The World's Most Stunning Spas

When visiting a spa for a moment of zen and to rest, relax and rejuvenate, it’s not only the treatments that play a part in the experience, but the visual surroundings too. From geothermal pools to jungle-lined retreats and lakeside sanctuaries, the setting of the spa can be just as important as the therapies on offer.

Aesthetically pleasing surroundings can make a spa experience feel even more immersive, with research* showing that when looking at something visually appealing, our brain responds in a similar way to when we experience feelings of love.

This explains why stunning surroundings can instantly lift our mood and promote a sense of calm. More research on the topic** found that visually stimulating environments can enhance other sensory experiences, even making activities feel more enjoyable. When it comes to spas, that means a beautiful setting can even increase the benefits of treatments and help spa-goers feel even more relaxed.

With this in mind, we decided to find out which spas around the world offer stunning surroundings. To do this, we used cutting-edge eye-tracking technology to measure which spas catch people’s eyes the fastest and hold their attention the longest. As a result, we’ve created a scientific ranking of the most beautiful spas worldwide – want to find out which you should be adding to your bucket list?

The Lost Spring - New Zealand

New Zealand is renowned for its dynamic landscapes, and The Lost Spring captures the country’s natural beauty perfectly. Located in the heart of the Coromandel Peninsula, the spa features tranquil geothermal mineral pools surrounded by lush greenery and natural rock formations.

Participants spent more time viewing this spa than any other in the study, earning it a score of 96.2 out of 100.

Peninsula Hot Springs - Australia

Ranking second with a score of 88.7 out of 100, Peninsula Hot Springs in Victoria, Australia offers a peaceful thermal bath set among a striking natural landscape. Those visiting the spa can enjoy the geothermal pools, cave bathing, reflexology walks and Turkish hammam treatments while overlooking the Mornington Peninsula.

COMO Shambhala Estate - Indonesia

Nestled deep within the sprawling green jungles of Bali, COMO Shambhala Estate combines luxury wellness with breathtaking scenery. Known for its holistic approach to wellbeing, was a favourite for study participants, scoring 88.4 out of 100, placing it firmly in third position.

Chena Hot Springs Resort & Spa - USA

Located in Alaska, Chena Hot Springs offers a unique natural rock lake surrounded by miles of wilderness. The spa’s landscape and steaming mineral waters make it one of the most standout wellness destinations in the US. Not only does the retreat cater for a summertime spa day, but in winter guests can relax in warm outdoor pools while watching the Northern Lights.

Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda - Italy

Perched on a hillside within Alto Garda Park, Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda offers panoramic views across Lake Garda. Visitors can enjoy saltwater whirlpools, panoramic saunas and wellness programmes while overlooking one of Italy’s most scenic landscapes. Scoring 83.8 out of 100, it’s clear that people agree that this spa sets itself apart with its stunning scenery.

Santani Wellness Kandy- Sri Lanka

Santani Wellness Kandy is known for its minimalist architecture and breathtaking views over Knuckles Mountain Range. The three-tiered spa sits on the hillside offering views across the stunning landscape. The spa’s striking setting clearly captured participants’ attentions, recording one of the longest average fixation times in the study and scoring 82.3 out of 100.

Polynesian Spa - New Zealand

Overlooking Lake Rotorua, Polynesian Spa is famous for its natural geothermal waters. The spa’s lakeside setting captured viewers’ attention in the study, highlighting the appeal of its tranquil surroundings.

Mandarin Oriental - Thailand

Located along Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, the Mandarin Oriental Spa combines elegant interiors with scenic riverfront views. The hotel and spa design combined with the serene atmosphere gave it a score of 82 out of 100 in the study.

Shanti Maurice - Mauritius

Set among lush tropical gardens along Mauritius’ southern coast, Shanti Maurice offers an oceanfront wellness retreat with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. Study participants were drawn to the beauty of the spa, giving it a total score of 81.7/100.

Hoar Cross Hall Spa Hotel - UK

Located in Staffordshire’s Needwood Forest, Hoar Cross Hall Spa offers a luxurious countryside escape away from the bustle of city life. The spa features Nordic heat and ice experiences, hydrotherapy pools and a secluded satellite cave, making it one of the UK’s most visually captivating spa destinations.

Alongside the stunning scenery and majestic setting, the spa offers a wide variety of packages with something to suit everyone.

• Twilight Indulgence Spa Experience: Escape for an evening of relaxation, with a soak in the Nordic heat and ice suites followed by a 60-minute treatment and a delicious meal in Hugo’s restaurant. All while in the comfort of a snuggly robe!
• 2 Night Indulgent Spa Stay: When you really want to switch off, Hoar Cross Hall is the place to do it. Treat yourself to two days of luxury with this indulgent spa break. Including two treatments to allow you to truly unwind, and mouth-watering meals to enjoy each day.
• 1 Night Solo Serenity Spa Stay: Experience true escapism with a solo retreat designed to leave you feeling like you’ve had a full holiday. From indulgent facials and soothing massages to wellness classes, this overnight stay is perfect for anyone seeking time to reset and recharge.

While international spa retreats dominate the global rankings, the UK also offers a variety of stunning wellness destinations that combine historic architecture, scenic landscapes and modern spa designs – and with more than 500 spas on offer via SpaSeekers, you’re spoilt for choice!

Following Hoar Cross Hall Spa Hotel in second is Carden Park Hotel Spa in Cheshire, set within 1,000 acres of gardens. The spa allows guests to enjoy panoramic countryside views while relaxing in outdoor hot tubs, thermal suites and tranquil relaxation areas.

Elsewhere in Oxfordshire, PURE Spa & Beauty Witney Lakes impressed participants with its calm lakeside setting, while Middleton Lodge in North Yorkshire offers a boutique spa experience within a beautifully restored Georgian estate surrounded by woodlands.

Located within the historic Beaverbrook estate in the Surrey Hills, Beaverbrook Spa combines elegant interiors with sweeping countryside views, creating a luxurious rural escape just outside of London.

Rank	Spa	Total Score
1	Hoar Cross Hall Spa Hotel	80.2
2	Carden Park Hotel Spa	73.6
3	PURE Spa & Beauty Witney Lakes	66.2
4	Middleton Lodge	66.0
5	Beaverbrook Spa	64.0

Have our findings got you in the mood for a stunning spa escape? Well, you’re in the right place – explore spas across the UK here.