Welcome to Vogue’s first-ever spa guide—a compendium of the 100 best spas worldwide, pulling from the expertise of our global editors. There is a lot out there in the world of wellness, and we are here to sort the cryo from the cold plunge, the infrared light treatment from the IV infusion. Or if your path is a more holistic one—there’s something for you here as well.
Why go here?
Longevity—the pursuit of living not only longer but better—may seem to be having a moment, but this clinic has been a temple of wellness for over 15 years. As Dr. Vicente Mera, one of the most prestigious experts in antiaging and an active participant in the development of the SHA Wellness project explains, “it is possible to age without illness and suffer from illness without being old.” This is the key learning that you will take away from staying at SHA—cultivating good habits is the key to aging in a healthy and beautiful way. The clinic receives an average of 4,500 people every year, and in 2023, the rate of returning customers was 53%. They can’t all be wrong.
What’s the vibe?
It’s not easy to press pause or change a frenetic lifestyle when you live on autopilot. So when you arrive at the vast, terraced complex on the edge of the Mediterranean, this can be the hardest part. Just getting into the swing of things—forgoing coffee (one of the beverages that is practically forbidden during your stay, or at least actively discouraged), for example—can be a struggle. But once you get through the first day, the endeavor can feel worth it. After all, the spa is aiming to do no less than “transform lives…in the shortest possible time,” according to its advertised promise. But above all, it is important to understand that SHA Wellness is not your average spa. With their medicinal waters and relaxing massages, it’s a school of longevity, and you must embrace it with a learning spirit.
The history?
As with many wellness projects, SHA Wellness was born from a personal struggle. It all began when the entrepreneur Alfredo Bataller Parietti, SHA’s founder, discovered the benefits of applying the principles of nutrition and integrative medicine to his life firsthand. The success of that experience led him to found this (first) location of the now global enterprise in 2008. The mini empire recently has expanded its reach with an opening in Mexico (navigate here in the Global Spa Guide to read more about it), and a location in AlJurf in Abu Dhabi (the riviera of the Emirates) is planned for 2026.
What should you try?
Loyal adherents set aside two-week blocks for the center’s retreats, but you can start with a four-day program to release stress and revitalize internal functions. In addition to sustainable, local, organic, and seasonal nutrition—the true definition of a Mediterranean diet—there’s a complete range of natural therapy protocols, various massages, dermocosmetic consultations, cryotherapy sessions, and more. Their healthy cooking workshops and morning hiking trips are highly recommended.
How environmentally friendly is it?
Sustainability is intrinsic to the program, which insists on a policy of waste-reduction, recycling, and use of natural resources and local foods.
What else do we need to know?
The clinic is located next to the natural park of Sierra Helada, and the weather is agreeable all year. Nearby, you can find the largest coral reef in the northern hemisphere and a rich marine ecosystem with protected species. Hiking through the surrounding mountains is highly recommended.
Who can go?
The first time you visit, you are required to stay a minimum of four nights and sign up for a health program. For following visits, you can choose à la carte.
Booking details for SHA Wellness, Spain
Address: Carrer del Verderol, 5, 03581 L'Albir, Alicante, Spain
Read more from Vogue’s Global Spa Guide.
