Italy was named the World’s Best Spa Destination for 2026 during the World Spa Awards. While the European country was able to take home several other awards, the ceremony celebrated a vast variety of spa experiences across the globe.
During the 12th edition of the World Spa Awards, the world’s most outstanding spas, wellness retreats, brands, and experiences were put in the spotlights. Italy proved to be the World’s Best Spa Destination of 2026 amidst a long list of competitors, inviting tourists to discover the country in what is perhaps a more unusual way.
“For twelve years, World Spa Awards has celebrated the exceptional organisations and individuals shaping the future of global spa and wellness. This year’s winners represent the very highest standards of excellence, innovation and guest experience, demonstrating the continued vitality and evolution of our industry. Their achievements inspire travellers around the world and reaffirm the important role that spa and wellness play in enhancing wellbeing and quality of life,” said Rebecca Cohen, Managing Director of World Spa Awards.
Not only did Italy as a whole come out a the top of the list, some of the country’s most prestigious wellness locations were awarded individually as well.
The Lefay Spa World at Lefay Resort and Spa Dolomiti in Pinzolo was named the ‘World’s Best Resort Spa’. Spanning over 5,000 square metres, the spa combines natural wellbeing with innovation. While enjoying the mountainous views, visitors can enjoy nine saunas through five different circuits, a selection of indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a personalised treatment offer. Lefay Spa World has won multiple awards in the past and its celebration during the World Spa Awards can be considered an affirmation of its impeccable reputation.
The Palazzo Fiuggi retained its title as ‘World’s Best Wellness Retreat’. Its 6,000 square metres of wellness and medical spa facilities were designed to “encourage relaxation and promote a lifelong approach to wellness”. Here, spa-goers can choose for a medical package including treatments such as cryotherapy, IV drips, and blood analysis, or for a wellness package blending saunas, sound healing, and light therapy. Their reproduction of ancient Roman baths deserves a special mention and allows visitors to enjoy the premises as people did thousands of years ago.
Finally, the Grotta Giusti Thermal Spa Resort in Monsummano Terme was able to take home the unique title of ‘World’s Best Thermal Grotto Spa 2026’. The spa combines the healing powers of thermal water with a great sense of history – not only is the spa partially located in the largest natural thermal grotto in Europe, it also features the old family villa of the poet Giuseppe Giusti. The premises are divided into Paradise, Purgatory, and Hell, with temperatures ranging from 28°C to 34°C. Among the stalactites and stalagmites, the large rock vaults create rooms where visitors can stop for a natural steam bath. At the bottom of the cave lies Limbo, a lake of warm thermal waters, with a constant temperature of 36ºC.
However, the World Spa Awards did not just concentrate on Italy. The complete list of winners also features the Guerlain Wellness Spa at Waldorf Astoria New York, Six Senses, and the Asaya Spa at Rosewood Mandarina in Mexico, among others.
