Choosing the right spa destination involves more than selecting a single resort — the surrounding region’s activities, natural resources and overall wellness culture often determine where travelers book their next restorative escape. According to SpaSeekers.com, 2023 is shaping up as a landmark year for wellness travel, with a rising number of visitors prioritizing spa-centered vacations.
Using Google search trends, SpaSeekers identified the top trending spa destinations worldwide for 2023. Below are the leading destinations and what makes each special.
© Hotel Nantipa
Costa Rica
Costa Rica tops the list for 2023 with more than 62,000 Google searches related to its spas. Renowned for blending lush landscapes and local ingredients into treatments, the country offers everything from rainforest massages to volcanic hot-spring experiences. Notable properties and wellness retreats include Nayara Tented Camp Costa Rica, Hotel Nantipa, Hotel Belmar, Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa and Tierra Magnifica, each delivering distinct approaches to relaxation and nature-based therapies.
Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa © Oetker Collection
Germany
Germany’s spa tradition reaches back to Roman times and today includes roughly 350 spa towns, many clustered near the Black Forest. Destinations like Baden-Baden welcome guests year-round, while historic bathhouses such as Friedrichsbad let visitors experience classic rituals like alternating thermal baths and cold plunges. Luxury properties including Hotel Das Rübezahl, HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio, Hotel de Rome and Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa showcase refined wellness programs and thermal therapies rooted in local traditions.
© Maslina Resort
Croatia
Croatia’s rich wellness heritage includes numerous spa towns and coastal resorts that emphasize natural therapies. Well-known centers like Istarske Toplice incorporate local therapeutic mud into treatments, while modern resorts such as Maslina Resort and Ikador Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa pair Mediterranean settings with contemporary wellness offerings for a restorative seaside escape.
Moldova
Moldova is an appealing option for budget-conscious travelers seeking traditional spa experiences. The country features classic bathhouses and comfortable luxury accommodations at competitive prices. Bernardazzi Grand Hotel & Spa and BERD’s Design Hotel in Chisinau stand out for combining historic bathhouse traditions with modern spa services.
Cambodia
Cambodia’s spa scene is often integrated with high-end resorts, making it easy to pair sightseeing with indulgent treatments. Several properties offer secluded wellness experiences, including private-island settings, tropical spa pavilions and culturally inspired therapies. Notable options include Song Saa Private Island, Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa and Six Senses Krabey Island, each offering tranquil surroundings and attentive spa programs.
Beyond these top five, the next 15 trending spa destinations for 2023 include the Maldives, Ecuador, Slovenia, Poland, The Gambia, Vietnam, Bulgaria, Portugal, Oman, New Zealand, Ghana, Romania, Nicaragua, Austria, Latvia and Indonesia. Each destination brings its own combination of climate, natural resources and wellness traditions, giving travelers a wide array of options for spa-focused vacations this year.