The Top Trending Spa Destinations For 2026 Revealed By New Study
- New research analysing over 40 million Google searches reveals the most in-demand global spa destinations for 2026
- China’s viral 24-hour spas are putting its cities on spa lovers wish lists, with Shanghai seeing a 67% spike in interest
- Spas in Tanzania (+194%) and Greece (+94%) have seen the largest increase in interest for 2026
Spa booking site SpaSeekers.com has released their annual Spa Trends Report for 2026, which reveals the countries and cities spa lovers will be seeking out for a relaxing break.
By analysing over 40 million spa-related Google searches made during 2025, SpaSeekers tracked which destinations are increasing in interest for 2026 – crowning the likes of Shanghai, Bucharest, Tanzania and Greece as top spots for travellers seeking a truly chilled vacation.
The Top 15 Trending Spa Countries For 2026
On a broad country-level, destinations in East Africa emerge as standout spa escapes, with Tanzania and Rwanda increasing in interest by a huge 194% and 142% respectively. Known for world-class safaris both countries are now home to luxury resorts and wellness retreats that blend spa experiences with wilderness views, making them a one-of-a-kind spa trip.
Greece, a country that has a spa culture dating back to 12th century ancient times and now features luxury resorts with priceless views of the Aegean Sea, is also experiencing a steep increase in interest for 2026, with a 94% surge in searches over the last year.
Other European locations trending in 2026 include France, Sweden, Romania and Ireland. They rank alongside more exotic spa breaks, such as the Philippines, Maldives and Asia’s Laos, where spa visits are nestled within lush jungle or along its tropical coastline.
| Rank | Country | % increase in searches (year-on-year) |
| 1 | Tanzania | 194% |
| 2 | Rwanda | 142% |
| 3 | Greece | 94% |
| 4 | France | 37% |
| 5 | Bhutan | 34% |
| 6 | Philippines | 30% |
| 7 | Romania | 24% |
| 8 | China | 23% |
| 9 | Vietnam | 22% |
| 10 | Nepal | 20% |
| 11 | Laos | 20% |
| 12 | Morocco | 16% |
| 13 | Maldives | 13% |
| 14 | Sweden | 13% |
| 15 | Ireland | 11% |
The Top 15 Trending Spa Cities For 2026
The SpaSeekers research also delved deeper into the 2026 travel wish-lists of spa lovers and analysed which specific cities are seeing an increase for ‘spa in (city)’ Google searches.
China dominates the city rankings, with Shanghai seeing a top-trending 67% increase in interest, while Shenzhen, Beijing and Guangzhou all feature in the top five. This is likely down to the viral notoriety China’s 24-hour spas gained in late 2025. These 24-hour complexes offer more than just treatments, alongside the hot springs and saunas, they include buffets, entertainment and even karaoke, turning the spa into an all-night experience.
Elsewhere in Europe, spas in Poznan (Poland), Bucharest (Romania) and Sofia (Bulgaria) are also on the rise. Each offers a traditional European spa experience, where you’ll find thermal baths, age-old treatments and a love for the regenerating benefits of the sauna.
| Rank | City | Country | % increase in searches (year-on-year) |
| 1 | Shanghai | China | 67% |
| 2 | Shenzhen | China | 54% |
| 3 | Beirut | Lebanon | 43% |
| 4 | Beijing | China | 39% |
| 5 | Guangzhou | China | 35% |
| 6 | Poznan | Poland | 35% |
| 7 | Bucharest | Romania | 31% |
| 8 | Bangalore | India | 27% |
| 9 | Yamoussoukro | Côte d’Ivoire | 23% |
| 10 | Sofia | Bulgaria | 22% |
| 11 | Taipei | Taiwan | 22% |
| 12 | Thimphu | Bhutan | 19% |
| 13 | Kolkata | India | 18% |
| 14 | Jaipur | India | 17% |
| 15 | Florence | Italy | 15% |
Jason Goldberg, Founder of SpaSeekers.com comments: “Being able to rest and relax is important for all of us, and while many holiday itineraries are filled with sightseeing and tours, sometimes there can be nothing better than factoring a day, two, or even a whole week for some you-time.
Each year, our research provides fresh travel inspiration, and this year is no different, so we hope whether its sampling the 24-hour spas of China, or sauna culture in Europe, people find something that helps them to switch off.
It goes without saying, but with more than 500 locations across the UK, we also have plenty of relaxing breaks for everybody – from countryside Cotswold spas, to luxury London escapes!”
To read the full 2026 spa trends report, that also includes the top trending spa treatments and experiences, visit: https://www.spaseekers.com/spa-insider/inspiration/the-spa-trends-report-2026/
For more industry related news, click here.
