Ceremony Honors Europe's Best Innovations
In a prestigious ceremony held in Haapsalu, Estonia, at the historic Kuursaal, the European Spa Association (ESPA) presented the Innovation Awards for 2025.
As recalled, at the last assembly, Siyka Katsarova was appointed President of the European Spas Association.
The event, considered one of the highlights of the European Congress on Spa and Balneology, showcased impressive achievements of destinations, hotels, health centers, and research institutions across Europe.
Category C1 - Innovative Spa Destination
De Montel - Terme Milano, Italy
Recognized as an innovative spa destination for providing a unique wellness experience in the heart of Milan, blending rich history with modern design and high-level services.
Category C2 - Innovative Medical Spa
MEDICAL SPA "Narva-Jõesuu", Estonia
Awarded for its exceptional integration of advanced medical treatments with wellness and relaxation, maintaining a serene experience with international standards.
Category C3 - Innovative Spa Design Hotel
Gradiali Medical SPA & Wellness Spa Area, Lithuania
The Lithuanian hotel was acknowledged for its innovative design, connecting nature with the urban environment and offering leading health and wellness facilities in the Baltic region.
Category C4 - Innovative Spa Concept
Aukštoji Liškiava, Wellness and Leisure Residence, designed by E77, Lithuania
The award was given for developing an innovative holistic spa concept combining wellness, leisure, and local heritage.
Judges' Special Award:
“Kids’ Republic” – Innovative Spa Concept, Hot Springs Banya, Bulgaria
For developing a unique concept tailored for children and families, combining spa experience with educational and health values.
Category C5 - Innovative Health Spa Programme
Inspiro Medical Center, Bulgaria
The medical center was awarded for its innovative health treatment program, which combines medical approaches with spa treatments for comprehensive rehabilitation.
Special Award: Oncology Rehabilitation Programme, Ensana Mariánské Lázně, Czech Republic
For a groundbreaking oncology rehabilitation program led by Dr. Petra Bailey, MBA, providing patients with physical and mental tools to cope with cancer.
Category C6 - Innovative Spa Products
VR Medical, Czech Republic: Recognized for the advanced development of virtual reality technology for medical treatments and unique spa experiences.
Special Award: Mineral-Rich Water Spray, Värska kuurortravikeskus Sanatoorium Estonia: An innovative product based on the natural properties of mineral water, for daily use and improving quality of life.
Category C7 - Innovative Spa Education
SpaEdu by Wellandia, Romania: Awarded for innovation in spa training and education, with advanced study programs for training the next generation of professionals.
Special Awards:
Institute of Spa and Balneology: For an educational strategy that connects scientific research with clinical practice, with special thanks to Alina Huseynli.
Czech and Slovak Spa Association: For a unique publication that deepened knowledge and excellence in the field of Climatotherapy.
Category C8 - Innovative Spa Research
The Masak System by beScored, France: Awarded for the development of an innovative research assessment system allowing precise analysis of treatment effectiveness.
Special Award: Multimodal Fibromyalgia Rehabilitation, Fürstenhof Klinik, Germany
For groundbreaking research in multimodal fibromyalgia rehabilitation, led by Timon Köbele (Bad Pyrmont).
The ESPA summarized that the 2025 awards reflect the four pillars of spa service and innovation: excellence, attention, innovation, and passion. The awards not only recognize achievements but also set a new benchmark for the future of the health and wellness industry in Europe.
Photo by: Markus Sein