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 trans-Atlantic flight—we want to make sure it’s worth the journey. Whatever your path, let us be your guide.
Why go here?
Borgo Egnazia is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary hotels in all of Italy, with 184 suites and villas laid out across a sprawling estate, all built from scratch just 16 years ago to resemble a traditional Puglian village that magically features every modern mod con you could think of. There’s a head-spinning array of things to do: cooking and fitness classes, a private beach club, four restaurants, festivals in the village square. The list goes on (and on, and on). And the scale of the place is so enormous that even when it’s at full capacity, you won’t feel bothered by other guests or even the kids—they have their own clubhouse and pool to splash around in, after all. Need a further endorsement? Just ask Madonna or the Beckhams, both of whom are repeat guests here.
Of course, this wouldn’t be a true luxury resort without an eye-popping spa to match, and the Vair Spa is a sight to behold. Where the rest of Borgo Egnazia is all gleaming tufo limestone (allegedly chipped away at by the architect to lend it an authentically old-world feel) and sun-dappled white-washed walls overflowing with bougainvillea, the spa takes its cues from the ancient civilizations who once occupied the region. Tucked away down the candlelit corridors of a crumbling arcade, the extensive list of treatments offers everything from classic massages and facials (primarily using local ingredients, whether olive and lavender oils or herbs from Vair’s own garden) to multi-day pathways that promise to help restore your emotional and physical balance. It’s an oasis within an oasis, located within the subterranean bowels of the resort’s central building.
Photo: Courtesy of Borgo Egnazia
What’s the vibe?
You’ll need to keep your wits about you after heading down the stone stairwell and into the spa proper: It’s all underground, and the various areas of the spa are connected by a labyrinthine rabbit warren of corridors that are easy to get lost in. (Happily, the friendly staff—who all seemed to be wearing draped linen gowns, lending them the appearance of a Roman empress’s ladies-in-waiting—will be happy to guide you in the right direction.) During the cooler months, you’ll find fires crackling away in the alcoves, while in the summer months, the cool water that cascades down the thick stone walls offers a welcome respite from the baking southern Italian sun.
The treatments, which take place in cabins also lit by candlelight (honestly, I’d love to know Vair Spa’s annual candle budget) place a particular emphasis on tradition, simplicity, and the use of natural or organic ingredients. Many take their cues directly from the surrounding countryside, such as a heated stone and hot towel massage inspired by the Masciara, an ancient Puglian folk figure believed to possess magical healing powers, or the Lòuma chiaine ritual (which translates from the Puglian dialect to “full moon”) that involves caper oil and almond butter being applied in increasing intensity to the face, head, and feet in order to stimulate your memory and concentration. The cumulative effect is so transportive that it will have you stepping back into the sunlight blinking, wondering if it was all some kind of mirage.
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