The most exclusive spas in the word, for an experience of true rebirth

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Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp

From Lake Garda to Lake Lucerne, from Antwerp to New York City, all the way to India: looking forward to the International Bathroom Exhibition, we handpicked the best wellness centres around the world where you can recharge and find a new balance between mind and body

The field of spas and wellness centres is undergoing a profound evolution. The Global Wellness Institute has presented wellness no longer as an occasional luxury, but as a central component in preventative health and contemporary lifestyle. Consequently, spas are transforming into integrated ecosystems, capable of combining relaxation, medicine, and scientific research. At the heart of this transformation is customisation: programmes built on in-depth assessments, biomarkers, advanced diagnostics, and the integration of ancient knowledge and Western approaches. At the same time, there is a growing focus on nature as a therapeutic tool, with facilities nestled in protected landscapes and an ever-increasing focus on environmental sustainability – now a key criterion of excellence even in major international rankings, such as those curated by The Times and The Sunday Times. Alongside large destination spas, a new concept of widespread, urban wellness is emerging: hotels and independent businesses are rethinking the traditional spa, choosing flexible, collaborative, and tailored models where wellness becomes an integral part of daily life, no longer confined to a single location. It is within this context that some of the most exciting experiences on the international scene are taking shape, each giving a unique interpretation of the future of wellness. Come with us on this journey to explore some of the world’s most amazing spas.

Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda: the excellence of well-being

Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda has been awarded as the best spa in the world by The Times and The Sunday Times, which published their first global top-50 spas ranking in 2025. Nestled in an 11-hectare natural park in Gargnano, amidst rolling hills and terraces overlooking Lake Garda, the resort embodies a perfect combination of sustainable hospitality and holistic excellence. In just 14 years, it has received over 100 international awards, cementing its position among the world’s most respected destination spas.

Its architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, minimising environmental impact thanks to integrated construction solutions and cutting-edge, energy-efficient technologies. At the heart of the experience is a 4,300-square-metre wellness area, organised into three distinct yet complementary areas: the World of Water and Fire with pools, saunas, caves, and ponds; Man and Nature, dedicated to outdoor movement and rebalancing practices; and the 24/7 Fitness Centre decked out with Technogym equipment.

The resort’s philosophy hinges on the Lefay Spa Method, developed by the in-house Scientific Committee: an innovative approach that integrates the principles of traditional Chinese medicine with Western scientific research, aiming to restore harmony between body, mind, and spirit. All programmes aim to achieve a state of psychophysical well-being. Completing the offerings is a Medical department dedicated to prevention and treatment, offering specialist consultations, Western medicine treatments, massage therapy, and osteopathy, along with a comprehensive à la carte menu of personalised offerings.

Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp: rituals inspired by nature

With over 800 years of history, Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp – member of the Leading Hotels of the World – is a 5-star superior accommodation located at the heart of the Belgian city. Today, it represents a premier destination not only for luxury hospitality, but also for spa wellness and haute cuisine. The project has transformed five historical buildings and a protected botanical garden into a spectacular hotel complex. The mission was twofold: on the one hand, to preserve the architectural legacy of a former monastery and hospital founded in 1238, and on the other, to breathe new life into the site by enhancing the heritage of its botanical vocation. Since 2017, the restoration of the original buildings – including an infirmary and a 14th-century chapel – has been complemented by the construction of new facilities housing restaurants and an ultramodern, three-storey spa. Elegant and refined, the Botanic Health Spa is now considered the leading spa in Belgium. Designed by renowned architect Heinz Schletterer, the structure – made of glass, wood, and stone – incorporates a wall of the ancient orangery at its base, representing one of the most significant contemporary additions to the former monastery complex. In addition to traditional manual treatments, provided in ten cabins by a team of highly qualified therapists, the spa offers cutting-edge technologies for cellular analysis.

The centre of gravity of the spa’s philosophy is the revolutionary Mylife Changer® concept, a botanical approach based on scientific research that aims to influence the aging process. The method uses high-performance skincare products by Méthode Physiodermie to create custom solutions for various skin conditions. Treatments are based on the “T” principles of morphological diagnosis, using hyper-personalised formulations delivered by innovative technologies. The spa also works closely with the historic pharmacy located across the courtyard, which stocks a wide selection of herbal and plant-based remedies, tested and used over the centuries by practitioners of traditional European medicine.

Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, Anversa — Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp

Chenot Palace Weggis on Lake Lucerne: a retreat for longevity

On the shores of Lake Lucerne, framed by Mounts Rigi and Pilatus, Chenot Palace Weggis redefines international standards of luxury medical wellness. Based on the renowned Chenot Method, the centre has championed a pioneering vision of aging for over half a century, challenging conventional wisdom and enabling generations of people to live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. This ongoing commitment has been recognised in 2025 when the facility won the World’s Best Detox Programme award for the fifth consecutive year, supported by new scientific research confirming the unique benefits of the Chenot Method. Housed in an elegant early 20th-century palace, Chenot Palace Weggis boasts spectacular views of the Alps, private lake access, extensive parks and gardens, as well as 97 rooms and suites, a restaurant, and a refined tea room. The Medical Spa is located in a futuristic annex, constructed entirely of wood, which harmoniously blends with the natural landscape.

Spanning over 5,000 square metres, this oasis dedicated to health and wellness offers cutting-edge medical diagnostics and a comprehensive range of check-ups for a thorough and personalised assessment of guests’ health. The facility’s four weekly plan options – Advanced Detox, Recover & Energise, Prevention & Aging Well, and Body Insights & Optimisation – can be extended upon request. The Advanced Detox programme focuses on a deep cleansing of the body, eliminating harmful metabolites and toxins, promoting the regeneration of damaged tissue, and restoring hormonal balance. Recover & Energise, on the other hand, is designed to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and recharge the body’s energy reserves. This programme integrates the Chenot® Method with clinically tested and patented neuroscientific technology. The Prevention & Aging Well programme aims to strengthen the body and increase the physical endurance of those leading particularly demanding lives. It is based on a proactive approach, in which treatments provide beneficial stimuli to enhance self-healing mechanisms, strengthen tissue structure, and support the body’s overall health. Finally, Body Insights & Optimisation is based on functional tests and cutting-edge medical diagnostics, offering a precise and efficient overview of the impact of daily habits on health.

India, Six Senses Vana: an ayurvedic wellness journey

Nestled in the Himalayan foothills in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, and surrounded by 21 hectares of sal tree forest, immersed in an atmosphere poised between sacredness and scientific rigour, Six Senses Vana offers one of the most unique and comprehensive spa experiences in the world. This is a place where the concept of wellness goes far beyond massage or sauna: it is a personalised journey of physical, mental, and spiritual transformation that blends ancient Indian practices with contemporary technologies and methods.

The experience is built around a completely tailored approach: each guest receives a thorough initial assessment, combining the age-old wisdom of Ayurveda – to identify their individual dosha – with modern health screenings and detailed measurements of over 40 biomarkers. Based on this data, a personalised programme is created to combine traditional treatments, natural healing therapies, and daily activities, designed to rebalance body and mind. Vana’s spa, spread across numerous dedicated rooms and quiet spaces, offers a rare combination of practices: from traditional Ayurvedic massages, to Tibetan techniques like Ku Nye, to aquatic experiences in the Watsu pool – where the body is guided through a water massage that also leverages sound vibrations for deep relaxation.

In addition to physical therapies, the facility offers specific programmes for detoxification, weight management, improved sleep, and energy rebalancing – each combining meditation, guided yoga, herbal medicine, and advanced manual therapies. Treatments such as reflexology, acupuncture, and biohacking are also available to enhance the effects of traditional practices. The result is a spa experience that promises more than just momentary relaxation: it offers profound regeneration, capable of impacting long-term health. Whether guests want to free themselves from modern stress, rebalance their energy, or embark on a broader path of awareness, Vana offers a holistic approach where every treatment becomes part of a life journey.

The Manner in New York City: a widespread network of experiences

In New York City, where authentic wellness is often fragmented between specialist centres and exclusive locations, The Manner has chosen a different path: a collaborative and curatorial approach that eschews the traditional on-site spa model to instead introduce guests to premium wellness experiences in the surrounding urban fabric. Located on a tree-lined street at the heart of SoHo, The Manner is a 97-room boutique hotel with a discreet, refined, and welcoming atmosphere. Its name reflects its hospitality philosophy: that familiar, authentic feeling you get when staying at a dear friend’s home, where every detail is designed to make you feel at ease.

The Manner’s Wellness Escape programme embodies this vision and includes credits for 60-minute massages for two at Spencer’s Spa, one of the neighbourhood’s historical addresses. The welcome ritual continues in the room with green juice, seasonal fruit, and a Costa Brazil gift bag, which turn guest’s arrival into an immediate invitation to slow down. And wellness at The Manner goes beyond single treatments. It comes to life through an ecosystem of integrated experiences that embrace movement, energetic regeneration, and personal care. Thanks to a partnership with Remedy Place SoHo, guests can access innovative practices such as guided ice baths, sauna suites, IV vitamin therapies, red light therapy, “AI-powered” massages, and acupuncture – the embodiment of a new urban spa focused on holistic regeneration. The experience continues with access to a high-end fitness club nearby, where state-of-the-art equipment and guided classes support custom workout programmes. Furthermore, thanks to a partnership with ClassPass, guests receive credit to explore select yoga, Pilates, cycling, and breathwork studios across New York City, making wellness a natural extension of the urban experience.

More than a traditional spa, The Manner offers a contemporary vision of well-being, based on integration, flexibility, and customisation. In a vibrant neighbourhood like SoHo, where the city’s energy feels constant, wellness becomes a pervasive and carefully curated experience – from couples massages to regenerative sessions offered by select partners – designed to accompany guests both inside and outside the hotel.