The ESPA Innovation Award is one of Europe’s most respected recognitions in the field of medical spas, wellness, and health tourism. Organised by the European Spas Association (ESPA), the award celebrates visionary destinations, companies, and experts who are redefining the future of health and wellbeing through innovation, sustainability, and evidence-based spa medicine.
This year, the ESPA Innovation Award Ceremony was held as part of the HealthCxhange Summit 2026 in Varna, Bulgaria. The elegant Astor Garden Hotel provided the setting for the gala evening, hosted by Iztok Altbauer, Silvia Giannini, and Galia Shtarbeva.
The winners were selected by an expert international jury consisting of Csilla Mezösi, Petr Kulhánek, Prof. Todorka Kostadinova, Gunnlaugur K. Jónsson, and Silvia Giannini.
More than 100 guests gathered to celebrate the winners across eight categories, representing seven countries.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Sothys, the main partner of the ESPA Innovation Award, for their valued support and commitment to promoting innovation, excellence, and the future of spa and wellness across Europe.
…AND THE WINNERS ARE…
C1 – INNOVATIVE SPA DESTINATION
Winner: Domaine de Marlioz, Aix-les-Bains, France
Domaine de Marlioz received the award for its visionary combination of ecological regeneration, public health innovation, and community-driven transformation. The destination represents an outstanding example of how a European spa resort can successfully reinvent itself through sustainability, prevention, and meaningful community impact.
Special Jury Award: Pamporovo, Bulgaria
The Special Jury Award was presented to Pamporovo for transforming a mountain resort into a truly health-focused destination, where climate, nature, and medical expertise come together in a unique and effective way. Pamporovo has successfully turned its exceptional mountain climate into a structured health experience supporting respiratory health, recovery, and overall wellbeing.
C2 – INNOVATIVE MEDICAL SPA
Winner: Eglės Sanatorija, Lithuania
Eglės Sanatorija received the award for its remarkable transformation into a modern, evidence-based, personalised, and digitized medical wellbeing destination that sets a new benchmark for Europe. Through advanced diagnostics, innovative medical technologies, and coordinated health programmes, the resort has successfully shifted from offering individual procedures to delivering measurable, personalised health journeys aligned with European medical spa standards.
Special Jury Award: MARE SPA by Gradiali, Lithuania
The Special Jury Award was presented to MARE SPA by Gradiali for creating a new generation wellness experience that combines expert guidance, modern technologies, and thoughtfully designed treatments. The concept stands out for supporting long-term balance, beauty, and wellbeing through highly personalised care.
C3 – INNOVATIVE SPA DESIGN
Winner: Kashmir Hotel, Bulgaria
The award was presented to Kashmir Hotel, delivering a refined, nature-integrated concept that transforms traditional services into a curated journey of mindful movement and mineral-water therapies. their innovation lies in harmonizing the forest environment with healing springs to create an immersive, identity-driven guest experience.
Special Jury Award: The Five Elements Hotel, Bulgaria
The special jury award recognised The Five Elements Hotel for its exceptional integration of the five core natural elements into the modern spa experience. this destination excels in harmonising local natural resources with contemporary hospitality, providing a balanced environment that supports both physical recovery and mental well-being for the next generation of wellness travelers.
C4 – INNOVATIVE SPA CONCEPT
Winner: Addere Care, Lithuania
Addere Care received the award for creating an entirely new model in Europe — a Wellness Nursing Hospital that combines medical care, rehabilitation, palliative support, and spa wellbeing under one roof. The project represents an innovative new category of health infrastructure with strong medical, social, and societal relevance.
Special Jury Award: King’s Valley Medical & Spa Hotel, Bulgaria
The special jury award recognised Kings’ Valley Medical and Spa Hotel for its ambitious integration of extensive medical facilities with world-class hospitality. their concept excels in providing a comprehensive health environment that caters to both recovery and preventative longevity in a sophisticated setting.
C5 – INNOVATIVE HEALTH SPA PROGRAMME
Winner: Savoy Westend Hotel, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
Savoy Westend Hotel received the award for its groundbreaking Diabetes Mellitus+ Programme, which combines medical precision, digital monitoring, and natural spa therapies to support people living with diabetes. The programme offers personalised diagnostics, tailored treatments, and long-term follow-up care, demonstrating how medical spa therapies can contribute to the management of chronic diseases.
Special Jury Award: Grand Hotel Bansko, Bulgaria
The Special Jury Award was presented to Grand Hotel Bansko for its impressive ability to combine high-capacity wellness infrastructure with innovative health programming in a premier mountain setting.
C6 – INNOVATIVE SPA PRODUCT
Winner: Gentique, USA/Bulgaria
Gentique received the award for transforming cutting-edge longevity science into a high-quality and trustworthy supplement line supporting vitality, energy, and long-term wellbeing. The product range successfully combines scientific research, safety, and natural ingredients into a next-generation wellness solution.
C7 – INNOVATIVE SPA EDUCATION
Winner: Bled Water Forum – Young Global Academy, Slovenia
The Bled Water Forum – Young Global Academy received the award for developing an innovative educational concept that approaches water as a scientific, sensory, and health-giving resource. The initiative inspires a new generation of professionals to better understand water quality, sustainability, health impact, and responsible resource management.
C8 – INNOVATIVE MEDICAL SPA SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
Winner: Spirit Hotel Thermal Spa – Spirit Sweet Dreams Programme, Hungary
Spirit Hotel Thermal Spa received the award for its pioneering Sweet Dreams Programme, which reimagines the concept of restorative sleep through specially designed sleep rooms, reduced electromagnetic exposure, and biologically balanced environments. Combined with balneology, medical expertise, and innovative sleep technologies, the programme creates a comprehensive approach to natural regeneration and sleep improvement.
Congratulations to all the winners!
