An interview with Irmantas Karpis, Head of Sales at Gradiali Medical SPA & Wellness, Lithuania — winner of the ESPA Innovation Award for Innovative Spa Design Hotel and Special Jury Award in category Innovative Medical Spa
1. What visual experiences do guests encounter, and how do these environments support therapeutic goals?
At the heart of the new Gradiali SPA is an extraordinary visual experience – a 25-meter-wide LED screen, the size of a cinema wall, immersing guests in a multisensory journey unlike any other. The screen showcases internationally acclaimed Lithuanian visual art, including breathtaking coastal landscapes captured by photographer Marius Jovaiša. As guests drift through the water, they are guided on a serene voyage along the Baltic shoreline — a meditative experience that soothes both body and mind.
Every detail in the space is designed for emotional balance: a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system adapts fluidly to the imagery, creating a living, breathing atmosphere that invites guests to let go of tension and reconnect with inner calm.
2. Immersive technology in wellness spaces can sometimes overwhelm rather than relax. How do you balance cutting-edge design with creating genuine relaxation?
We believe that technology should enhance tranquility, not compete with it. That’s why we carefully curate every visual project featured on our screen — selecting content that complements the rhythm of relaxation and aligns with our guests’ emotional responses.
We continuously listen to guest feedback and refine the experience based on what resonates most. To achieve perfect harmony between image, sound, and light, we collaborate with renowned professionals in audiovisual design who specialize in creating immersive yet deeply soothing environments. The result is a seamless fusion of innovation and serenity — technology that quietly amplifies the feeling of peace.
“Every element at Gradiali — from the rhythm of light to the whisper of sound — is designed to help guests reconnect with inner calm.”
Irmantas Karpis, Head of Sales, Gradiali Medical SPA & Wellness
3. If the design itself is the therapy, which specific combination of light, sound, and atmosphere in your hotel has demonstrated the most unexpected effect on guests’ emotional state or recovery?
Together with wellness and audiovisual experts, we continuously evaluate the impact of light, sound, and visual content on guests’ responses.
Early feedback shows that the calming movement of nature scenes, gentle ambient lighting, and balanced sound frequencies have the most noticeable effect in helping guests unwind and detach from everyday stress. We rely on both scientific insights and guest experience to fine-tune these elements, ensuring the environment truly supports relaxation rather than stimulation.
4. Local traditions are part of your offering. Can you give specific examples of Lithuanian wellness traditions you’ve integrated?
Our wellness philosophy is deeply rooted in Lithuanian nature and heritage. The pools at Gradiali are filled with Žvorūnė mineral water, sourced directly on-site from a 570-meter-deep borehole — one of the richest natural resources in the region. Mineral water therapies have long been part of Lithuania’s healing traditions, valued for their restorative and beautifying properties.
And of course, we haven’t forgotten the Baltic sauna culture, which remains an essential part of relaxation for Lithuanians. Our guests can enjoy several traditional-style saunas, designed simply and comfortably to reflect this cherished local ritual of warmth, cleansing, and calm.
