Welcome to the second iteration of Vogue’s global spa guide, an index of the 100 best spas in the world, built from the expertise of our global editors and trusted contributors. There is a lot to choose from in the world of wellness, and no matter how far you’re planning to travel—from a subway ride to a trans-Atlantic flight—we want to make sure it’s worth the journey. Whatever your path, let us be your guide.

Why go here?

If the 3,500-acre Laucala Island (located northeast of Fiji’s main island)—complete with its own 18-hole golf course, expansive spa, fleet of yachts, and five restaurants—sounds like the private island playground of an eccentric billionaire, that’s because it is. This 25-villa tropical paradise was first developed by entrepreneur and Forbes publisher Malcom Forbes, who then sold it to Red Bull cofounder Dietrich Mateschitz. Each owner initially intended it as a private getaway for family and friends. But more recently, Mateschitz decided to open it up to the sliver of the public who can afford the starting nightly rates north of $6,000. Everything, from meals and limitless spa treatments to use of the fleet of yachts, is included in the nightly fee. Needless to say, this is hardly your typical all-inclusive.

Photo: Courtesy of COMO Laucala Island

What’s the vibe?

Most of the structures on the island are spread out and hidden among the landscape—so much so that getting to the spa is an experience in itself. Hop in your golf cart—the primary way of getting around—cruise up the stone-paved road in front of your private one-bedroom beach residence, take in the hilltop views of the sea, coast down to the beach club, pass the 25-meter glass-front infinity pool, meander through the field of towering palm trees, head up another hill, and just when you think you’re lost, make a hairpin turn and you’re there.

As if out of nowhere, a lily-pad covered pond emerges with stepping stones leading to the spa’s reception area. Once you check in to COMO Shambhala (Shambhala means “place of peace” in Sanskrit), you’re guided to one of the four expansive self-contained spa suites, each consisting of a pavilion area, a private changing area, a treatment space, a separate room with a Balinese daybed, and an outdoor patio with its own tub. No need to book extra time to enjoy all of it—you’re free to stay as long as you like, whether you’ve booked a treatment or are just looking for a tranquil refuge. Feeling like an outdoor bath and glass of champagne after your massage? Order it on a whim. There’s no rush. Try another treatment the next day in one of the two wet treatment rooms with Vichy showers and steam rooms, or head to the salon for a pedicure.

Photo: Courtesy of COMO Laucala Island

The history?

Malcom Forbes first purchased the island in 1972 for his personal use and quickly set about modernizing some aspects of the site, upgrading accommodations with sturdier materials and adding running water. In 2003, the island was sold to Mateschitz, who added an 18-hole golf course designed by David McKlay Kidd and opened the island to outside guests in 2009. In late 2021, COMO Hotels and Resorts came on to manage the resort and revamped the spa programming, incorporating wellness in everything from the menus to the daily activities.

Photo: Courtesy of COMO Laucala Island

What should you try?

Before heading to the spa, request a tour of the farm and gardens. Once you see where the ingredients for the spa treatments are grown, you’ll really appreciate all the herbs, spices, and flowers—as well as the island’s river stones, mineral crystals, and volcanic soils—that are incorporated into each of the therapies. Treatments here aren’t just about getting a great massage, but truly unwinding and immersing yourself in Fijian haven.