Welcome to the second iteration of Vogue’s global spa guide, an index of the 100 best spas in the world built from the expertise of our global editors and trusted contributors. There is a lot to choose from in the world of wellness, and no matter how far you’re planning to travel—from a subway ride to a transatlantic flight—we want to make sure it’s worth the journey. Whatever your path, let us be your guide.
Why go here?
The fabled hills of Fiuggi, Italy, can trace their wellness roots way back to the 14th century. Hydration seekers have flocked to the commune in search of acqua di Fiuggi—the town’s famous mineral water that flows from its natural springs and mountains—ever since Michelangelo proclaimed it “the water that breaks the stone.” (He credited it as curing his kidney stones.) Six hundred years later, Palazzo Fiuggi continues the region’s wellness legacy, pairing it with ingenious innovation and classic Italian hospitality as the country’s premier medical spa.
What’s the vibe?
Set within a former palatial hotel, Palazzo Fiuggi is like a sanctuary straight out of a Fellini film, if Fellini swapped out cinematic spectacle for cryotherapy and Kobido facials. The 6,000-square-meter medispa is a high-tech haven for those serious about wellness: Blood screenings, hydrotherapy, and thermal mud baths all come as standard, with a personal program tailored to your wants and needs. Yes, science is king here, but still it’s no sterile clinic; its €30 million renovation made sure to preserve and restore the original frescoed walls and marble staircases from the palazzo’s 20th-century grandeur.
Photo: Courtesy of Palazzo Fiuggi
The history?
Beloved by the likes of Pablo Picasso and Sophia Loren, the old palazzo was a firm favorite of European aristos, artists, and socialites in its heyday. Not only was it a place to see and be seen, but it also garnered heritage-site status due to its unlikely (and brief) use as headquarters of the Allied Forces during the Second World War. Now, since its reopening courtesy of Sardinian wellness aficionados Forte Village, the hotel has brought together world-leading medical minds—from endocrinologists to sleep specialists—to design programs rooted in both cutting-edge science and centuries-old wisdom.
What should you try?
If you’re after a full mental and physical reboot, go for the new Hiking for Longevity retreat: three or six days of full outdoor immersion in the nearby Italian wilderness (with personalized routes assessed on preference and ability); a Mediterranean menu headed up by chef Heinz Beck, of three-Michelin-starred La Pergola fame; and tailored medical treatments along the way too. “What makes the Fiuggi region truly exceptional is the purity of its natural environment,” say Stefano Maldifassi and Luca Temperini, the program leaders. “The absence of industrial development means very low pollution levels, contributing to a remarkably clean and untouched landscape. Also, the area is rich in cultural heritage. Guests may encounter ancient monasteries hidden among the hills, some of the oldest in Italy!”
Photo: Courtesy of Palazzo Fiuggi
How environmentally friendly is it?
Sustainability is all part of the experience at Palazzo Fiuggi. All products in the kitchens, bathrooms, spas, and suites are organic or eco-certified, and a new recycling system means that all food waste is composted and actively improving the soil, not to mention the restaurant uses locally sourced and organic ingredients.
What else do we need to know?
This isn’t your typical spa getaway; it’s a full-body reboot. From gene sequencing to stress management, the programs here are designed to deliver measurable improvements to longevity, vitality, and mental clarity. After all, the palazzo’s motto is “for a better life, better lived.” You’ll leave with a stack of personalized data, a new yoga routine, and probably a new appreciation for a scientific approach to gastronomy. But there’s also room for indulgence: The Art Deco interiors, painted lounges, and rolling countryside views make sure of that. And don’t forget, day trips to Rome are encouraged and can be organized by the hotel; it’s less than an hour away!
Photo: Courtesy of Palazzo Fiuggi
Who can go?
Palazzo Fiuggi is open to anyone booking a wellness retreat, with stays typically ranging from three nights to two weeks. Unfortunately, no children under 14 are allowed, nor are canine companions. While it attracts a jet-set crowd of health-optimizing celebrities—Oprah called it “the best wellness retreat of her life”—it’s welcoming to solo travelers and wellness newbies alike. Just don’t be surprised if you leave with a new biomarker obsession and a WhatsApp thread with your nutritionist.
Booking details for Palazzo Fiuggi Spa
Address: Via dei Villini, 34, 03014 Fiuggi FR, Italy
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