C1 INNOVATIVE & HEALTH RESORT DESTINATION
WINNER: DRUSKININKAI – LITHUANIA
Druskininkai is a health and climate resort with a strict forest conservation concept.
The city will continue to develop large leisure and recreation facilities, such as a waterpark and ski arena. It also offers unique leisure activities that complement wellness time, including a Tree Climbing Park, an Olympic-level athlete center, over 60 km of bike trails, and active rural communities with unique local programs offering insights into ecologically grown local food and customs. Following the success of public investments, the city has attracted private investments, developing and renovating more sanatoriums and spa centers. All public transport in Druskininkai is 100% eco-friendly.
SPECIAL JURY AWARD : HISARYA- BULGARIA
Hisarya: This European destination stands out as the only place on the continent with a fully intact Roman city wall and a functional spring within a Roman spa complex. This exceptional world heritage site has been incorporated into the tourism experience through a 3D app guide, the organization of events, and captivating light shows around the Roman spa. Moreover, efforts are being made to extend the excavation of the former Roman luxury spa, enhancing the historical significance of the site.
CATEGORY 2: INNOVATIVE MEDICAL SPA
WINNER TERME SVETI MARTIN, CROATIA
The Terme Sveti Martin in Croatia is committed to providing holistic rehabilitation for the body, mind, and spirit through its innovative Healthness program. This program includes Healthness room, personalized counseling, and a Body Vitality Scan. Based on the scan, guests receive tailored services such as phytotherapy, cannabinoid therapy, sleep optimization, nutritional planning, stress reduction advice, and mindfulness treatments. This approach ensures guests leave the resort healthier, more balanced and inspired to make lasting lifestyle changes.
SPECIAL JURY PRIZE: MEDICAL SPA “VERSMĖ”, LITHUANIA
The Digital system map-based approach allows all units to efficiently manage and share client information. It covers reservations, treatment management, document signing, performance tracking, data processing, analytics, reporting, and integration with sales channels. The AI model aims to automate reservation and reception processes, significantly reducing the need for specialist intervention. A new program monitors the impact of mineral water on groundwater during treatment, and many Green solutions are in practice.
CATEGOTY 3: INNOVATIVE SPA HOTEL
WINNER SPA VILNIUS, LITHUANIA
SPA VILNIUS has further enhanced its image as a modern and technology-friendly company with a new feature that allows customers to better manage their time. This feature enables customers to seamlessly integrate SPA procedures into their personal or professional lives, providing flexibility and a sense of control. Calendar reminders and schedules are available to help customers fully relax. This enhanced experience may attract new customers to choose SPA VILNIUS for its simplicity and smooth operation. Customer feedback rates the operational quality indicators at 9.7 out of 10. Technology innovation is a key factor when choosing SPA VILNIUS, ensuring seamless planning and organization.
SPECIAL JURY PRIZE: PLANINKA, SERBIA
The spa heritage, culture, and tradition in Kuršumlijska Spa date back to Roman times. The Planinka complex is located in pine forests. The municipality was recognized as the best spa destination in Serbia as part of the EU initiative, the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) by the European Commission in the category of “Health and Wellbeing Tourism”.
With numerous eco-friendly solutions and outdoor activities, local cookbooks maintain the traditional balneology center as an intriguing destination for the younger generation.
SPECIAL JURY PRICE: ALMA HEALTH & SPA RETREAT , ROMANIA
Alma Health Center is one of the largest and most modern spa and wellness venues in Romania. It uses healing mud and hypersaline water from a natural salt lake, Lake Sarat, in a unique integrative way, combining natural resources with advanced technology. It has become a leading symbol of modern balneology. The center also features a private beach, outdoor saltwater and freshwater pools, and a modern event facility. The concept of Alma Health & Spa Retreat integrates health, relaxation, and social interaction in an innovative way.
CATEGORY 4: INNOVATIVE CONCEPT
WINNER GRIFID HOTELS
Grifid Medi spa Encanto offers a balanced detox program focusing on healthy eating and featuring locally sourced products within 70km. the hotel includes a fully equipped balneology center on the coastline. the 360° approach emphasizes cleansing, recharging, and showing gratitude to the body through personalized healthy nutrition food plans, physical activities, and detoxifying treatments. the slogan of Griffid/ our body is our home. we create chaos or comfort in it.
SPECIAL JURY PRICE EGLES REHABILITATION CENTER/ LITHUANIA
EGLE SANATORY brand has innovatively connected healing resorts with cities by establishing a city rehab contact point. through this initiative, EGLE aims to educate a broader audience about the advantages of the natural resources and the potential for health prevention based on medical spa traditions
CATEGORY 5: INNOVATIVE SPA PROGGRAME
WINNER SPA VILNIUS , LITHUANIA
The forest program is more than just SPA procedures – it is a journey into the inner self, opening a deep connection with Lithuanian nature. SPA VILNIUS masters and therapists have created a comprehensive program that includes therapy, massage, and bath to achieve a full balance of body and emotions through forest experiences. The uniqueness and originality of the forest program stem from the deep integration of Lithuanian nature and culture into every procedure, aiming to create not only physical but also spiritual renewal. The program is based on the uniqueness of the Lithuanian forest, which has long been considered a healing source. Elements of the program, such as forest therapy and an outdoor hot tub, are inseparable from nature. Active breathing in the forest air, cooling the body with spring water, or meditating among century-old trees create a unique experience that sets this program apart from other SPA offerings. This allows guests to experience not just traditional SPA, but also a deep spiritual connection with nature.
C6: INNOVATIVE SPA PRODUCTS
WINNER GHARIENI GROUP, GERMANY
GHARIENI’S RLX SATORI wellness lounger is a remarkable natural vibrational and binaural sound treatment experience, designed to harmonize both body and mind.
A distinctive feature of RLX SATORI is its ability to deliver effective treatment using a non-invasive approach . through proprietary technology, coupled with special binaural sounds, music or guided meditation, the brainwaves are guided into relaxation, meditation.
C7: INNOVATIVE SPA EDUCATION
WINNER KLANGSCHALE AKADEMIE SINGING BOWLS, AUSTRIA
The singing bowl & gong academy has an innovative training program specializing in the transmission of sound therapy know- how.
The program combines traditional healing methods with modern scientific approaches, preparing participants to effectively integrate the healing power of singing bowls and gongs into spa and wellness facilities. the klangshale akademie has a certification as a mother earth soundtherapy center, which offers graduates high recognition within the industry and is implemented successfully across asia and europe creating a growing network of trained professionals
The training pogram is conducted in a modular system, which allows to tailor the training to specific needs and create a customized with a single training provider and due to its non-invasive nature and wide range of applications, sound therapy is well-suited to address current health challenges such as stress, anxiety, Burnout prevention, concentration enhancement: increasing mental clarity and focus; and support for chronic conditions.
C8 INNOVATIVE SPA RESEARCH
WINNER INSTITUTE OF SPA AND BALNEOLOGY , CZECH REPUBLIC
The research focuses on the integration of innovative technologies and scientific methods in spa and balneology treatments to enhance their therapeutic efficacy and establish their medical benefits. This includes testing virtual reality applications in spa environments, objectively measuring the effects of the karlovy vary drinking cure, and developing a dedicated “center for spa research.”
The clinical testing is conducted on patients with the approval of the ethics committee.
The primary medical goal is to improve the effectiveness and acceptance of spa and balneology treatments within mainstream healthcare. By scientifically validating these treatments and exploring new technological applications, such as virtual reality, the research aims to provide evidence-based solutions that enhance patient outcomes, promote mental well-being, and support holistic healthcare practices.
Additional to the medical research they have environmental research: targets the specific needs of spa towns, aiming to preserve and enhance the natural resources critical to spa treatments, such as mineral springs, while promoting sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the spa industry.
And socioeconomic research: addresses the needs of public administration by analyzing the socio-economic impact of the spa industry and exploring ways to enhance its contributions to local and regional economies. this includes assessing the economic benefits of spa tourism and its potential to create jobs and promote regional development.
SPECIAL JURY AWARD TO KLAIPEDA UNIVERSITY, LITHUANIA
Klaipeda university has conducted an important research study which goal is to assess the impact of natural resources (geothermal/mineral water, mud, salt, climate) on reducing stress and improving stress-related mental and physical health, as well as the safety of the procedures.
It is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blinded study with the 347 participants was performed.
The problems treated and analyzed in study with an added value: stress, anxiety, and depression, as wellTpost-covid-19 condition. The study was original: unique complex created with the use of natural resources, few parallel treatment modes were evaluated using subjective and objective parameters of different body systems. the effect of 3, 6, and 11 days of spa therapy was analyzed with the follow-up of 6 month. The study provides scientific evidence about possibility of reduction of the consequences of pandemia to human health and the economy, promote the growth of health tourism in Lithuania.
Abroad. Global and local impact: by mapping Lithuania’s centers that utilize natural resources for treatment, the research highlights the importance of location-specific therapies, potentially attracting both local and international clients. it also supports the global recognition of lithuania as a leader in natural wellness practices. Overall, this research contributes significantly to advancing the medical spa sector by providing a scientific basis for natural treatments, promoting innovation, enhancing client trust, and setting new standards for holistic health care.