Experience total bliss at the world’s best spas

From massages and scrubs to facials, saunas and steam rooms, the world’s best spas are places where the mind, body and soul are harmonised – and it’s an experience travellers love to pursue.

The Global Wellness Institute reports that wellness tourism is expected to grow by up to 21% by 2025. The increased interest is attributed not only to the once-in-a-lifetime appeal of the world’s best spas, but also to the changing traveller values that prioritise nature, sustainability and mental wellness. However, it can be difficult to identify which spas and wellness retreats are worth the time, money and effort to visit – and which are not.

The World Spa Awards take the hassle out of choosing with their annual list of the world’s best spas. It’s a global initiative that aims to reward excellence in the spa and wellness industry, with awards voted on by industry experts, media and consumers. While the full list includes category winners for specific regions and countries, we’ve selected the best worldwide title holders for your perusal – plus the best in Australia. From hammams and single-gender spas to eco retreats, medical spas, thermal grottos and hot springs, these are the world’s best spas for 2023.

World’s best spas 2023

World’s Best Wellness Retreat 2023: Palazzo Fiuggi (Italy)

Palazzo Fiuggi is positioned in the heart of Italy and offers unparalleled spa facilities. With a commitment to delivering top-notch treatments and services, the spa features a wide array of therapeutic options, and guests can immerse themselves in the healing properties of Fiuggi’s mineral-rich thermal waters. 

World’s Best Wellness Clinic 2023: SHA Wellness Clinic (Spain)

Offering an elevated spa experience in the middle of the Sierra Helada Natural Park, Sha Wellness Clinic  is ranked among the world’s best spas. Delivering cutting-edge treatments and a holistic approach to well-being, it focuses on rejuvenation, relaxation, and the harmonious balance of body and mind. Better yet, it enjoys 330 days of sunshine each year.

World’s Best Day Spa 2023: Clinique La Prairie Aesthetics & Medical Spa at The St. Regis Bangkok (Thailand)

 Located in the city centre and offering a comprehensive range of treatments and therapies, Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie at The St. Regis Bangkok delivers medical expertise in a luxurious setting. Here, guests can discover the Longevity Index, a bespoke itinerary with carefully selected treatments and coaching that amplify each other to help you look and feel well, and live and longer.

World’s Best Airline Lounge Spa 2023: Emirates Timeless Spa

The Emirates Timeless Spa at Dubai International Airport is found in Emirates’ First Class and Business Class lounges and caters to travellers seeking peace between flights. Expect to find a range of treatments available, from massages to skincare services. 

World’s Best Hotel Spa 2023: Alpine Spa at Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa (Switzerland)

Set within the stunning Swiss Alps and overlooking Lake Lucerne, the Alpine Spa at Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa spans 10,000 square metres and has five pools, saunas and a relaxation room. 

World’s Best Resort Spa 2023: AWAKEN, Atlantis The Palm (Dubai, UAE)

Awaken at The Palm Dubai is recognised as one of the world’s best spas. Set within the iconic resort, it provides a wide range of treatments and therapies to enhance overall wellbeing with Reiki-certified therapists, world-class facilities and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.

World’s Best Cruise Spa 2023: SPA & Meer at TUI Cruises

The spa facilities aboard TUI Cruises are a true sanctuary at sea, offering an array of revitalising treatments and wellness experiences. From soothing massages to invigorating spa rituals, saunas and cosmetic treatments, it’s the perfect destination for those seeking relaxation. 

World’s Best Eco Spa 2023: Spa by JW at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge (Kenya)

At the Spa by JW at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge guests can select from a range of therapies, including Ayurvedic treatments, body scrubs, paraffin hand masks, facials, cosmetic services, a steam room and much more. The spa’s commitment to well-being aligns with the standards of the world’s best spas, providing a tranquil escape with views over the Talek River in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve.

World’s Best Medical Spa 2023: Lanserhof Tegernsee (Germany)

One of Europe’s most modern health resorts, Lanserhof Tegernsee boasts a variety of cutting-edge spa treatments, from medical therapies to mind-body relaxation sessions. Lanserhof Tegernsee ensures guests find a harmonious balance of health and tranquillity through the application of nutritional, physical, aesthetic and medical approaches.

World’s Best Thermal Grotto Spa 2023: Grotta Giusti Thermal Spa Resort (Italy)

Grotta Giusti Thermal Spa Resort in Tuscany utilises the healing powers of thermal water to deliver holistic therapies, from thermal baths in natural caves, thermal yoga and thermal lake floating to music therapy and steam baths.

World’s Best Mineral & Hot Springs Spa 2023: HARNN Heritage Spa at ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa (Japan)

The services at HARNN Heritage Spa at ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa are informed by traditional Asian medicine and naturopathy, and inspired by elements of nature. Products used in the treatment rooms are sourced from local artisans, including tea and edibles, showcasing the best that Beppu has to offer. 

World’s Best Male Spa 2023: The Male Spa at Shangri-La Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)

The Spa at Shangri-La Jeddah offers an array of tailored services rooted in Asian tradition. The traditional Moroccan Hammam ritual for men uses Charme d’Orient products and includes the application of black soap and kassa exfoliation followed by a full-body massage and body mask. 

World’s Best Hammam Spa 2023: Turkish Hammam at Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray (Dubai, UAE)

Spread across a whopping 8200 square metres, the Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is a luxury facility with both traditional hammam services and cosmetic therapies on the menu, plus thalassotherapy pools and snow rooms. 

World’s Best Female Spa 2023: La Pura Women’s Health Resort Lamptal (Austria)

La Pura is Europe’s only health resort exclusively for women and provides tailored packages that cater to feminine needs. From nutrition guidance and detoxes to cosmetic services, generalised massage therapy, and stress analysis.

World’s Best Detox Programme 2023: Chenot Advanced Detox Programme at Chenot Palace Weggis (Switzerland)

Chenot Palace Weggis is the home of the Chenot Method, a rejuvenating health framework that resets – and potentially reverses – biological ageing.  Guided by more than 50 years of scientific studies, the approach is delivered at a 5000-square-metre state-of-the-art medical spa where therapies are underpinned by advanced diagnostic techniques. 

View the full list of winners in each country on the World Spa Awards website.

The best spas in Australia

• Australia’s Best Wellness Retreat 2023: Gaia Retreat & Spa
• Australia’s Best Day Spa 2023: Nature’s Energy Day Spa & Bathhouse
• Australia’s Best Hotel Spa 2023: Chuan Spa at The Langham, Gold Coast
• Australia’s Best Resort Spa 2023: The Spa at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley

Nature’s Energy Day Spa & Bathhouse and Gaia Retreat & Spa in New South Wales also took home the regional titles for Oceania’s Best Day Spa and Oceania’s Best Wellness Retreat respectively.