Four destinations on the island of Ireland have been named as winners in the World Spa Awards 2026.
The annual awards ceremony is now in its 12th year and "serves to celebrate and reward excellence in spa and wellness tourism", according to its website.
Founded in 2015 to highlight the successes of the wellness industry, the awards connect spa specialists and celebrate the leaders in the industry, which has boomed in popularity in recent years.
Spas and hotels enter the awards themselves, and once a shortlist has been created industry experts are invited to vote online for their top picks.
Ireland received four awards across two categories: day spas and hotel spas.
Eden Elements at the luxurious Eden One spa in Ballsbridge, Dublin was named Dublin's best day spa, its fifth consecutive year securing the award.
An expansive space sprawling across 23,000 square feet, Eden Elements was designed to be an immersive sensory journey, inspired by the restorative energies of water, fire, ice, and air. It features everything from a thermal suite and infinity-edge pool, to a hydrotherapy pool and dry salt inhalation room, among others.
Speaking about the award David Howard, General Manager at Eden One, said: "To have Eden Elements named 'Ireland's Best Day Spa’ for the fifth year in a row at the 12th Annual World Spa Awards is an incredible honour.
"Eden One was created with a vision of unmatched excellence, and our team is passionately dedicated to improving health and wellbeing through assessment, fitness, treatment, and relaxation. Eden Elements embodies this philosophy by offering a transformative, elemental sanctuary away from the pace of daily life. This award is a testament to our team’s dedication to providing an exceptional 5-star experience for every guest."
The prize for Ireland's best hotel spa once again went to the spa at Ashford Castle in Cong, Co Mayo. The opulent hotel has won the award every year since 2016, making this its 11th consecutive win in the category.
And it's no wonder why: featuring five treatment rooms, an invigorating Hammam, relaxing steam room and a relaxation pool, it's a unique and mesmerising space.
Posting about the win on the hotel's Instagram account, the team wrote: "As an award voted for by our guests, this recognition carries special significance. It reflects the trust our guests place in us, and the dedication, care and expertise of our entire Spa team."
The Culloden Estate and Spa in Belfast, Co Antrim scooped the prize for Northern Ireland's best hotel spa.
Nestled in 12 acres of stunning scenery and overlooking Belfast Lough, the hotel is especially known for the spa, which is dedicated to holistic well-being and features eight treatment suites, including couples rooms for joint therapies.
Finally, the Spa at Galgorm, also in Co Antrim, was named Northern Ireland's best day spa. The destination is renowned for its immersive and enchanting spa, made up of attractions like The riverside Garden, the Alpine Garden and more.
Amenities like plunge pools, hot tubs and more are dotted across a rolling space surrounded by nature, which makes this spa especially memorable.
