spa awards

Every year, we honor leading spas that elevate the practices of wellness, environmental stewardship and sustainability, all the while maintaining high standards of luxury, hospitality and design.

Now, more than ever, it is important to celebrate these spas for their efforts on behalf of nature conservation; energy efficiency; innovative use of local, natural and organic ingredients on their spa and culinary menus; recycling, upcycling, reuse and other initiatives geared toward lessening the footprint that leads to climate change.

We also evaluate spas for integrative and holistic health and wellness programs that foster leadership in the industry and set a new and higher standard. Innovators in wellness, hospitality and design can—and do—create a ripple effect across many other industries! —The Editors

Banyan Tree Phuket

Thailand

Though the healthy living-committedBanyan Tree brand launched its WellBeing Sanctuaries globally this year, the flagship Banyan Tree Phuket originated the concept of commodious, spa-oriented suites with its initial set of 12 rooms, years ago. Home to Banyan Tree’s Spa Academy, where all its worldwide therapists receive training, the resort offers curative options to guests throughout the resort. The WellBeing Sanctuaries, under the direction ofpersonal Wellness Guides, offer amenities including daily massage, customized meals, yoga and fitness classes, bath and body rituals, and sessions on better sleep and stress reduction.

Rancho La Puerta

Mexico

Rancho La Puerta, founded more than 80 years ago, was always ahead of the curve—and still is. With a full calendar of fitness classes, wellness initiatives and workshops from live music to cooking, the Ranch is a place where friendships are forged, connections with nature are made, and the balance of health and wellness is finely calibrated and restored. A hike to the organic farm for breakfast, spa treatments with local medicinal herbs, guided meditations, inspiring retreats and the new Private Residences, spread over 4,000acres, continue to inspire guests to become the very best versions of themselves.

Palazzo

Fiuggi Italy

The hilltop town of Fiuggi, an hour outside Rome, has long been famous for its healing mountains and springs. That history—and the therapeutic properties of natural elements like water, earth, air and fire—inspired the Palazzo Fiuggi destination spa, which takes a 360-degree approach to health. Meticulously restored and expanded using sustainable materials, the retreat is staffed by a team of scientists and doctors who consult with each guest to create personal itineraries of medical services, wellness and holistic therapies and mineral water treatments. A Michelin three-star chef oversees the culinary program, which focuses on healthy, natural and locally sourced ingredients.

Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedegral Mexico

A private tunnel from the bustling town of Cabo San Lucas brings you to this Pacific Ocean-front resort, the first Waldorf Astoria in Mexico. Spread over 24 idyllic acres on the southern most tip of the Baja peninsula, the 115-room haven is beloved both for its luxurious touches—posh accommodations, cliffside champagne bars and personal concierges—and its award-winning 10-room spa, where the organic treatments are inspired by the sea, lunar cycles and Mexican folk healing. Along with a la carte services featuring mineral-rich muds, sound healing, crystal massages and hand-harvested herbal remedies, the spa offers transformative wellness weekends and fitness activities.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives Maldives

Some might find it healing enough to wriggle their toes on this private, far-flung island’s crescent of bone-white sand, while gazing at the myriad blues of its everlasting waters. But this UNESCO Biosphere marine landscape and luxury retreat spa, AyurMa, an Ayurvedic stronghold, takes vitality yet deeper with its 14- to 21-day panchakarma detox and deep tissue cleansing programs and its