Global Wellness Summit Announces Angsana Laguna Phuket as Venue for 20th Anniversary Summit | News
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) has announced that its 20th anniversary summit will take place at Angsana Laguna Phuket in Thailand. Located within the famous Laguna Phuket integrated resort complex, the five-star beach resort offers a unique setting between tranquil lagoons and the white sands of Bang Tao Beach.
Phuket is widely recognized as one of the world’s most dynamic wellness destinations, with a rich mix of traditional healing practices, luxurious spa experiences, medical wellness clinics and nature retreats. By hosting the Summit here, delegates can not only gather for the industry’s leading conference, but also experience first-hand the region’s world-class wellness offering.
Set in lush tropical gardens and surrounded by waterways, Angsana Laguna Phuket combines nature, adventure and relaxation, with extensive spa, wellness and outdoor amenities that reflect Thailand’s long tradition of holistic wellbeing. The resort’s setting offers Summit delegates the rare experience of both lagoon and beach views in one of Phuket’s most distinctive luxury destinations.
The GWS has appointed four co-chairs who will help shape the agenda for the conference from November 10-13, 2026. Each brings a distinct perspective on the rapidly evolving wellness sector and a deep familiarity with both Asia and the global wellness landscape.
Based in Hong Kong, Cathy Feliciano-Chon is managing partner of FINN Partners Greater China, a communications and strategy agency specializing in travel, hospitality and lifestyle brands. Jiří Dvořák, MD, PhD, is professor emeritus of neurology at the University of Zurich and co-founder and executive senior advisor of the BDMS Wellness Clinic in Bangkok. Jessica Jesse is the visionary force behind BuDhaGirl®, founder, CEO and creative director, and now the creator of Zen Collective. Pongsadhorn Pokpermdee, MD, MSc, PhD, is Director General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine of the Thai Ministry of Health.
The Summit – which is expected to be the largest in the organization’s history – will be by invitation only. CEOs of leading wellness companies, physicians and academics, investors, technology innovators and policymakers will engage in four days of discussions about the forces shaping the wellness economy.
“The global movement for wellness and longevity must be based on science,” said Dvořák. “If we want to improve population health, we need evidence-based approaches that governments, healthcare systems and insurers are willing to adopt. As co-chair of the 20th Global Wellness Summit, I look forward to advancing that dialogue and helping position prevention and lifestyle medicine at the center of the future of healthcare.”
“It is a great honor for me to co-chair the 20th Anniversary Global Wellness Summit in Phuket – not only as a member of the GWS board, but as someone whose life and work are deeply inspired by Asian culture,” said Jesse. “Having worked in Thailand for more than fourteen years, I have experienced firsthand the country’s extraordinary commitment to wellness, spirituality and refined living. By bringing global wellness leaders together in Phuket, we can celebrate the roots of wellness while helping shape the future of a $6.8 trillion global economy.”
About the co-chairs
Cathy Feliciano-Chon
Cathy Feliciano-Chon is Managing Partner of FINN Partners Greater China, with offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing. A marketing and communications expert with more than 30 years of experience, she leads global campaigns and market entry strategies for leading hotel groups, hospitality companies and consumer brands. She also drives the company’s thought leadership initiatives and produces research and insights on topics such as travel and tourism, the future of food, smart cities and wellbeing.
Jiří Dvořák, MD, PhD
Dr. Jiří Dvořák is professor emeritus of neurology at the University of Zurich and senior consultant in neurology and research at the Schulthess Clinic Spine Center, where he helped shape the institution for four decades. A leading researcher in the fields of spine sciences, clinical biomechanics and sports injury prevention, he has written more than 460 scientific articles and several textbooks. From 1994 to 2016, he served as Chief Medical Officer for FIFA, where he oversaw medical services for 74 competitions, including six FIFA World Cups. He co-founded the BDMS Wellness Clinic in Bangkok and now serves as an executive senior advisor, focusing on scientific wellness and brain health.
Jessica Jesse
Jessica Jesse is the visionary force behind BuDhaGirl®, founder, CEO and creative director, and now the creator of Zen Collective, a brand hub for ShanShan, Kumali and Spirit & Nest. She founded BuDhaGirl as a luxury lifestyle brand dedicated to wellness across multiple sectors, expressed through beautiful, meaningful objects. Through her signature philosophy, Mindful Glamour®, she integrates contemplative rituals and intention setting into everyday wearable and consumable pieces, transforming the ordinary into the sacred. Zen Collective expands this vision by fostering a like-minded community through curated content, shared rituals and purposeful dialogue, providing a space where mindfulness and modern living intersect.
Pongsadhorn Pokpermdee, MD, MSc, PhD
Dr. Pongsadhorn Pokpermdee is Director General of the Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Department of the Thai Ministry of Health. With more than two decades of experience in health policy and systems innovation, he has played a key role in advancing Thailand’s national health strategies and digital health transformation. He founded the MOPH Prompt and iClaim platforms to expand healthcare access and efficiency, and serves in global leadership roles, including Vice Chairman of the WHO Executive Board and Chairman of the APEC Health Working Group.
Registration is now open
