Wellness travel has reached a fever pitch, with new detox resorts and fitness-focused getaways launching almost daily. Hotels are increasingly offering amenities and services designed to rejuvenate travelers’ weary bodies and minds. Moreover, the sustained popularity of the world’s best destination spas proves that wellness has serious staying power.
In our annual survey, iBestTravel asks readers to share their opinions on global travel experiences, evaluating top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. This year, readers rated destination spas based on accommodations and facilities, treatments, service, food, and overall value.
Top Destination Spas
Four out of five of this year’s best international destination spas are situated in warm-weather locales. Since opening in 1940, Rancho La Puerta (No. 2) in Tecate, Mexico, has cultivated a loyal clientele with its diverse programming, stunning desert setting, and spa treatments rooted in Native American and holistic healing traditions. “I was bowled over by the number of activity options,” remarked one reader, who highlighted magical early-morning hikes, meditation, poetry, dance, and art classes. Another traveler loved the property so much that she returned seven times!
Similarly, BodyHoliday—the renowned all-inclusive wellness resort in St. Lucia—comes in at No. 5. Its popularity likely stems from the various inclusions offered in the standard rate, which features sailing, yoga, spinning, a daily 50-minute spa treatment, and nutritious meals at six bars and restaurants.
The lone exception to the warm-weather trend is Mountain Trek Fitness Retreat & Health Spa in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. This No. 4 property is famous for its immersive fitness program that combines sunrise yoga and strength training with guided hikes through the snow-covered Rocky Mountains. Readers reported excellent results, with one traveler noting: “The program gave us better results in one week’s time than we’ve experienced anywhere else.”
Unlike the other well-established properties on the list, the winner made its debut this year. Read on to discover which international destination spa earned top honors—and how the reader favorites ranked.
5. BodyHoliday, Castries, St. Lucia
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Score: 91.28
More information: thebodyholiday.com
4. Mountain Trek Fitness Retreat & Health Spa, Ainsworth Hot Springs, Canada
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Score: 94.79
More information: mountaintrek.com
3. Chablé Resort & Spa, Chocholá, Mexico
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Score: 95.37
More information: chableresort.com
2. Rancho La Puerta, Tecate, Mexico
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WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 95.65
More information: rancholapuerta.com
1. Andronis Concept Wellness Resort, Santorini, Greece
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Score: 98.18
More information: andronisconcept.com
At Andronis Concept Wellness Resort, you’ll feel far removed from Santorini’s crowds. This serene property in Imerovigli invites a total mind-body escape, featuring outstanding amenities like three public pools, a tennis court, vineyard, and spa. Each guest room offers a private infinity pool with breathtaking sea views. The resort promotes a holistic approach to wellness, emphasizing healthy meals with just the right amount of indulgence, enriching activities such as meditation hikes, catamaran excursions, and revitalizing spa treatments including kundalini massages and rose-and-aloe body wraps. “Perfect,” one reader succinctly praised.
