“This resort is an extraordinary place for those seeking sunshine and looking to relax among lush Mediterranean maquis, hidden corners tucked between the rocks, transparent waters and Thalasso pools.” This is how Condé Nast Traveler describes Hotel Capo d’Orso Thalasso & SPA, which has entered the list of the 20 best Destination Spas in the World at the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.

From the vineyards of Portugal’s Douro Valley to the Caribbean beaches of Saint Lucia, by way of Costa Rica, the Maldives, Vietnam and New Zealand, the ranking brings together some of the most captivating wellness destinations on the planet. Within this international panorama, Hotel Capo d’Orso also earns its place, with a score of 97.62.

It is a result with special significance for Sardinia as well, appreciated by travellers from all over the world not only for the beauty of its coastline, but also for an authentic wellness experience deeply connected to the sea, nature and the local area.

The true protagonists of the award are the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, who are invited each year to choose the best travel experiences in the world. For the 39th edition of the Readers’ Choice Awards, as many as 798,867 votes were cast, making this one of the most coveted awards in international tourism.

In its description of Hotel Capo d’Orso, Condé Nast Traveler begins with the landscape itself: between the emerald-coloured coves of the Costa Smeralda and the wild beauty of the La Maddalena Archipelago, the hotel blends naturally into one of the most evocative corners of northern Sardinia.

Low-rise buildings with terracotta roofs, shaded terraces and open spaces facing the sea create discreet architecture that allows nature to take centre stage. The magazine also highlights the recently renovated suites, the saltwater pool, the nine-hole Pitch & Putt course and the cuisine, mentioning Il Paguro, the restaurant overlooking the private marina and Cala Capra beach.

Above all, however, it is the connection with the sea that defines the wellness experience at Hotel Capo d’Orso. In the large park of Cala Capra, the L’Incantu Thalasso & SPA Centre is located just a few steps from the sea. The three outdoor Thalasso pools form the heart of the centre, featuring seawater at different temperatures, drawn continuously from the waters in front of the hotel. Hydromassage, neck jets and toning circuits accompany guests through a relaxation experience that continues in the Turkish bath, the herbal-tea relaxation area and the ten treatment cabins.

Among the most evocative experiences are en plein air massages in a gazebo immersed in Mediterranean vegetation, where the scents of the maquis mingle with the sea breeze and wellbeing follows the rhythm of nature.