The 2026 World Spa Awards have crowned Italy as the world's premier spa destination, a recognition that underscores the country's enduring appeal in wellness tourism. The awards, now in their twelfth year, celebrate excellence across the global spa and wellness industry, and this year's results highlight a strong European presence.
Italy's winning streak
Italy beat contenders from Australia, Hawai'i, the Maldives and Japan to take the top destination title. The award reflects not only the quality of individual properties but also the country's broader commitment to health and relaxation, from the Alpine foothills to the thermal springs of Tuscany.
Among the standout winners was Palazzo Fiuggi, located in the historic spa town of Fiuggi, about an hour southeast of Rome. The retreat, which was named the World's Best Wellness Retreat, has built its programme around what it calls the "Fiuggi method" – a blend of the town's mineral-rich waters, medical expertise and holistic therapies. The approach is structured around four pillars: purify, nourish, energise and connect.
Guests begin their stay with a comprehensive evaluation involving doctors, scientists and specialists, who design a personalised plan that combines ancient practices with modern Western medicine. The aim, according to the resort, is to support long-term wellbeing and longevity rather than offering a quick escape.
Other Italian winners
Lefay SPA World at Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti took the title of World's Best Resort Spa. Set in the Dolomites, the spa spans more than 5,000 square metres and describes itself as a "temple of wellness". Its treatments draw on both Eastern and Western traditions, including lymphatic drainage, detoxifying massage, cupping and mud therapies.
Grotta Giusti Thermal Spa Resort in Tuscany was named the World's Best Thermal Grotto Spa. The resort is built around a natural thermal cave that extends more than 200 metres beneath the property – the largest of its kind in Europe. Temperatures inside range from 28°C to 34°C, and the steam is said to have therapeutic benefits. Guests can enjoy steam baths, try a fusion of pilates and yoga known as "pil-oga", or even go scuba diving in the cave's thermal waters.
European dominance beyond Italy
Italy's success was part of a broader European sweep at the awards. Switzerland was named the World's Best Wellness Destination, while Austria's Geinberg5 Villas received the World's Best Private Spa award. France's Spa L'Occitane en Provence at Le Couvent des Minimes won the World's Best Eco Spa, and Portugal's Vila Vita Spa by Sisley at Vila Vita Parc was recognised for the World's Best Spa Service Excellence.
Even the travel sector was represented: Air France by Sisley, the lounge spa at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, was named the World's Best Airline Lounge Spa, offering treatments for La Première passengers.
The results reflect a growing trend across Europe towards wellness tourism that combines medical science, natural resources and personalised care. As travellers increasingly seek out experiences that promote health and longevity, destinations like Italy are well positioned to lead the market.
For those planning a wellness-focused trip, the awards offer a useful guide to some of the continent's most innovative and restorative retreats. And with Italy's strong showing, the country's spa culture – from the Roman baths to modern medical spas – continues to set the standard.
