Welcome to Country from Wadandi custodian Josh Whiteland opens the three day event at Bunker Bay, which then closes with the Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Awards.
The Margaret River Region will host the fifth annual Wellness Summit, the first time Australasia’s event for the spa, wellness and wellness tourism industries has been staged in Western Australia.
Running 25 to 28 October at Bunker Bay, with delegates staying at Pullman Bunker Bay, the Summit is delivered in partnership with Australia’s South West, Business Events Perth and Spa & Wellness. Between 150 and 200 delegates are expected, travelling from across Australia and New Zealand as well as Europe, the United States, Bali and China.
Founded in 2022 by Kris Abbey, the Summit has grown into the region’s annual meeting place for spa operators, wellness retreats, tourism leaders, destination marketers, accommodation providers, investors and wellness brands.
“Margaret River captures everything this Summit stands for: nature, nourishment and connection,” said Kris Abbey, Founder and Convenor of the Wellness Summit.
“I’ve spent more than three decades in this industry and have never seen greater consumer demand for experiences that genuinely support health and wellbeing. The South West is one of Australia’s most exciting wellness destinations, which makes it the right place for this year’s event.”
The 2026 theme, Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science, examines how traditional healing practices, Indigenous knowledge and nature-based experiences intersect with current wellness research and technology.
The Summit opens with a Welcome to Country from Josh Whiteland, Wadandi custodian and founder of Koomal Dreaming, whose connection to the Margaret River Region grounds the event in the place it is held.
Delegates arrive on Sunday 25 October for the Welcome to Country, with the two-day Summit program running Monday and Tuesday, the Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Awards on the Tuesday evening, and departures on Wednesday 28 October.
Speakers include Professor Gerry Bodeker on mental health and wellbeing; Alberto Apostoli, the internationally recognised wellness architect behind Apostoli Wellness Creators; Megan Larsen, founder of Australian skincare house Sodashi; and Damian Chaparro, co-founder of New Zealand wellness retreat Aro Ha. The full line-up is at www.wellnesssummit.com.au
Alongside keynotes, panels, workshops and destination experiences, the program sets aside a dedicated afternoon for wellness experiences, supplier meetings, wellness assessments and technology demonstrations, so delegates are not forced to choose between education sessions and hands-on activations.
“The Margaret River Region is naturally restorative, a place where people come to reconnect with themselves and the environment,” said Catrin Pickworth, Chief Executive Officer of Australia’s South West.
“Hosting the Summit aligns with our Wellness Tourism Strategy, which positions the South West as a leading destination for travellers seeking experiences that nurture both people and place.”
The global wellness economy is now worth US$6.8 trillion and is projected to approach US$10 trillion by 2029, growing at 7.6% annually — significantly faster than the global economy. Australia alone represents a US$141 billion wellness economy, ranking ninth globally. (Source: Global Wellness Institute).
Delegates can extend their trip either side of the Summit. Crown Perth and COMO The Treasury are offering Summit rates in Perth, and BODHI Spa is offering 50 per cent off regular priced treatments at all locations from 21 October to 14 November, with transport to and from Bunker Bay for delegates booking at BODHI Yallingup.
Tickets are on sale now. Single-day delegate passes start at $990 plus GST, all-inclusive passes without accommodation are $1,950 plus GST, and inclusive packages including accommodation at Pullman Bunker Bay start at $3,350 plus GST. Awards gala dinner tickets are available separately at $435 plus GST. Full program and registration at www.wellnesssummit.com.au
