Italy has been named the best spa destination in the world for 2026.
World Spa Awards It awarded Italy the title of World’s Best Spa Destination 2026, while three Italian wellness projects also won leading global awards in their categories. The results show how wellness has become an important part of the country’s tourism positioning, from the Dolomites and medical wellness to traditional thermal spas in Tuscany.
Italy achieved one of the most convincing results among destinations at this year’s World Spa Awards. In addition to the national title of the best spa destination in the world, the Lefay SPA World at Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti was declared the best resort spa center, Palazzo Fiuggi once again won the title of the best wellness retreat, and Grotta Giusti Thermal Spa Resort is the best global thermal grotto spa.
From Dolomite to medical wellness
The Italian result is interesting because the awarded products are not similar to each other.
The Lefay SPA World in the Dolomites covers an area of approximately 5,000 square meters and combines wellness with mountain holidays, active tourism and a luxury hotel product.
Palazzo Fiuggi has taken a different direction. Its wellness and medical spa complex covers about 6,000 square meters, and the offer combines classic spa services with diagnostics, personalized programs, and treatments aimed at the health and long-term well-being of the guest.
In Tuscany, Grotta Giusti relies on the thermal heritage. The natural cave is more than 200 meters long, with temperatures between 28 and 34 degrees, while the underground lake reaches 36 degrees.
Wellness becomes a reason for traveling
The awards come at a time when wellness tourism in Europe is becoming a serious economic force. According to data CBI Published on September 30, Europe recorded 348.4 million wellness trips and $258.2 billion in spending in 2024. Italy alone achieved about 11.5 million trips and $20 billion in related spending. Wellness tourism.
This is exactly the business-oriented example from Italy. Wellness is no longer just an additional feature of a hotel. It can be the main reason for a visit, extend the season, and connect accommodation with gastronomy, nature, medical services, and the local thermal tradition.
