and advised environmental initiatives in Rwanda. Constantin holds a dual Master’s degree from ESCP, where he has lectured on intercultural negotiations, and is a frequent international speaker on media, culture and the future of wellbeing.
Diana Nicoli
Founder of Bloom & Grow
Co-Founder of FOCUSWATER
Diana Nicoli is a Self-Leadership Expert and founder of Bloom & Grow. With over 20 years of lived experience as an entrepreneur and leader, she has developed a rare methodology integrating neuroscience, breathwork, and advanced personality profiling to activate the most powerful leadership skill of our time: self-leadership.
Grounded in one conviction, that purpose-led living and sustainable success are inseparable, she guides women who are ready to lead themselves from high performance to full power. With clarity of vision. Ease in life. Vitality that lasts.
Bold your Vision. Ease your Life. Longevity from within.
James Appleby
President of Manduka
James Appleby has been part of Manduka’s global leadership team since 2018 and was appointed President in February 2025, following leadership of the brand across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. With extensive international experience spanning product, sales, operations, and marketing, he is leading Manduka’s expansion into hotels, spas, retreats, and premium wellness destinations. Providing high‑performance equipment for hospitality environments is a key strategic focus, and James is actively seeking new partners to extend the brand beyond traditional studios into luxury properties worldwide, while continuing to strengthen Manduka’s position as a trusted premium performance brand.
Melita Koulmandas
Founder & CEO of Song Saa Collective
Melita Koulmandas is the founder and creative force behind the Song Saa Collective, a pioneer in regenerative development. Her work fuses nature-led wellbeing, conservation, and soulful hospitality in Cambodia. Through projects like Song Saa Private Island and Song Saa Reserve, she leads efforts to strengthen local capacity, restore ecosystems, and create wellness-centred experiences that merge high-end travel with a lasting legacy of care.
Michael Murray
Director Yoga & Wellness of VIKASA
Michael Murray is a yoga teacher, facilitator, and Director of Yoga & Wellness atVIKASA, known for blending precise physical practice with deep inner exploration. Originally a finance lawyer, he turned to yoga to manage stress, a path that evolved into a profound journey of self-discovery and transformation. His teaching balances strong alignment with intuitive movement, while also exploring emotional intelligence and personal growth. He also creates and leads transformative retreat experiences and plays a key role in VIKASA’s Yoga Teacher Training, guiding students beyond the mat into deeper self-awareness.
PANEL DISCUSSION
Designing for Transformation: The Next Era of Wellness Hospitality
Sammy Gharieni
Founder & CEO of Gharieni Group
Award-winning wellness innovator Sammy Gharieni is the founder and CEO of Gharieni Group, recognized with the ‘A Life of Beauty Award’ and a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his trailblazing contributions to the industry. Since 1991, he has redefined spa and medical wellness with cutting-edge treatment beds and tech-forward solutions. With clients in over 140 countries, the Gharieni Group now includes four brands — Gharieni, Metawell, Bentlon and Cobotics Innovations — each setting benchmarks in wellness. Sammy continues to push boundaries with high-tech, touchless and hybrid therapies and a customer-first approach that delivers true value and next-level experiences.
Eva Alexandridis
Co-Founder & CCO of 111SKIN and 111CRYO
Eva Alexandridis is the Co-Founder and CEO of 111SKIN, the award-winning luxury skincare brand she built alongside her husband, renowned Harley Street plastic surgeon Dr Yannis Alexandridis. Under her leadership, 111SKIN has become a global leader in science-led skincare, stocked by the world’s most prestigious retailers and luxury spas. Passionate about innovation, sustainability and philanthropy, Eva continues to drive the brand’s international growth and impact across the beauty and wellness industries.
Dr. Tania Bardhan
Senior Director of Spa & Wellness, APAC, of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Dr. Tania Bardhan is a wellness expert with over 24 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry. With her training and qualifications in several wellness modalities, Dr. Bardhan is an expert in spearheading wellness and spa concepts, design and operations whilst integrating the highest standards of luxury. Currently she is based in Hong Kong in her capacity as Senior Director of Spa & Wellness for the Four Seasons with oversight of several pre-opening and operational spas in the region. Prior to her work with The Four Seasons, Dr. Bardhan has worked with the spa and wellness divisions of leading hospitality brands like Jumeirah, Minor hotels and The Leela Hotels Palaces and Resorts.
Alina M. Hernandez
Founder of Wellness Innovation Hub
Co-Chair of the Global Wellness Institute’s Mental Wellness Initiative
An award-winning and internationally recognized wellness industry thought leader and Experience Architect, Alina pioneered Design Thinking and Experience Design into her own human-centric design framework into the industry – helping wellness, hospitality, and longevity brands to translate behavioral science and systems thinking into meaningful guest experiences – and sustainable business models. Her work bridges strategy, innovation, and operational design to ensure that strong concepts translate into profitability over time. She supports her clients to review outdated operational logic, de-risk, and set the business to deliver greater ROI and lasting Return on Experience (ROX).
Andrea Lomas-Gong
Group Vice President Operations Wellbeing of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Andrea Lomas-Gong is Mandarin Oriental’s Group Vice President Operations Wellbeing, based at the Group’s corporate headquarters in Hong Kong. She oversees Spa and Wellness Operations, Wellness Initiatives, Product Development, Mindful Meetings and Global Colleague Wellness Programs across the Group’s portfolio of 47 hotels worldwide. She joined Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in 2003 and has more than 35 years of spa and wellness experience.
MODERATOR
Melinda Yon
CEO of Beyond Consulting
Melinda Yon is the CEO of Beyond Consulting Services, a boutique wellness advisory firm. With over two decades of industry experience, Melinda has partnered with globally respected brands including Capella Hotel Group, COMO Group, and Six Senses Hotels & Resorts. Her expertise spans the full spectrum of wellness development — from strategic planning and concept creation to technical services, execution, and pre-opening. She is equally adept at optimizing daily spa operations, driving business performance, ensuring financial accountability, and leading training and development initiatives. A former spa business owner and editor of AsiaSpa Men magazine, Melinda has also served as an awards judge, master of ceremonies, moderator, and thought leader within the wellness space. Deeply committed to cultivating future leaders, she holds multiple qualifications in training and development and was a senior lecturer at Republic Polytechnic’s School of Hospitality, where she taught the diploma in wellness, lifestyle, and spa management.
WORKSHOPS
THE GREAT GATE
Most people are moved by forces they’ve never named. The Great Gate reveals the inner architecture driving us. Through Internal Family Systems and Big Mind, befriend a part you’ve been avoiding and rediscover the place in you that can’t be depleted.
Damian Chaparro
Co-founder of Aro Ha
Biological age reversed by up to 2 years. Just 7 days. No pills, no hacks; just decades of wellness architecture distilled. Co-founder of Aro Ha, the New Zealand sanctuary that claimed Condé Nast Gold in year one, Damian Chaparro has guided 8,000+ souls through transformative doors that many didn’t know existed. Ancient wisdom meets longevity science in alpine wilderness. Elite athletes sharpen their edge, the burned-out find what matters. Named Wellness Pioneer 2024, he speaks globally on IFS (Internal Family Systems), attention reclamation, and the inner work that makes outer optimization actually stick.
MOVE, BREATHE, FEEL, CONNECT
Begin the day with an energizing yoga movement practice by the river to awaken the body, calm the mind, and cultivate presence for the day ahead.
Niki Lundberg
Co-owner of VIKASA Yoga Retreat & Lead Yoga Teacher
Niki believes that yoga can be life-changing, both on an individual and a collective level. And so her teaching, which she sees as her vocation, is focused on tapping into yoga’s transformative capacity and providing a means for her students to embark on journeys of self-discovery. She has a background in psychology and an unwavering belief in the importance of combining the physical aspects of yoga with the often neglected spiritual aspects.
FLOATING SOUNDBATH
Experience deep relaxation at the Floating Soundbath workshop by Akasha Curation, where immersive healing frequencies, gentle movement, and mindfulness come together.
Akasha Curation
Immersive Sound & Wellness Experience Team
Akasha Curation is a collective of wellness practitioners creating immersive experiences that blend sound healing, movement, meditation, and mindful presence. Led by founder Pamela “Akasha” Kaur, the team uses gongs, crystal singing bowls, and other therapeutic instruments to guide participants into deep relaxation, presence, and connection. Following the success of last year’s Floating Soundbath at the Destination Deluxe Awards & Wellness Summit, Akasha Curation returns this year to once again lead the experience.
MINDFUL MANDALA WORKSHOP
Slow down, turn inward, and translate intention into art. In this guided workshop, create a personal Chakra Intention Art Card using color, pattern, and mindful expression to cultivate calm, clarity, and connection.
Limited spots available
Pratchayapron Nopburee (Bamboo)
Fitness Supervisor at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok
Bamboo specializes in Pilates Reformer, yoga, and corrective movement, helping guests develop strength, flexibility, balance, and greater body awareness. With a background in architecture and a passion for mindfulness-based art, she brings together movement, creativity, and thoughtful design. Her sessions encourage relaxation, self-expression, and a deeper connection between body and mind.
AERIAL YOGA
Elevate your practice with a playful aerial yoga session designed to release tension, improve flexibility, and create a feeling of lightness in both body and mind.
Limited spots available
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok
The hotel’s experienced wellness team brings together expertise in movement, mindfulness, and holistic well-being. Through thoughtfully guided experiences, they help guests improve flexibility, release tension, restore balance, and reconnect with body and mind.
AGENDA
Tuesday, 22 September 2026
15:00: Check-in
15:00 – 15:45: Mindful Mandala Workshop by Pratchayapron Nopburee (Bamboo) of Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok
15:00 – 16:00: Aerial Yoga by Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok
16:00 – 17:00: Floating Soundbath by Akasha Curation, supported by Manduka
18:00 – 20:00: Drinks & Connections at BKK Social Club
Wednesday, 23 September 2026
6:30 – 7:30: Move, Breathe, Feel, Connect by Niki Lundberg of VIKASA, supported by Manduka
7:45 – 8:45: Breakfast with Networking Opportunities (for Hotel Guests)
8:00 – 9:00: Guest Registration
9:00 – 9:15: Welcome Speech
9:15 – 10:15: Panel Discussion – Beyond Longevity: The New Human Performance Era with
Dr. Annamaria Acquaviva of Palazzo di Varignana
Professor Gerry Bodeker of Mental Wellness Initiative, Global Wellness Institute
Dr. Wanviput Sanphasitvong of VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center
Ingo Schweder of GOCO Hospitality
Dr. Jane Xiao of ZenoWell
10:15 – 10:40: Networking Break
10:40 – 11:00: Keynote Speech by Dr. Tanupol Virunhagarun of Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS)
11:00 – 11:25: Networking Break
11:25 – 11:55: Keynote Speech by Bianca Sengos of Rainbow Sounds
11:55 – 12:15: Networking Break
12:15 – 13:30: Hosted Lunch Roundtables
13:30 – 13:55: Networking Break
13:55 – 14:55: Panel Discussion – The Rise of Purpose-Led Travel Experiences with
James Appleby of Manduka
Constantin Bjerke Finckenstein of Datu Wellness
Melita Koulmandas of Song Saa Collective
Michael Murray of VIKASA
Diana Nicoli of Bloom & Grow
14:55 – 15:20: Networking Break
15:20 – 16:20: Panel Discussion – Designing for Transformation: The Next Era of Wellness Hospitality with
Eva Alexandridis of 111SKIN & 111CRYO
Tania Bardhan of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Sammy Gharieni of Gharieni Group
Alina M. Hernandez of Wellness Innovation Hub
Andrea Lomas-Gong of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
16:20 – 16:45: Networking Break
16:45 – 17:45: The Great Gate (Workshop) by Damian Chaparro of Aro Ha, supported by Manduka
17:45 – 19:30: Leisure Time
19:30 – 22:30: Destination Deluxe Awards Ceremony
Thursday, 24 September 2026
08:00 – 11:30: Breakfast with Networking Opportunities (for Hotel Guests)
12:00: Check-out
Whether you’re a seasoned industry veteran or an avid wellness enthusiast, the Destination Deluxe Awards & Wellness Summit 2026 beckons with promises of inspiration, connection, and networking opportunities, reaching the grand finale with the crowning moment of the Destination Deluxe Awards ceremony. It’s an event not to be missed.
