The Global Wellness Summit will celebrate its 20th anniversary in Thailand this November, bringing together leaders from across wellness, medicine, hospitality, investment, technology and public policy.
Hosted at Angsana Laguna Phuket, the three-day gathering will examine how the wellness industry is evolving as medical science, preventive health and personalized longevity converge with creativity, culture and traditional healing practices.
Under the theme “The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness,” the 2026 Summit will explore a defining moment for the industry. Organizers say the next era of wellness will be shaped not only by scientific innovation, but also by renewed interest in human connection, purpose, community and emotional wellbeing.
“Our industry is at another pivotal moment, where advances in science, medicine and longevity are converging with a return to, and reinvention of, the timeless need for connection, creativity and purpose,” said Susie Ellis, chair and CEO of the Global Wellness Summit.
Longevity, Women’s Health and Preventive Medicine
A major focus of the Summit will be the changing relationship between wellness and medicine.
Sessions will examine personalized longevity care, women’s health, hormone therapy, precision medicine and the growing shift from simply extending lifespan to improving healthspan.
Featured speakers will include geroscientist Andrea Maier, MD, PhD, founder of Asia’s first precision geromedicine clinics; Blue Zones founder and bestselling author Dan Buettner; George Gaitanos, chief operating and scientific officer of Chenot Group; and Christopher Asandra, MD, a specialist in hormone optimization and personalized preventive care.
Together, the speakers will explore how medical advances can be integrated with lifestyle, community, culture and long-term behavioural change.
Asia’s Growing Wellness Travel Market
Asia’s emergence as a global leader in wellness tourism will also take centre stage.
According to figures shared by the Summit, wellness tourism in Asia grew 31 percent in 2024, reaching $215 billion and surpassing Europe in the number of wellness trips. India, Thailand, South Korea and China were among the world’s fastest-growing wellness travel markets.
Hospitality entrepreneur William E. Heinecke, founder and chairman of Minor International, will discuss why Asia is increasingly setting the pace for wellness travel.
Other hospitality leaders will examine how independent hotels, resorts and wellness destinations are using culture, creativity, sustainability and community to create more distinctive guest experiences.
Ingo Schweder, founder and CEO of GOCO Hospitality, will lead a discussion on the future of wellness travel and the opportunities emerging throughout Asia.
New Research on the Wellness Economy
The Global Wellness Institute will unveil its 2026 Global Wellness Economy Monitor during the Summit.
The report will provide new data and analysis on the global wellness economy, including the continued development of Asian wellness markets. The research is expected to offer valuable insights for spa operators, hospitality groups, developers, investors and wellness brands planning for future growth.
Neuroaesthetics and the Art of Wellbeing
The Summit will also explore how art, music, architecture and design can influence health and emotional wellbeing.
Susan Magsamen, founder and executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, will present research on the relationship between creative experiences and brain health.
The Global Wellness Summit and Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics will also introduce an Intentional Spaces Design Challenge examining how neuroarchitecture can contribute to healthier hotels, buildings, communities and public spaces.
Additional sessions will explore wellness retail, lifestyle experiences, beauty, branding and the evolution of wellness marketing over the past two decades.
Thailand’s own wellness heritage will be woven throughout the event, including its spiritual traditions, textiles, craftsmanship and holistic approach to health.
The 2026 Global Wellness Summit will take place November 10-13 at Angsana Laguna Phuket in Thailand.
For the complete agenda, speaker announcements and registration information, visit Global Wellness Summit.
