NEWS

HEILSUSTOFNUN celebrates 70 years of care and recovery

Founded by Dr. Jónas Kristjánsson as a Health Institute in Hveragerði, Iceland, Heilsustofnun – Rehabilitation and Health Clinic has, over seven decades, evolved into a renowned centre for rehabilitation and wellness. The Clinic today combines modern medicine, herbal medicine, nutrition, and a holistic approach to health. At the heart of Heilsustofnun’s mission is medical rehabilitation, designed for those recovering from illness, injury, or long-term health...

NEW BOOK: “Thalassotherapy and Cosmeceuticals”

The book is a comprehensive review of thalassotherapy and seawater cure, and the cosmeceuticals derived from marine algae as novel sources of cosmetic ingredients. This comprehensive text offers an in-depth exploration of the research and issues related to the use of seawater and marine environment for therapies, as well as the composition of cosmeceuticals derived from seaweed. With contributions from an international team of experts,...

Wellandia Announces Partnership with ESPA and Innovation Awards

Wellandia has opened its platform to all European health, spa, and well-being destinations and spa hotels, with a focus on health. Wellandia is a complete universe - Wellbeing 360° - where customers can discover verified centers and clinics, carefully selected medical spas, relaxation spas, wellness packages, and trustworthy information on relaxation, nutrition, exercise, recovery, sleep, and modern wellness technologies. In addition, Wellandia serves as a...

Save the date for Thalasso online workshop

Tuesday, 21 October from 11.00 to 12.30 (am) We are glad to announce the next online workshop of the Thalasso Working Group and the first speakers: Dr. Marcus Wengel from Prof. Dr. Biener GmbH will speak about minerals in thalassotherapy. His presentation begins with the ocean — a rich source of minerals that can influence human health in many ways. He will focus on selected minerals...

Jaanus Terasmaa: „Quality and composition of Estonia’s curative mud deposits”

Jaanus Terasmaa is Professor of ecohydrology at Tallinn University, School of Natural Science and Health, Institute of Ecology. Originally focused on paleolimnology and sedimentology, his work now encompasses ecohydrology, water management, and ecosystem services, with a focus on climate change, environmental education, citizen science practices, and digital learning tools. He is also cooperating with the Haapsalu College and the Centre of Excellence in Health Promotion...

Highlights Spa Medicine’s Role in Stress-related Disorders at ISMH–ESPA Joint Medical Session

The third session of “SUBSTANCE: CONTENT & NATURE,” held as part of the ISMH–ESPA Joint Medical Session, focused on the theme “Stress-related disorders: an opportunity for spa medicine.” This session brought together international experts to explore how balneotherapy can address modern healthcare challenges. Opening the session, Prof. Christian-François Roques, President of the International Society of Medical Hydrology and Climatology, delivered a recorded address emphasizing the...

Slovenia Hosts ESPA Board Meeting

From 2–3 June 2025, Slovenia had the honor of hosting the ESPA Board Meeting, held at the renowned Dolenjske Toplice Spa, part of the Terme Krka group. This meeting marked a significant transition within the Slovenian Spas Association as long-standing director Iztok Altbauer officially stepped down, handing over his role to Ms. Saša Požar. Board members extended a warm welcome to the new General...

News from the Thermal Tourism Congress 2025

4–6 June 2025 | Ensana Thermal Margaret Island, Budapest The Thermal Tourism Congress 2025 took place from 4 to 6 June 2025 at the renowned Ensana Thermal Margaret Island in Budapest. The event was hosted by the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA), Budapest Spas, and UN Tourism, and powered by Ensana. The European Spas Association (ESPA)joined as a supporting partner. Mayor’s Summit and Welcome Reception The...

The Bled Water Forum once again offered concrete solutions to pressing water challenges

The tenth anniversary edition of the two-day international Bled Water Forum, with participants from thirty-eight countries, concluded with the awarding of prizes for outstanding innovations in the field of drinking water quality and water resource conservation. The 10th Bled Water Forum was held on 4 and 5 June in Bled. The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, officially opened the Forum, emphasising the...

Preventive healthcare expenditure in the European Union

EU countries spent €90.4 billion on preventive health care in 2022, which was the last full calendar year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Preventive health care expenditure in the EU was equivalent to 0.57% of GDP in 2022.  This information is part of the online publication Health in the European Union and, more specifically, is part of the domain of healthcare expenditure statistics. It presents key statistics...