Milan has drawn the spotlight on a sector that, year after year, continues to redefine its identity: we are indeed talking about luxury tourism. With the announcement of the Travel & Spa Awards 2025, Italy not only reaffirms itself as the absolute leader in the global wellness landscape, but also strengthens a reputation that blends tradition, innovation, and an almost innate talent for turning hospitality into a cultural experience.
Between historic thermal baths, hotels that have become destinations in their own right, and emerging wellness destinations, the country asserts itself alongside international giants like the Maldives and Dubai, offering a model of hospitality that remains unique in its kind.
Italy at the heart of global luxury tourism
The inaugural edition of the Travel & Spa Awards transformed Milan into a privileged observatory for industry trends. During the awards gala, the focus was not merely to announce the excellence, but the event nonetheless outlined the geography of tourism of tomorrow, highlighting how Italy represents an indispensable compass for those seeking wellbeing, attention to detail, and authentic quality.
Emerging among the categories dedicated to hotels, spas and destinations were realities that embody the new idea of luxury: not ostentation, but depth, comfort, sustainability and a sense of place, as well as people, ideas and values that help define the luxury experience.
A path that ranges from the therapeutic waters of Maremma to authorial Mediterranean experiences, passing through international resorts capable of redefining the imagination of contemporary hospitality.
From the best wellness facility to the most inspiring destination, these awards highlight excellence in four main areas: The Icons of Hospitality (the top luxury hospitality entities), Spa & Wellness (excellence in the international wellness scene), Travel & Lifestyle (excellence in experiential travel, fine dining, and luxury lifestyle) and Environment & Well-being (an award recognizing extraordinary contributions toward more responsible and regenerative tourism, through genuinely impactful sustainable practices).
The selection process for the Travel & Spa Awards starts from nominations, which are evaluated by a Technical Jury comprising industry experts, journalists, consultants, and hospitality professionals, but also by the Editorial Directorate and the Responsible Editor. For the Reader’s Choice categories, however, the decision is entrusted exclusively to the public, through a dedicated voting portal.
The 2025 winners across spas, hotels and wellness experiences
The awards handed out in the hotel and wellness sector map a precise chart of global excellence, uniting Italian locales and international destinations that have best interpreted the evolution of high-end hospitality. Among the spas, two names stand out, embodying tradition and innovation in the world of wellbeing.
Fonteverde, in Tuscany, earns the title of Best Wellness Retreat, while the Saturnia Thermal Baths receive the recognition as Best Destination Spa, confirming Maremma as one of the world’s most appreciated spa regions.
On the medical wellbeing front, Adler Balance in Ortisei is awarded as Best Medical Spa and Plunhof – located in Val Ridanna – stands out for its original approach to wellbeing, taking Best Innovative Spa Concept.
Turning the gaze to hotels, the panorama is equally rich. The title Best Luxury Hotel Experience goes to the renowned Atlantis Paradise Island, a symbol of international hospitality, while Italy shines again with the Tritone Luxury Thermae & Spa, in Abano Terme, chosen as Luxury Hotel of the Year by the editorial team.
Completing the picture, the Mediterranean Sorrento takes the title of Best Luxury Hotel of the Year as awarded by readers, confirming Campania’s excellence in the high-end hotel sector. In the resort category, in Italy the Continentale Trieste is recognized as Best Luxury Urban Hotel.
Geography also plays a role: among the destinations, Slovenia is named Best Wellness Travel Destination, while the Maldives receive the Best Destination Experience award, underscoring their ability to offer regenerative journeys in an unspoiled setting.
In conclusion, Italy is voted as Reader’s Destination of the Year, a recognition that encapsulates Travelers’ affection, trust, and the country’s appeal to audiences around the world.
