Italy Dominates World Spa Awards 2026

Italy has been celebrated as the premier destination for spa retreats globally, following the announcement of the 12th World Spa Awards winners for 2026. Industry experts and international spa-goers recognized outstanding establishments in the wellness sector.

The prestigious award for the world's best resort spa was presented to Lefay Spa World at Lefa Resort and Spa Dolomiti. This expansive facility features nine distinct saunas, multiple pools including a magnesium salt whirlpool, and integrates practices like phytotherapy, Qi Gong, and meditation.

Another Italian gem, Palazzo Fiuggi, earned the title of the world's best wellness retreat. This facility uniquely blends traditional holistic approaches with advanced Western medicine, offering personalized programs and cutting-edge treatments.

Complementing these wins, the Tuscan retreat Grotta Giusti was awarded the best grotto spa globally for its thermal waters within a vast, ancient cave. New York also received significant recognition, with Guerlain Wellness Spa at the Waldorf Astoria named the world's best hotel spa, and World Spa in New York winning best day spa.