The recognition comes from one of the most authoritative voices in international journalism. The Times has published the ranking of the fifty best spas on the planet and the first position was conquered by an Italian structure, a result that confirms the excellence of our country in the wellness and luxury hospitality sector.
The jewel of Lake Garda
The highest podium goes to the Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda, located in Gargnano, a small town in the province of Brescia. The structure stands on the wooded hills that embrace one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy. The location itself represents a distinctive element: the view of Lake Garda creates a landscape context that is difficult to find comparisons elsewhere.
How The Times ranking was born
The ranking of the British newspaper was born from painstaking work. A team of reviewers selected the candidate structures, while industry experts personally visited the wellness centers recommended by tourism professionals and readers. The evaluation criteria examined various aspects: the services offered to the public, the design of the spaces, the general atmosphere and the geographical position, because when you aim for excellence it is the details that make the difference.
The spaces and services of the Lefay Resort
The Lefay Resort & Spa is spread over three floors covering an area of 4,300 square metres. The spaces have been designed to offer a complete experience of physical and mental regeneration. The infinity pool, open from April to October, allows you to immerse yourself in the waters while your gaze is lost in the panorama of the lake. During the colder months, guests can use the internal thalassotherapy pool, which guarantees relaxation and benefits in every season.

There are many options available. The structure offers seven different types of sauna, six areas dedicated to relaxation, hydromassage areas and an equipped fitness space. But what truly sets this spa apart is the personalized approach. Before starting any journey, guests receive medical advice which allows us to draw up a tailor-made program based on individual needs.
Therapeutic paths and treatments
The Therapeutic Energy Paths constitute the heart of the offer. There are five of them and they take their name from symbolic figures of oriental tradition: Green Dragon, Red Phoenix, White Tiger, Black Turtle and The Center. Each path focuses on specific aspects of well-being, from toning to detoxification, from deep relaxation to energetic rebalancing.
The list of available treatments includes over sixty proposals. There are the Health Programs, designed for those who want to take complete care of their body, then the Signature Treatments, which represent the identity of the center, while rituals and massages offer moments of pure pleasure. There is no shortage of aesthetic medicine treatments and proposals dedicated to couples, who can enjoy an experience of shared well-being together.
The other Italian excellences
Italy also shines in other categories of the ranking. Palazzo Merano won the title of best spa for sport and fitness, a recognition that rewards the ability to combine physical activity and relaxation. Palazzo Fiuggi was elected best spa for gourmets, where well-being also passes through the quality of the cuisine. Borgo Santo Pietro, in Tuscany, has won the record as the best romantic spa, perfect for those looking for a couple’s retreat away from the daily hustle and bustle.
The best spas in the world
The international ranking includes other very high-level structures, of which we report those that have obtained a specific recognition:
The aforementioned awards confirm how the wellness sector has reached very high standards, where modern spas are no longer simple places to receive a massage, but rather real temples dedicated to global personal care, where both body and mind can finally find that space of quiet that modern life too often denies. And knowing that the best in the world is found in our country fills us with pride.