The Sunday Times' World's Top 50 Spas 2025: Award-Winning Retreats To Visit In 2026

The New Era of Wellness Travel

The wellness industry has entered an unprecedented golden age. The Sunday Times (UK), in partnership with Healing Holidays, has just released its definitive "Top 50 Spas" list for 2025, and the results reveal a seismic shift in how we approach health and rejuvenation in 2026.

Wellness in 2026 isn't just about a nice massage anymore. Today's discerning travellers are seeking longevity programmes, biohacking protocols, and transformative health experiences backed by medical science. From DNA testing to gut microbiome analysis, the modern spa has evolved into a sophisticated health optimisation centre.

We have curated the top 6 distinct winners from this prestigious list that define where you should be traveling for wellness in 2026. These aren't just beautiful places to unwind. They're destinations that could genuinely change your life.

Winners at a Glance

• Best Overall Spa: Lefay Lago Di Garda, Italy
• Best Medi-Spa: RAKxa Integrative Wellness, Thailand
• Best Detox-Spa: Park Igls, Austria
• Best for nutrition: Palazzo Fiuggi, Italy
• Best for solo travellers: Euphoria Retreat, Greece
• Best for sports & Fitness: Palace Merano, Italy

Detailed Review: The Top 6 Spas for 2026

1. Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda (Italy) – The World's Best Overall Spa

Lake Garda's premier wellness destination combines Italian luxury with environmental consciousness. The resort's 3,800-square-metRE spa facility sits on 11 acres of hillside gardens overlooking Italy's largest lake, just 90 minutes from Milan and Verona airports.

The Vibe: Eco-sustainable luxury overlooking the crystalline waters of Lake Garda, where contemporary Italian design meets environmental consciousness. The architecture itself is a wellness statement: clean lines, natural materials, and floor-to-ceiling windows that blur the boundary between interior sanctuary and natural paradise.

The Philosophy: A unique fusion of Classical Chinese Medicine and Western scientific research creates what Lefay calls "Integrative Wellness." The approach combines energy meridian work with evidence-based therapeutic techniques, validated by collaboration with the University of Milan's research department.

Signature Treatment: The Lefay Spa Method focuses on balancing energy meridians through specialised massage sequences, herbal treatments, and thermal experiences that work in harmony with your body's natural rhythms. The flagship "Lefay Energy Meditation" treatment uses traditional Qi Gong movements combined with aromatherapy using organic essential oils from the resort's own botanical garden.

Advanced Technologies & Treatments:

• Hydrokinesis Pool: A patented hydrotherapy circuit with 12 different water experience zones, each calibrated to specific therapeutic temperatures and pressure points
• Bioenergetic Analysis: Computerised postural assessment identifies muscular imbalances and energy blockages
• Cryotherapy Chamber: Whole-body cold exposure (-110°C) for inflammation reduction and metabolic activation
• Personalised Herbal Medicine: Custom-blended teas and tinctures based on Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostic principles
• Emotional Wellbeing Programmes: Mindfulness meditation, forest bathing, and stress management workshops

Why It Won: Lefay has achieved consistent excellence year after year, blending stunning modernist architecture with a "temple of wellness" atmosphere. The resort's commitment to sustainability, from solar panels to local organic cuisine, proves that luxury and environmental responsibility aren't mutually exclusive. The 3,800-square-metre spa features saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation lounges with panoramic lake views.

Pricing: Rates start from £1,579 per person (sharing) or £2,199 per person (singles) for low season 3-night programmes including transfers, accommodation, and full board. High season rates begin at £1,869 per person (sharing) or £2,799 per person (singles) for the same 3-night programme

Healing Holidays Exclusive Offers: Exceptional value through Free Night Offers (stay 4-6 nights and save on one night), plus a 10% early booking discount when reserving 100 days in advance. Their exclusive Loyalty Offer for repeat guests provides enhanced benefits including up to €200 spa credits and complimentary transfer discounts for extended stays with wellness programmes.

Location: Gargnano, Italy

Discover Programmes + Accommodation at Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda

2. RAKxa Integrative Wellness (Thailand) – The Best Medi-Spa

Bangkok's most advanced medical wellness facility occupies 40 acres of protected rainforest just 30 minutes from the city centre. This is where Silicon Valley executives and global CEOs come for comprehensive health optimisation backed by hard data.

The Vibe: A futuristic health sanctuary nestled in Bangkok's "Green Lung," where sleek minimalism meets tropical serenity. Think modern medical clinic meets five-star resort. All white marble, teak accents, and water features that create an atmosphere of clinical calm.

The Philosophy: Hard science meets ancient wisdom. At RAKxa, you'll find DNA testing and advanced diagnostics sitting comfortably alongside traditional Thai massage and Buddhist meditation practices. The name "RAKxa" means "to care and protect," and that protection comes through knowledge, deep, data-driven understanding of your unique biology.

Key Feature: The VitalLife Scientific Wellness Clinic, developed in partnership with Bumrungrad International Hospital, offers comprehensive medical assessments. Think full blood panels, genetic testing, and consultations with specialist doctors. All integrated into your wellness journey.

Advanced Technologies & Treatments:

• Genomic Sequencing: Complete DNA analysis identifying genetic predispositions to over 120 health conditions
• Advanced Glycation End Products (AGE) Scanner: Non-invasive assessment of biological ageing at the cellular level
• InBody 770 Composition Analysis: Medical-grade body composition scanning with segmental analysis
• IV Nutrient Therapy Lounge: Customised intravenous vitamin and mineral infusions based on your blood work deficiencies (NAD+, glutathione, vitamin C megadose)
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Pressurised oxygen chambers for cellular repair and anti-aging
• Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy: FDA-approved technology for bone healing and circulation enhancement
• Traditional Thai Herbal Compress Massage: Using 60+ indigenous herbs prepared according to ancient royal recipes
• Ozone Therapy: Medical-grade ozone treatments for immune system enhancement
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatments: Regenerative medicine for joint health and aesthetic rejuvenation

Why It Won: RAKxa sets the global benchmark for hyper-personalised medical wellness. This isn't guesswork; it's precision health optimisation based on your unique biological data. The integration of Western diagnostics with Eastern healing modalities creates a truly holistic approach that addresses root causes rather than symptoms.

Pricing: Rates start from £3,199 per person (sharing) or £3,869 per person (singles) for 3-night programmes including transfers, accommodation, and full board.

Healing Holidays Exclusive Offers: Exclusive benefits include complimentary Marma Healing Massage or Corrective Exercise sessions for programmes of 5+ nights, plus Pool Villa upgrades subject to availability. Their Additional Night's Offer provides approximately £200 wellness treatment credit per person per extra night for use across all RAKxa facilities and VitalLife services.

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Discover Programmes + Accommodation at RAKxa Integrative Wellness

3. Park Igls (Austria) – The Best Detox Retreat

Austria's premier Mayr clinic has been perfecting gut health protocols for over 30 years. Located in the Tyrolean Alps near Innsbruck, this medical retreat attracts everyone from professional athletes to Fortune 500 executives seeking digestive system optimisation.

The Vibe: Clinical precision meets Tyrolean comfort. The atmosphere is minimalist, focused, and refreshingly free of wellness jargon or mystical pretense. White walls, natural wood, and mountain views create a sense of clarity that mirrors the physical clarity you'll achieve during your stay.

The Philosophy: Modern Mayr Medicine places the gut, your digestive system, at the absolute centre of health. Every treatment, meal, and therapy revolves around optimising your gastrointestinal function. The approach is based on the pioneering work of Austrian physician Dr. Franz Xaver Mayr, updated with contemporary medical science and diagnostic technology.

The Experience: Prepare for therapeutic fasting, specialised chewing training (you'll learn to eat properly with mindful mastication techniques), and targeted abdominal treatments designed to reset your digestive system completely. Meals consist of organic spelt bread rolls, fresh goat's milk, and carefully prepared alkaline foods. Simple but transformative.

Advanced Technologies & Treatments:

• Mayr Abdominal Treatment: Specialised manual therapy that stimulates intestinal peristalsis, releases adhesions, and improves lymphatic drainage, performed by certified Mayr physicians
• Colon Hydrotherapy with Medical Supervision: Gentle, temperature-controlled colonic irrigation using purified alpine water
• Live Blood Analysis (Dark Field Microscopy): Real-time examination of your blood under high magnification to assess cellular health and nutritional deficiencies
• Bio-Impedance Analysis (BIA): Precise measurement of intracellular and extracellular water balance, indicating inflammation levels
• Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Testing: Assessment of autonomic nervous system function and stress resilience
• Electrolyte Infusions: Medically supervised IV therapy to maintain mineral balance during fasting phases
• Whole-Body Cryotherapy: -110°C cold chamber sessions to reduce inflammation and boost metabolism
• Kneipp Hydrotherapy: Traditional alpine water treatments using thermal contrasts
• Medical Oxygen Therapy: Increased oxygen saturation for enhanced cellular detoxification

The Mayr Cure Levels: Park Igls offers four progressive levels of the Mayr programme, from "Mild Detox" (for beginners) to "Intensive Cure" (supervised fasting with medical monitoring). Each guest receives daily consultations with Mayr-certified physicians who adjust the programme based on your progress.

Why It Won: Park Igls offers unrivalled expertise in detoxification and gut repair. The medical team's depth of knowledge in Mayr Medicine is unmatched globally, and the results speak for themselves. Guests consistently report improved digestion, weight loss (average 5-7kg in 2 weeks), increased energy, and the resolution of chronic inflammatory conditions. The retreat's 30+ year track record and medical credentials set it apart from trendy detox programmes.

Pricing: Rates start from £1,889 per person (sharing) or £1,899 per person (singles) for 4-night programmes including transfers, accommodation, and full board.

Healing Holidays Exclusive Offers: Significant savings with room discounts of 5% for stays of 14+ days and 10% for 21+ days. All guests receive complimentary return transfers from Innsbruck airport or main train station, making this one of the most accessible alpine wellness destinations.

Location: Innsbruck, Austria

Discover Programmes + Accommodation at Park Igls

4. Palazzo Fiuggi (Italy) – The Best for Nutrition & Weight Loss

This Belle Époque palace located an hour from Rome has transformed medical weight loss into a luxury experience. With a three-Michelin-star chef leading the culinary programme and cutting-edge metabolic testing, Palazzo Fiuggi proves that losing weight doesn't mean sacrificing pleasure.

The Vibe: Historic grandeur in a palatial estate that has been famous for its healing mineral waters since Roman times. The property exudes old-world Italian elegance, frescoed ceilings, marble staircases, and manicured gardens, updated with state-of-the-art medical facilities hidden discreetly behind Renaissance facades.

The Philosophy: "Food as Medicine" isn't just a slogan here. It's a rigorously applied principle backed by nutritional science. The approach combines caloric restriction with nutrient density, metabolic testing, and the healing properties of Fiuggi's unique oligomineral water, which has been scientifically proven to support kidney function and detoxification.

The Star Factor: Weight loss menus are designed by three-Michelin-star chef Heinz Beck, proving definitively that healthy eating doesn't mean bland, boring, or joyless food. This is gourmet cuisine that happens to transform your body. Beck's "Taste for Health" philosophy means you'll enjoy dishes like saffron-infused branzino with wild herb emulsion or dark chocolate mousse with avocado. All calibrated to your metabolic needs.

Advanced Technologies & Treatments:

• Indirect Calorimetry Testing: Precise measurement of your resting metabolic rate (RMR) through breath analysis to determine exact caloric needs
• DEXA Body Composition Scan: Medical-grade imaging showing exact fat distribution, muscle mass, and bone density
• Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): 14-day wearable sensors tracking blood sugar responses to specific foods
• Microbiome Analysis: Comprehensive gut bacteria sequencing with personalised probiotic protocols
• 3D Body Scanner: AI-powered imaging tracking millimetre-level changes in body circumference
• Metabolic Age Assessment: Biological age calculation based on mitochondrial function tests
• Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing): Non-invasive body contouring for targeted fat reduction
• Endermologie LPG: FDA-cleared mechanical massage for cellulite reduction and lymphatic drainage
• Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA): Sophisticated hydration and cellular health assessment
• Fiuggi Water Therapy: Prescribed consumption of the resort's naturally oligomineral spring water (scientifically shown to support renal function and reduce inflammation)
• VO2 Max Testing: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing to optimise fat-burning zones

Why It Won: Palazzo Fiuggi proves you don't have to suffer to lose weight; you just need the right combination of nutritional science and culinary excellence. The resort's natural healing waters add an extra dimension to the detoxification process. Guests lose weight (average 3-6kg per week) while genuinely enjoying their food: a combination previously thought impossible in medical weight loss programmes.

Pricing: Rates start from £2,699 per person (sharing) or £3,199 per person (singles) for 3-night programmes including transfers, accommodation, and full board.

Healing Holidays Exclusive Offers: Generous spa credits of €200 per person for 7-night programmes and €400 for 14+ night stays. The exclusive Loyalty Offer for repeat clients provides a 10% room discount, guaranteed room category upgrades, and 20% off additional treatments when booking programmes of 7+ nights.

Location: Fiuggi, Italy (near Rome)

Discover Programmes + Accommodation at Palazzo Fiuggi

5. Euphoria Retreat (Greece) – The Best for Solo Travellers

Built into the mountainside near the ancient Byzantine city of Mystras, Euphoria Retreat has become the destination of choice for solo travellers seeking personal transformation. The retreat's structured community approach and deep therapeutic work create genuine connections among guests.

The Vibe: Mystical Byzantine-inspired architecture nestled into the slopes of Mount Taygetus, where ancient Greek wisdom permeates every corner. The design evokes an underground sanctuary: stone corridors, candlelit grottos, and thermal pools that seem carved from the mountain itself. It's dramatic, theatrical, and unapologetically spiritual.

The Philosophy: The Euphoria Methodos blends Greek philosophical traditions with Chinese medicine principles, creating a unique approach to emotional and physical transformation. The programme is structured around the Four Elements (Water, Earth, Fire, Air) and the Five Pillars of the Chinese philosophy of Life (Nutrition, Sleep, Exercise, Emotional Balance, Environment).

Key Focus: Emotional release and self-discovery take centre stage. The programmes are designed to help you process trauma, release emotional blockages, and reconnect with your authentic self. This isn't surface-level relaxation. It's deep psychological and energetic work supported by therapists, healers, and bodyworkers.

Advanced Technologies & Treatments:

• Euphoria Methodos Consultation: Comprehensive intake combining Western medical assessment with Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis (tongue analysis, pulse reading, meridian evaluation)
• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Sessions: Guided tapping therapy for trauma release with certified practitioners
• Craniosacral Therapy: Gentle manipulation of skull bones and sacrum for nervous system regulation
• Sound Healing Chamber: Immersive vibroacoustic therapy using Tibetan bowls, gongs, and binaural frequencies
• Watsu (Water Shiatsu): One-on-one aquatic bodywork in thermal pools for deep muscular and emotional release
• Sphere Hydrotherapy Pool: Unique spherical pool creating a womb-like environment for regression therapy
• Byzantine Hammam Ritual: Traditional Greek cleansing ceremony with olive oil soap and marble scrubbing
• Acupuncture & Moxibustion: Traditional Chinese medicine treatments for energy rebalancing
• Bioresonance Therapy: Electromagnetic frequency analysis and harmonisation
• Transformational Breath Work: Intensive circular breathing sessions facilitating emotional catharsis
• Neurofeedback Training: Brain wave monitoring and training for improved emotional regulation
• Crystal Healing Bed: Vogel crystal energy therapy combined with colour light therapy
• Lymphatic Drainage Massage: Renata França method for detoxification and immune support

Signature Programmess: The "Emotional Transformation" retreat (7 days) is specifically designed for solo travellers seeking deep personal work. It includes daily one-on-one therapy sessions, group sharing circles, movement practices, and ceremonies designed to foster authentic connection among guests.

Community Building for Solo Travellers: Euphoria excels at creating structured opportunities for connection: group meditations at sunrise, communal Greek feasts, philosophy circles, and optional excursions to ancient Mystras. The staff acts as connective tissue, introducing solo guests with compatible energy and intentions. Private dining is available, but most solo travellers find themselves naturally gravitating toward the communal tables.

Why It Won: Euphoria creates a safe, inclusive community atmosphere that makes solo travellers feel genuinely connected rather than lonely. The retreat excels at fostering meaningful human connection while still honoring personal space and individual journeys. The depth of therapeutic offerings attracts serious wellness seekers, creating a community of like-minded individuals on transformative paths.

Pricing: Rates start from £1,199 per person (sharing) or £2,879 per person (singles) for 2-day programmes including transfers, accommodation, breakfast, and wellness activities.

Healing Holidays Exclusive Offers: Complimentary transfers from Athens International Airport for programmes of 5+ nights, plus room category upgrades and spa credits of approximately £85 per person for extended stays. Their Early Bird Wellbeing Festival Offer (June 2026) provides significant accommodation and festival pass discounts for those booking in advance.

Location: Mystras, Greece

Discover Programmes + Accommodation at Euphoria Retreat

6. Palace Merano (Italy) – The Best for Sports & Fitness

Located in the heart of the South Tyrolean Alps, Palace Merano has redefined what a sports-focused wellness retreat can be. This is where Olympic athletes, professional sports teams, and fitness enthusiasts come to optimise performance, accelerate recovery, and push their physical limits under medical supervision.

The Vibe: Alpine sophistication meets high-performance training facility. The Belle Époque architecture houses cutting-edge sports science laboratories, a medical centre staffed by sports physicians, and fitness facilities that rival professional athletic training centres. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame dramatic mountain views that inspire you to move.

The Philosophy: Performance optimisation through scientific precision. Palace Merano's approach integrates sports medicine, nutritional science, biomechanical analysis, and recovery protocols used by elite athletes. The underlying principle: your body is capable of far more than you think, but only if you train it, fuel it, and recover properly.

Key Feature: The Sports Medicine Centre, led by specialist physicians in sports performance and rehabilitation, offers comprehensive assessments including VO2 max testing, lactate threshold analysis, biomechanical gait analysis, and muscle fibre composition testing. These aren't vanity metrics. They're the same diagnostics used by professional athletic programmes.

Advanced Technologies & Treatments:

• Isokinetic Strength Testing: Computer-controlled resistance machines that precisely measure muscle strength and identify imbalances
• 3D Gait Analysis: High-speed cameras and force plates analyse running mechanics to prevent injury and improve efficiency
• Normatec Compression Therapy: Sequential pneumatic compression for accelerated recovery and reduced muscle soreness
• Cryotherapy Recovery Suite: Whole-body and localised cold therapy for inflammation reduction and performance enhancement
• AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill: NASA-developed technology allowing training at reduced body weight for injury rehabilitation
• INDIBA Radiofrequency Therapy: Deep tissue treatment for muscle recovery and injury healing
• Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS): High-intensity training sessions that activate 90% of muscle fibres simultaneously
• Underwater Treadmill: Hydrotherapy training reducing joint stress while building strength
• Recovery Pool Circuit: Contrast water therapy alternating hot and cold immersion
• Sports Massage & Myofascial Release: Deep tissue work by therapists trained in sports rehabilitation

Training Philosophy: Palace Merano doesn't just make you work harder. It makes you work smarter. Personal trainers with backgrounds in professional sports guide sessions that balance intensity with recovery. The nutrition team, led by sports dietitians, creates meal plans that fuel performance while supporting body composition goals.

Why It Won: Palace Merano stands alone as the world's premier destination for fitness-focused wellness. The integration of medical oversight, cutting-edge technology, and professional-grade training facilities creates an environment where serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts can achieve measurable improvements. The stunning alpine setting provides both inspiration and challenging terrain for outdoor training.

Pricing: Rates start from £3,599 per person (sharing) or £3,999 per person (singles) for low season 5-night programmes including transfers, accommodation, and full board. High season rates begin at £3,779 per person (sharing) or £4,299 per person (singles) for the same 5-night programme.

Healing Holidays Exclusive Offers: Complimentary room upgrades at time of booking for 2026 reservations, subject to availability on selected dates. This exclusive benefit ensures you'll experience Palace Merano's finest accommodations while focusing on your athletic goals.

Location: Merano, Italy

Discover Programmes + Accommodation at Palace Merano

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the number 1 spa in the world in 2025?

Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda in Italy is the number 1 spa in the world according to The Sunday Times and Healing Holidays' expert ranking, making it an essential wellness destination to visit in 2026. This award-winning retreat earned top honours for its exceptional blend of Classical Chinese Medicine and Western scientific approaches, all delivered in a stunning eco-sustainable setting overlooking Lake Garda.

Where is the best place for a medical detox in Europe?

Park Igls in Innsbruck, Austria is ranked as the premier destination for medical detox in Europe. The retreat specialises in Modern Mayr Medicine, a scientifically-backed approach that focuses on gut health as the foundation of overall wellness. Their comprehensive detoxification programmes combine therapeutic fasting, digestive retraining, and clinical oversight.

Which luxury spa has the best food?

Palazzo Fiuggi (Italy) is the undisputed winner for nutrition. It is the only medical spa where the weight-loss menu is designed by a 3-Michelin-star chef, Heinz Beck, combining gourmet flavours with strict caloric and nutrient control for metabolic optimisation.

What is the best spa for athletic performance and sports recovery?

Palace Merano in Italy is recognised as the world's best spa for sports and fitness. The retreat offers professional-grade training facilities, sports medicine expertise, and advanced recovery technologies including altitude training chambers, 3D gait analysis, and specialised rehabilitation programmes used by Olympic athletes.

Which spa is best for solo travellers?

Euphoria Retreat in Greece is ranked as the best spa for solo travellers by The Sunday Times. The retreat creates a welcoming community atmosphere through structured group activities like sunrise meditations, communal meals, and sharing circles, making solo guests feel connected rather than isolated. The staff expertly facilitates introductions between guests with similar intentions, while still respecting personal space and individual journeys.

Final booking advice

The 2026 wellness landscape offers something for every health goal and travel style. Whether you need a comprehensive medical overhaul (RAKxa), a complete gut reset (Park Igls), gourmet weight loss (Palazzo Fiuggi), athletic performance optimisation (Palace Merano), emotional transformation (Euphoria Retreat), or simply the world's finest all-around spa experience (Lefay), 2026 is the year to invest in targeted, transformative wellness.

These award-winning retreats book months in advance, particularly for peak seasons. Early planning isn't just recommended, it's essential. Healing Holidays offers exclusive packages and benefits that add significant value to your investment, from complimentary room upgrades to spa credits and free night offers.

Ready to book your transformation? Healing Holidays' wellness advisors have insider access to all six award-winning retreats featured in The Sunday Times Top 50 Spas list. Contact their expert team to secure exclusive benefits including complimentary transfers, room upgrades, spa credits up to €400, and early booking discounts unavailable elsewhere.

Begin your journey toward optimal health with personalised guidance from the world's leading wellness travel experts.