The world’s best spa hotels
As wellness, mindfulness and longevity continue to dominate the travel landscape, make this the year to focus on you
All things being well, you should return from every holiday feeling rested, relaxed and recharged. Doesn’t always work out like that though, does it? Whether it’s flight delays, overcrowded hotels necessitating a 6am rush for a sun bed, or the dreaded travel tummy, there’s plenty that can turn your much-needed R&R into yet another stressful situation. The solution, then, is to book one of the world’s best spa hotels where every tiny detail is centred around giving guests the ultimate in away-from-it-all escapes.
From immersive retreats in the foothills of the Himalayas, to snow dappled sanctuaries high up in the mountains, as well as sand-saturated paradise islands with wellness at their core, these stunning spa-centric escapes should be top of your bucket list in 2026.
Forestis, Dolomites
Set in the picture-perfect province of South Tyrol, on the southern slope of the Plose, Forestis is an achingly striking, conceptual mountain retreat that implores guests to reconnect with their body through nature, surrounded by the four elements of pure spring water, pristine mountain air, streaming sunshine and a balmy climate. Enveloped by panoramic, almost CGI-level views of the UNESCO world heritage Dolomites, the stand-out spa, which includes a unique indoor-outdoor stone pool, bases its treatments on the native mountain pine, spruce, larch and Swiss pine trees.
The year-round wellness programmes are inspired by Celtic traditions, including healing wood massages, a Vital Field massage, strengthening the body’s energy with gentle movements, and a Mental Field massage, calming the mind with a focus on the face and neck. Other divine options include combinations of aromatherapy and tree frequencies, energy flow massages and mountain pine body scrubs. Peace is the ultimate luxury here.
From £782 a night.
Palazzo Fiuggi, Rome
A by-word for wellness and stop-and-pause tranquility, this immersive and elegant retreat, set just outside Rome, blends deep holistic traditions with advanced Western medicine. Renowned for the unique healing powers of its local sacred water, the healing properties of which have been celebrated for centuries, the property is built on a dedication to wellness and 360-degree health, as well as wow-factor interior and exterior design. All guests can expect a personalised program with tailored treatments and assessments that deliver measurable results, all while enjoying the unique Roman thermae, an extensive wet area that features saunas and Turkish baths, as well as a post-thermae relaxation haven.
From deep detox to hiking for longevity, as well as intricately planned wellness breaks spanning medical and pure relaxation, the regal property will be launching a new Recovery and Performance programme this year, designed to guide guests from post-surgical or post-injury rehabilitation to a safe return to physical activity. Following the philosophy of food as medicine, menus have also been curated in collaboration with resident three-star Michelin chef Heinz Beck, who boasts an honorary degree in Natural Bio-Energies and Naturopathy.
From £580 per night.
Joali Being, Maldives
Grounded by an idea of weightlessness, it’s hard not to feel anything but lightness, joy, and happiness as this magical Maldivian retreat. Based on biophilic principles, Joali Being boasts a countless array of inspiring spaces designed for reflection, exploration and growth, all amidst the sparkling seas and talcum powder sands for which the islands are treasured. Specialist in-house consultants and experts guide guests through their personal paths to self-discovery and renewal, while encouraging time spent enjoying its 68 private beach and water pool villas.
Curated around the four pillars of mind, skin, microbiome and energy, tailored wellbeing programmes are designed to meet a variety of objectives, including deep relaxation, stress recovery, digestive reset, weight management, preventive skincare, reverse ageing, energy replenishment, and yoga enhancement. The expansive wellbeing facilities at Areka and Core, the main spa and gym, offer endless possibilities to relax and reset, while herbology centre Aktar, hydrotherapy hall Kaashi, the sun-drenched Lotus studio, sonic healing space Seda, Ocean Sala yoga deck and culinary learning centre cement the property’s place as the official partner of the Global Wellness Institute in the Maldives, committed to advancing the understanding and promotion of initiatives across the region. Surrounded by an abundance of nature, as well as incredibly stylish design choices, this gorgeous property will have you floating home.
From £1,788 per night.
One&Only Portonovi, Montenegro
Set at the grand entrance of Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, the serene, nature-immersed One&Only Portonovi, home to the award-winning Chenot Escape, is an idyllic destination for restorative wellness and a general full body, and mind, reset. Offering a science-led approach to detox, rejuvenation, and longevity, its array of programmes are built to offer personalised wellness journeys that integrate medical-grade diagnostics with tailored nutrition, fitness, and targeted spa therapies.
The stunning, state-of-the-art spa facilities span sensational hydrotherapy circuits, cryotherapy, advanced aesthetic treatments, and healing massages, while a private sandy beach and the calm Adriatic waters enhance mental clarity, deep relaxation, and recovery. The quiet marina and jetty encourage guests to explore at leisure, alongside mindful movement on both land and sea. The pinnacle of luxury, unimpeachable service and attention to detail are all part and parcel of the world-famous hotel brand’s USP.
From £465 per night.
Six Senses Vana, Himalayas, India
Nestled in the forested foothills of Dehradun Uttarakhand, the gateway to the Himalayas, Six Senses Vana transports its lucky guests on a magical journey of self-discovery and intention, for the ultimate out of body holistic wellness journey. The calming, neutral-toned rooms and suites, all with spacious balconies and terraces, are set facing the charming herb gardens and fruit orchard, while tailored retreat itineraries are personalised according to each guest’s needs, but all focusing on natural healing, deepening yoga practices, rest and relaxation.
Traditional practices such as Ayurveda, yoga and Tibetan Medicine are integrated alongside the latest complementary therapies to create a daily routine that gently guides guests along their personal path to vitality, following an initial arrival consultation and screening. Pure paradise in the utmost of luxury, this dreamy escape promises benefits that extend far past check out.
From £474 per night.
Bawah Reserve, Indonesia
Offering the utmost in secluded luxury, this breathtaking resort is only accessible by private seaplane. A pioneering ‘earth-first’, ultra-remote enclave, located 120 nautical miles from Singapore, it comprises an off-the-beaten-track group of six tropical islands, and offers the ultimate in off-grid restoration. With a big focus on sustainable high-end design, conservation initiatives, dining, and warm Indonesian hospitality, the newly opened Aura Wellbeing Sanctuary is a refreshed space designed to optimise health, relaxation, and vitality, boasting a traditional red salt sauna, steam room, polar room, and ice plunge pool as well as myriad local treatments. Marrying ancient healing traditions with modern wellbeing science, the sanctuary provides a truly holistic approach to rejuvenation, alongside access to 13 beaches, two lagoons, and 250 acres of lush forestland.
From £1,587 per night.
Canyon Ranch Tucson, USA
Concealed in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, overlooking the stunning Catalina Mountains, Canyon Ranch Tucson brings together elements of both adventure and wellness in a wide-ranging luxury retreat. From hiking scenic canyons to the Ropes Course Challenge, thrill seekers won’t be disappointed, while others may choose a more mindful journey. Staffed by wellness experts and aided by a mouth-watering menu of nourishing cuisine and transformative spa therapies, every tailored stay is designed to support guests in their personal growth journey.
From stunning accommodation, including the Reserve Enclave designed for groups, a mixture of Mind-Body, Mind-Spirit, and Health & Performance services tick every box, complemented by a vast roster of outdoor activities. The gorgeous spa comes complete with 36 treatment rooms, so you’ll never be waiting for a free bed, while the three outdoor swimming pools, aquatic centre and Watsu pools encourage guests to fully submerge themselves in the process.
From £2,010 per night.
Corinthia London, London
While this urban gem may not be an obvious choice for a wellness retreat, the spa at Corinthia London is the perfect option if you’re looking for a day or weekend of wellness in the capital. Set across four exceptional floors, it combines advanced treatments with signature therapies and experiences. The impressive thermal floor houses swimming and vitality pools, an amphitheatre sauna, steam rooms, ice fountain and relaxation pods, while the state-of-the-art gym and Daniel Galvin hair salon provide the perfect space to pump and preen.
Launching this month, Biome will encompass Corinthia’s brand-new approach to self-care in a luxuriously secluded space serviced by an ecosystem of expert advisors and therapists. Leaning on science-backed treatments, the transformative space will allow nature's wisdom and advanced science to converge to create a wholly memorable experience, regardless of how long you stay – or how nearby your office is.
From £785 per night.
