Italy is the new world queen of wellbeing. Crowned by the World Spa Awards 2026, among the most important international recognitions devoted to excellence in the spa and wellness sector, now in its twelfth edition.
The Bel Paese has been named the best spa destination in the world, breaking the dominance of Dubai, which had won the category in the four previous editions. But the Italian success does not stop there: among the globally honored facilities are also other exemplars. From the Dolomites to the hills of Lazio, passing by Lake Como, Bergamo, and Chianti, the selection draws a true map of Italian wellbeing, featuring innovative treatments, spectacular landscapes, and paths designed to regenerate body and mind.
Italy is the best spa destination in the world
The most important recognition is the one awarded to Italy, crowned the world’s best spa destination in 2026. A result that rewards a particularly varied offering, capable of uniting thermal tradition with contemporary facilities, medical spas, nature-immersed retreats, and luxury resorts.
To reinforce the lead are two Italian excellences that have earned equally global prizes: Lefay SPA World at Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti, in Pinzolo, in Trentino, was named the best resort spa in the world. A wellness center that spans 5,000 square meters and includes pools, saunas, relaxation areas, and fitness spaces, in an environment that blends Western practices with Eastern disciplines.
Palazzo Fiuggi, in Lazio, has instead earned the title of best wellness retreat in the world. The facility features about 6,000 square meters dedicated to well-being and the medical spa and offers personalized programs focused, among other things, on longevity, regeneration, detox, and achieving optimal weight.
The best spas in the world
The World Spa Awards 2026 unveils the top global spas across several realms, from hotel spas to desert spas, from spa lounges in port areas to eco-spas. Among the most important international recognitions are:
- Best resort spa in the world: Lefay SPA World at Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti (Italy);
- Best wellness retreat in the world: Palazzo Fiuggi (Italy);
- Best hotel spa in the world: Guerlain Wellness Spa at Waldorf Astoria New York (United States);
- Best spa destination in the world: Italy;
- Best thermal and mineral spa in the world: SPA 3000 at AQUA DOME – Tirol Therme Längenfeld (Austria);
- Best wellness destination in the world: Switzerland;
- Best desert spa in the world: Six Senses Spa at Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea (Saudi Arabia);
- Best spa on a private island in the world: Waldorf Astoria Spa Maldives Ithaafushi (Maldives);
- Best airport lounge spa in the world: Air France by Sisley;
- Best eco-spa in the world: Spa L’Occitane en Provence at Le Couvent des Minimes (France);
- Best women-only spa in the world: Kintsugi Space (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates);
- Best new resort spa in the world: Asaya Spa at Rosewood Mandarina (Mexico);
- Best new hotel spa in the world: Guerlain Wellness Spa at Waldorf Astoria New York (United States);
- Best city resort spa in the world: Guerlain Spa at One&Only Aesthesis (Greece);
- Best spa in the world for design: The Spa at Desert Rock (Saudi Arabia).
The best spas in Europe
The Italian domain continues in the European rankings as well. Italy was named the best spa destination in Europe, while Lefay SPA World and Palazzo Fiuggi reaffirmed their continental primacy, respectively as the best resort spa and the best wellness retreat.
The award for the best hotel spa in Europe went to the Guerlain Spa at Raffles London at The OWO, housed in one of the most prestigious addresses in the British capital. Also in England lies The Langley Spa, winner in the category dedicated to spa experiences at country-house hotels.
The best spas in Italy
Five Italian facilities claimed the main national awards at the World Spa Awards 2026.
The title of best hotel spa in Italy was awarded to The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como, overlooking the waters of Lake Como. The facility comprises six treatment rooms, two private Spa Suites, a Zen garden and a humid area with a view of the lake, equipped with a hot tub, ice pool, Finnish sauna, steam bath and sensory showers.
Palazzo Fiuggi has earned the recognition of best wellness retreat in Italy, while Lefay SPA World at Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti was named the best resort spa in the country. For both facilities, the national prize adds to the recognitions they have earned at European and global levels.
In Bergamo lies ChorusLife Immersive SPA, named best day spa in Italy. The center offers a contemporary and immersive experience, structured in environments inspired by different cultures and rituals, with spaces that extend outdoors and grant panoramic views of the city.
Completing the picture is COMO Shambhala Castello Del Nero, named the best Italian spa in a country-house hotel. Nestled among the Chianti hills and reachable from both Florence and Siena, it features thermal suites, a yoga and Pilates studio, a gym, a pool and seven treatment rooms.
