Wellness tourism in Colombia has reached a new international milestone: Desal, the underground spa located inside the iconic Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira, has been honored at the 2025 World Luxury Spa Awards, one of the most prestigious competitions in the global luxury industry. The spa was distinguished as a Global Luxury Spa, in addition to securing three major awards for South America: Best Themed Spa Design in South America, Best Luxury Spa in South America, and Best Unique Experience Spa in Colombia.
This recognition positions Desal as one of the most exclusive wellness destinations in the world and highlights Colombia’s growing prominence in the luxury tourism sector.
Desal Spa: An underground experience in Colombia’s Salt Cathedral celebrated at the World Luxury Spa Awards
The awards ceremony, held at the PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering in Singapore, highlighted the originality of Desal’s concept and its ability to transform a natural underground environment into a high-level sensory experience.
Located 180 meters below ground, in a space carved out of natural salt rock, Desal takes advantage of an atmosphere enriched by microelements from the salt to offer regenerative therapies. This unique setting — recognized as the First Wonder of Colombia — provides air with relaxing and revitalizing properties found in no other spa in the world.
Experts involved in the awards selection process praised the seamless integration of cultural heritage, spirituality, and wellness — one of the factors that propelled Desal into the group of global winners in 2025.
Innovative treatments and a multisensory experience
Desal has set itself apart through its focus on therapies based on the natural benefits of salt, combined with contemporary relaxation techniques. Among its signature services are:
- Therapeutic massages using natural salt from the mine.
- Aromatherapy and music therapy in underground chambers with natural acoustics.
- Facial and body treatments featuring natural cosmetic products.
- Foot baths with brine and salt crystals designed to purify and stimulate circulation.
- Personalized wellness programs for couples and visitors seeking profound disconnection.
The combination of these practices, along with the themed design that enhances the majesty of the mine, earned Desal the award for Best Themed Spa Design in South America, one of the most competitive categories of the event.