Italy holds the title of World’s Best Spa Destination for 2026, according to the 12th edition World Spa Awards. The European nation captured the top honor amid international competition, alongside individual wins for properties including Lefay Spa World, Palazzo Fiuggi, and Grotta Giusti Thermal Spa Resort.
Italy Named Top Global Spa Destination
The 12th edition of the World Spa Awards recognized Italy for its diverse wellness offerings and high concentration of elite retreats. Rebecca Cohen, Managing Director of World Spa Awards, stated that the organization has celebrated organizations and individuals shaping the future of global spa and wellness for twelve years, noting that the winners represent high standards of excellence, innovation, and guest experience.
Lefay Spa World Earns World’s Best Resort Spa Honors
Located in Pinzolo, the Lefay Spa World at Lefay Resort and Spa Dolomiti secured the title of World’s Best Resort Spa. Spanning over 5,000 square metres, the facility integrates natural surroundings with modern wellness concepts. Guests at the mountain property can access nine saunas distributed across five distinct circuits, multiple indoor and outdoor pools, and personalized treatment menus.
Palazzo Fiuggi Retains Wellness Retreat Title
Palazzo Fiuggi maintained its standing as the World’s Best Wellness Retreat. The 6,000-square-metre property offers a blend of medical and holistic packages. Visitors can choose medical interventions such as cryotherapy, IV drips, and comprehensive blood analyses, or opt for sound healing, light therapy, and saunas. The retreat also features a modern reproduction of ancient Roman baths.
Grotta Giusti Wins Thermal Grotto Recognition
Grotta Giusti Thermal Spa Resort in Monsummano Terme earned the designation of World’s Best Thermal Grotto Spa 2026. The property incorporates the largest natural thermal grotto in Europe and sits adjacent to the historic family villa of poet Giuseppe Giusti. The cave system is divided into zones named Paradise, Purgatory, and Hell, featuring rock vaults, natural steam baths, and temperatures ranging from 28°C to 34°C. At the lowest point, known as Limbo, sits a thermal lake with a constant temperature of 36°C.
Did you know? The Grotta Giusti thermal cave system features a subterranean warm water lake called Limbo, which maintains a steady temperature of 36°C beneath natural stalactites and stalagmites.
Global Recognition Across International Wellness Markets
While Italian properties dominated several major categories, the 2026 awards ceremony also highlighted international destinations. The complete list of honorees includes the Guerlain Wellness Spa at Waldorf Astoria New York, various Six Senses properties, and the Asaya Spa at Rosewood Mandarina in Mexico.
Italy wins top spa title and unique wellness retreats
Who named Italy the World’s Best Spa Destination?
The World Spa Awards named Italy the World’s Best Spa Destination during the 12th edition of the annual awards ceremony.
What makes Grotta Giusti unique?
Grotta Giusti is partially located inside Europe’s largest natural thermal grotto and features cave rooms divided into Paradise, Purgatory, Hell, and Limbo, utilizing natural thermal waters ranging from 28°C to 36°C.
What treatments does Palazzo Fiuggi offer?
Palazzo Fiuggi offers medical packages including cryotherapy, IV drips, and blood analysis, alongside wellness offerings like sound healing, light therapy, and a reproduction of ancient Roman baths.
How large is the Lefay Spa World facility?
Lefay Spa World at Lefay Resort and Spa Dolomiti spans over 5,000 square metres in Pinzolo.
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