So why does Golden Door, the grande dame of U.S. destination retreats, command a whopping €1,850/day (and that’s before taxes and tipping naturellement)? You guessed it: branding. Compare that to the #1 destination spa in the world which is less than a quarter of the cost…and with killer views of the Tyrolean Alps. It’s also my personal favorite.

After flitting between detox broths, mocktail mixers, and Kniepp cold water walks, I’ve emerged with some hot takes…