UK Herbal Cup 2026
12 - 13 October 2026
Hoar Cross Hall Spa, Burton upon Trent
The UK is joining the Herbal Cup for the first time.
A new pathway for sauna and steam practitioners. The UK will host its first Herbal Cup national competition at Hoar Cross Hall Spa. This marks a new national pathway for practitioners working with sauna, steam, herbs, and ritual, rooted in nature-based practice.
What is the Herbal Cup?
The Herbal Cup is an international competition focused on sauna and steam rituals shaped by nature.
At its core is a simple idea: returning nature to the sauna.
Practitioners work with herbs, plants, infusions, smoke, resins, and whisks to create immersive, sensory experiences guided by heat, atmosphere, and care.
The focus is not on performance or spectacle. It is on how you work with heat, plants, and people.
For the first time, the UK will host its own national event in October at Hoar Cross Hall Spa, with winners progressing to the international final in Prague at Aqua Palace.
This competition is open to UK-based sauna and steam practitioners who are interested in working with herbs, ritual, and nature-based practice.
Whether you are experienced or developing your practice, this is an opportunity to explore a different dimension of sauna work.
Herbal Cup celebrates the thoughtful use of natural materials as part of the sauna and steam experience. This includes:
herbal infusions and macerations
smoke and resins
whisks and plant materials
handmade preparations
The emphasis is on balance, subtlety, and atmosphere. Nature becomes the guiding thread of the ritual.
Rooted in herbs, ritual, and nature.
What competitors must prepare.
Competitors are evaluated across a range of areas, including:
15-Minute Sauna Ritual
A 15-minute herbal sauna ritual using natural materials such as herbs, whisks, infusions, and resins. Focused on heat, aroma, and atmosphere, with an emphasis on balance, rhythm, and connection to nature.
15-Minute Steam Ritual
A 15-minute steam room ritual centered around peeling procedures, body care, and herbal preparations. Combining scrubs, masks, and aromatic treatments, this is a hands-on, sensory experience led by the practitioner.
Themed Presentation
A structured presentation of your ritual concept, including ingredients, preparation, and intention. This supports the judges’ understanding of your approach and the role of nature within your work.
Support & preparation.
Those who register interest will receive guidance and support in the lead-up to the competition.
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A series of training sessions will be offered to participants, by experienced international practitioners on topics such as fan work and smoke techniques.
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Participants will receive a guided journey with key dates, preparation timelines, and recommended resources to support their development in herbal rituals.
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Herbal Cup is not only a competition, but a space for exchange, inspiration, and connection with other practitioners exploring nature-based sauna and steam practice.
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A Herbal Cup webinar with a live Q&A will take place on May 12th, offering space to understand the format, ask questions, and explore whether the competition is right for you.
The road to Herbal Cup.
April 2026 - Register interest.Register your interest to receive initial details, timelines, and updates. This is the first step to understanding the format and what to expect.
May 2026 - Ask questions at our Herbal Cup webinar.Join the live Herbal Cup Q&A to explore the competition and ask questions. This is an opportunity to decide whether this path is right for you.
June 2026 - Sign up to compete.Competition sign-up opens, with full entry details and requirements shared.
Those ready to commit can begin preparing their rituals and concepts.
July 2026 - Training events Training sessions and an in-person learning opportunity support your preparation. You’ll develop your approach alongside guidance from experienced practitioners.
August & September 2026 - PreparationsRefine your rituals, materials, and overall concept. This is the time to test, adjust, and bring your work into alignment.
October 2026 - Compete at the UK Herbal Cup.It’s time to compete at Hoar Cross Hall Spa. Present your rituals in person at the UK Herbal Cup alongside other practitioners.
November 2026 - UK winners compete at Global Herbal Cup.Alongside 17 other countries, the UK winners are invited to represent the UK at the international final in Prague. This is an opportunity to step onto the global stage of Herbal Cup.
Register your interest.
If you are curious about competing, learning more, or exploring herbal and ritual-led sauna and steam practice, register your interest below. This is not a commitment to compete.
Highlights from the Sauna Showcase at Hoar Cross Hall
