By Our Staff Writer
Italy made a strong showing at the World Spa Awards 2026, bagging the World’s Best Spa Destination for 2026 title – ahead of nominees from Australia, Hawai’i, the Maldives and Japan.
The 12th edition of the annual award gala recognises the top spas, wellness retreats, brands and experiences across the globe.
The annual award gala recognises the top spas across the globe Photo courtesy: Dominik Neuner/Unsplash
Several Italian properties also took home global titles this year, including the Palazzo Fiuggi, which was crowned the World’s Best Wellness Retreat. Located in the historic spa town of Fiuggi, known for its mineral rich waters and sweeping hilltop views, the expansive retreat has built its wellness programme around what it calls the “Fiuggi method”.
Lefay SPA World at Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti was named the World’s Best Resort Spa.
Promising a synergy of East meets West, available treatments at the property include lymphatic drainage, detoxifying massage, cupping and mud therapies
This year’s World’s Best Thermal Grotto Spa also went to an Italian nominee: Grotta Giusti Thermal Spa Resort. Grotto-inspired retreats blend spa therapies with recreating a small cave environment – think stone-clad interiors and a subterranean vibe.
Italian resorts weren’t the only European winners to claim a title this year, with Air France by Sisley named the World’s Best Airline Lounge Spa. The wellness and relaxation space at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport offers a selection of treatments for Air France La Première passengers.
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 title and Portugal’s Vila Vita Spa by Sisley at Vila Vita Parc the World’s Best Spa Service Excellence.
