The process kicked off with a massive brainstorming phase. Vogue didn’t rely on PR pitches or popularity contests; instead, they crowdsourced recommendations from their worldwide editors and contributors.
Picture this: Emails flying between New York, London, Paris, Milan, and beyond. “What’s the one spa in your region you’d fight to keep secret?” or “Where did you actually feel transformed last year?” These weren’t casual asks—contributors were encouraged to be brutally honest.
This insider network proved invaluable. For instance, European editors flagged historic thermal baths reimagined with modern twists, while Asia-Pacific voices highlighted places blending ancient traditions like onsen rituals or Ayurvedic programs with cutting-edge tech.
The initial longlist ballooned to hundreds of nominations. To narrow it, the core team applied strict criteria:
- Uniqueness of experience — Did it offer something you couldn’t get elsewhere?
- Quality and consistency — Were treatments expertly delivered, facilities impeccable?
- Atmosphere and intention — Did it foster genuine well-being, not just Instagram moments?
- Lasting impact — Would you return, or recommend it to a friend in crisis?
Personal anecdotes helped here. One editor shared how a quiet mountain retreat in Austria reset her burnout; another described a Mexico spot where the temazcal ceremony felt life-changing. These stories humanized the selections and kept the focus on real value.
The Rigorous Vetting Process: Visits, Testing, and Honest Feedback
No guide earns trust without boots-on-the-ground verification. Vogue dispatched writers and editors to experience shortlisted spas firsthand—often multiple times.
This wasn’t glamorous jet-setting. It involved early mornings for sunrise yoga, enduring intense therapies (think cold plunges that make you question life choices), and scribbling notes in steam rooms. Contributors tested everything: massage pressure, product quality, staff knowledge, even how well the space handled noise or crowds.
Take the famous Shibui Spa at The Greenwich Hotel in New York—praised for its whisper-quiet Japanese onsen vibe with heated sake-soaked towels. That detail came from someone who actually soaked there, noting how it created an “opulent ASMR experience” unlike louder, flashier spots.
Challenges arose, of course. Some hyped places fell flat upon arrival—overbooked saunas, rushed treatments, or vibes that felt performative. Those got cut mercilessly. The team prioritized authenticity over name recognition, which is why lesser-known gems (like a Cotswolds meadow spa or a Baja farm retreat) made the cut alongside icons like Aman or SHA Wellness.
Pros and Cons of Vogue’s On-Site Vetting Approach
- Pros
- Builds real authority through firsthand experience
- Uncovers hidden details (scents, subtle design touches) that elevate recommendations
- Ensures trustworthiness—no paid inclusions
- Cons
- Time-intensive (months of travel and coordination)
- Subjective elements (one person’s “transformative” is another’s “meh”)
- Logistical hurdles (visas, scheduling, weather)
Despite the effort, this step separated the guide from generic lists. Readers trust it because it’s clear real humans with discerning tastes vetted every entry.
Narrowing to the Final 100: Editorial Debates and Tough Calls
Whittling hundreds down to 100 sparked lively debates in editorial meetings (virtual and in-person). The team balanced geography—covering North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond—while ensuring diversity in offerings: medi-spas, holistic retreats, day spas, destination wellness resorts.
They grouped entries regionally (e.g., North America highlights like Miraval Berkshires or Paradero in Mexico) and spotlighted standouts. A separate “Best of the Best” or top 10 emerged, featuring places like Estelle Manor’s Eynsham Baths in the Cotswolds (for its Roman-inspired grandeur) or Mayrlife in Austria (beloved by A-listers for immune resets).
Humor crept in during these sessions—one editor joked about vetoing a spa because the sauna smelled suspiciously like old gym socks. Light moments like that kept morale high amid the intensity.
The final list emphasized “intention and atmosphere” over sheer luxury. A quiet, nature-immersed spot could trump a gilded mega-resort if it delivered deeper calm.
Writing and Presentation: Crafting Compelling Entries
Once selections locked, writers penned vivid, concise profiles. Each entry followed a structured yet conversational format:
- Why go here? — The unique draw
- What’s the vibe? — Atmosphere and feel
- The history? — Background context
- Standout treatments — Key offerings
Photos and details brought entries to life, but the writing shone—evocative without exaggeration. For example, descriptions of hay-infused saunas or underwater sound vibrations felt personal, not promotional.
The guide launched online as an interactive hub, with tags for easy navigation (e.g., North America Spas, Europe Spas).
The Impact: Reader Response and Ongoing Evolution
Since launch, the guide has become a go-to for wellness travelers. Spas featured report surges in inquiries, and readers appreciate the no-BS curation in an era of influencer overload.
Vogue refreshed it for 2025, revisiting favorites and adding new discoveries—proof it’s a living project, not a one-off.
In a world where “self-care” is often commodified, this guide stands out for its editorial integrity. It’s the result of passionate people pooling knowledge to say: “These places actually matter—go experience them.”
People Also Ask (PAA) Section
What is Vogue’s Global Spa Guide? It’s Vogue’s curated list of the 100 best spas worldwide, drawing from global editors’ expertise to highlight exceptional wellness destinations focused on genuine well-being.
When was Vogue’s Global Spa Guide first published? The inaugural edition appeared in 2024, with a refreshed version in 2025 featuring revisited and new entries.
How does Vogue select spas for their Global Spa Guide? Through editor recommendations, on-site visits by contributors, strict criteria on uniqueness/quality/impact, and rigorous debates to ensure authenticity.
What are some top spas in Vogue’s Global Spa Guide? Standouts include Estelle Manor’s Eynsham Baths (UK), Mayrlife (Austria), SHA Wellness (Spain/Mexico), Shibui at The Greenwich Hotel (US), and others emphasizing ritual, innovation, and serenity.
Is Vogue’s Global Spa Guide updated annually? Yes, it evolves with new editions (e.g., 2025 refresh), incorporating fresh discoveries and re-evaluations.
FAQ
Q: Can anyone submit a spa for consideration in Vogue’s guide? A: Vogue relies primarily on internal networks and trusted contributors rather than open submissions, ensuring independence from commercial influence.
Q: How long did it take to create the first Global Spa Guide? A: Over six months of research, nominations, visits, and editing by a dedicated team.
Q: Are the spas in the guide paid partnerships? A: No—the selections stem from genuine editorial experiences and recommendations, maintaining Vogue’s trustworthiness.
Q: What’s the difference between the full 100 and the top 10 list? A: The 100 covers a broad, regionally diverse selection; the top 10 highlights absolute standouts based on exceptional execution and impact.
Q: Where can I read the full Vogue Global Spa Guide? A: Head to Vogue’s Spa Guide hub for the complete, browsable collection.