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.

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.

1. For over three decades, your university has been a key factor in the region. Were you anticipating this award, and what do you think are the advantages that convinced the jury to distinguish your achievements?

Thank you! It’s an incredible honour for us at Klaipeda University to receive this prestigious award. As the only full-scale university in the western region of Lithuania – a region with a vibrant industrial and commercial base – Klaipeda University has dedicated over three decades to advancing scientific and academic excellence. Our commitment has always been to support sustainable development and growth through three core strategic directions: towards sustainable technologies, blue and green growth and a healthy sea, towards sustainable health and wellbeeing with the aim of provision of smart solutions for sustainable development of the society, its health and wellbeing, and towards society and culture on the Baltic coast. For 13 years, we have been pioneering research in medical spa sciences, blending traditional methods with cutting-edge scientific approaches. I believe the jury recognized our unique, holistic approach, which integrates the therapeutic benefits of natural resources with rigorous research to develop innovative and sustainable wellness solutions. This recognition reflects the dedication of our researchers, our commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, and our efforts to provide a range of diagnostic tools and treatment modalities backed by robust scientific evidence. We’re incredibly proud of this achievement and excited to continue advancing wellness research for the benefit of our community and beyond.

2. Nowadays, people’s daily lives are subjected to high levels of stress and dynamism, and this can worsen the quality of life and cause serious health issues. What are the alternatives? What do your studies show, and could the effect of natural resources improve people’s health and reduce their stress?

Humanity has indeed made remarkable progress over the past century, from advances in food security, housing, and education to improvements in medical care and human rights. One would think these strides would translate into higher levels of mental well-being, yet we’re facing an opposite trend. Despite these advancements, stress remains a pervasive issue, impacting both physical and mental health. It’s a factor in up to 90% of major diseases and adverse events, such as heart disease, cancer, and even suicide, with around 8 of 10 people reporting stress that affects their physical health. The World Health Organization’s Comprehensive Action Plan for Mental Health 2013-2030 highlights mental health as a cornerstone for achieving overall health, advocating for strategies to promote mental well-being and prevent mental health issues.

Our research explores the role of natural resources—such as mineral waters, therapeutic muds, and nature therapy procedures—as effective tools for enhancing both physical and mental health. Our findings confirm that a 3-day to 2-week nature-based treatment, primarily through balneotherapy and particularly beneficial during winter, and in inpatient mode, can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. With effects lasting up to six months, these treatments improve sleep, skin health, and cardiovascular, and respiratory health. Our data show that natural therapies reduce stress by 55%, and positively impact a range of mental health issues.

These holistic treatments offer a sustainable, safe, and impactful approach to reducing stress, preventing psychoneurological disorders, and supporting rehabilitation. When combined with a balanced lifestyle, natural therapies can help address the adverse effects of modern life. This study provides valuable insights into mitigating the lasting stress effects from the COVID-19 pandemic and underscores the potential for Lithuania to become a leader in innovative spa treatments in the Baltic Sea region. By promoting health tourism and supporting economic recovery, we can make a positive impact on both individual health and the wider community.

Our research highlighted the importance of collaboration between scientists and practitioners, bringing together Klaipėda University, the National Association of Medical Spa and Rehabilitation Centers (Lithuania), the Lithuanian Resort Association, and the Ministry of Economy and Innovation of Lithuania. Without these partnerships such achievements and research advancements would not have been possible.

3. After Covid-19, more and more medical programs are becoming part of the tourist industry, as they allow people to combine their vacations with useful procedures for their bodies and health. How do you think medical tourism will develop in the aftermath of the world pandemic?

The pandemic has fundamentally changed how we perceive both travel and health. The extended health impacts, including fatigue, anxiety, and reduced physical fitness, have brought a new level of urgency to self-care and personal well-being. As people become more aware of preventive health, nature-based wellness has emerged as a societal need, especially given the pressures of an ageing population, workplace stress, and often strained healthcare systems. Nature-based wellness is increasingly valued not only as a retreat but as an essential practice for restoring balance in body, mind, and spirit.

This shift in priorities has created a significant opportunity for all spas to expand their focus, offering sustainable, nature-based wellness programs designed to support recovery and enhance overall health. By developing innovative, nature-focused routes and programs, we not only improve public health but also boost the region’s economic resilience and visibility. Cross-border collaborations could help diversify year-round nature tourism, reduce seasonality, create new business opportunities, and generate local employment.

Medical tourism, which merges wellness treatments with leisure travel, is also set to grow as people seek out vacations that go beyond relaxation to actively support their health. Lithuania has a long tradition of medical spas that integrate wellness and rehabilitation, and we see tremendous potential in this approach. By blending relaxation, recovery, and preventive care, we believe the future of medical tourism is bright. Klaipeda University has been at the forefront of research in this field, and we are excited to see Lithuania become a leading destination for health-focused tourism, offering travelers the opportunity to improve their well-being while discovering a new part of the world.

In the context of COVID-19, several Lithuanian health resorts, including Draugystė Mineral SPA, Eglės Sanatorija, SPA VILNIUS Druskininkai, UPA Medical SPA, Grand SPA Lietuva, Gradiali, and Energetikas, have created special programs to support clients recovering from COVID. They emphasize a personalized and holistic approach, which is a key strength of Lithuania’s sanatorium and resort-based treatments.

At the recent ESPA Congress, 84 participants simultaneously performed a hand mud treatment aimed at setting a record.

4. Can you tell us more about the history of the Lithuanian Spas?

In Lithuania, the healing properties of mineral waters from places like Druskininkai, Birštonas, and Smardonė have been recognized since the 13th–16th centuries. The first scientific methodologies were documented in Ignacy Fonberg’s monograph “Description of the Mineral Waters of Druskininkai” (1838), establishing a foundation for the scientific validation of these natural resources. Historically, Lithuania has played a significant role in the scientific investigation of therapeutic and experimental factors in resorts during the 20th century, with a dedicated laboratory for resort science led by Dr. V. Meška. This research center has done lot of experiments, developed methodological guidelines, and over 80 dissertations were defended.

5. One of the biggest challenges facing the tourist industry is the need for qualified professionals. Do young people have an interest in your educational programs, with which they could succeed afterwards in the tourism industry?

Yes, there is a growing interest among young people in the intersection of health, wellness, and tourism, and Klaipeda University offers specialized programs to prepare students for success in the tourism and hospitality industries. Our Recreation and Tourism program focuses on developing skills in health tourism and e-tourism. This program emphasizes both the scientific foundations of health and the latest trends in wellness tourism, providing students with practical knowledge in managing medical spa facilities. Our students are encouraged to build strong theoretical and hands-on expertise, making them highly competitive and well-prepared for the global tourism market. We also offer programs in Public Health, Healthcare management, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Physiotherapy, Ergotherapy, and other specialized programmes within our Holistic Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, as well as Leisure sports in our Sports Department.

6. The awards indicate to innovators that they have the vision and that they are going in the right direction. Will the ESPA’s recognition stimulate you for new achievements, and what does this award mean to you?

This award is a tremendous motivation for our entire team and for Klaipeda University. It validates that we’re on the right path, advancing innovation in medical wellness and rehabilitation. It’s a deep honour that reinforces our commitment to research and development in areas like nature-based wellness, sustainable tourism, and mental health enhancement through natural resources. This recognition not only elevates our work but opens doors for collaboration with researchers globally, helping us make an even greater difference in the field.

For me personally, this award is a significant acknowledgment from the ESPA community, validating my dedication to making a difference by developing safe, effective nature-based programs that benefit individuals and society as a whole. It’s a reminder of the importance of continued innovation, and we’re excited to pursue even greater achievements in the future.

7. The annual congress of the European SPAS Association in Druskininkai (Lithuania) is now part of history. We witnessed some extremely interesting and useful presentations. I would like to ask you to make an assessment of the hosts and the organizers of the event, which is a significant part of the world tourism calendar.

The European SPAS Association congress in Druskininkai was an outstanding event. The hosts and organizers did a remarkable job of bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and professionals from all over the Europe. The presentations were not only informative but also thought-provoking, covering a wide range of topics that are crucial for the future of wellness tourism. The congress program was impressively comprehensive, covering a wide range of critical topics in the spa and wellness industry, all of which are highly relevant to current trends and future directions in health tourism. The sessions addressed diverse areas, from innovative approaches in medical wellness to economic perspectives in tourism, offering invaluable insights for both industry professionals and researchers.

Key topics “Charting New Horizons: Shaping the Future of Health Tourism” and “Perspectives of European Health Resorts,” which provided forward-looking discussions on the evolving spa industry and the challenges and opportunities it faces. Presentations on SPA Business Architecture and workforce solutions highlighted practical strategies for enhancing client comfort and staff well-being, which are essential for sustainable growth in this field. Another standout area was the emphasis on technology and education, specifically how they contribute to quality and sustainability in spa care, demonstrating the role of innovation in the industry.

Nature-based treatment modalities were thoroughly explored, with sessions on Climate-based Treatments, Spa Medicine & Prevention, and Balneology, underscoring the importance of evidence-based approaches in preventive care and rehabilitation. A particularly interesting segment was the focus on the potential role of European spas in preventing non-communicable diseases, a key area for future health impact. Additionally, there was a strong focus on specific populations, such as children, with sessions like Balneology in Children’s Health offering targeted insights and solutions for these unique wellness needs. reflecting the growing importance of mental well-being and the benefits of digital detox, particularly for children’s health. The session on Healing Forests further illustrated how natural environments can play a role in physical and mental wellness.

Overall, the hosts and organizers of this event curated a world-class program, balancing high-level discussions with practical insights. Their dedication to creating a space for knowledge-sharing and forward-thinking discussions solidifies this congress as a premier event in the global tourism calendar, fostering meaningful progress in the health and wellness sectors.

Druskininkai, with its rich history of wellness treatments, was the perfect location for such an event. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate and contribute to the discussions, and we look forward to future collaborations in this thriving field.

Interview prepared by Ruslan Yordanov.

This event, organized by the National Association of Medical Spas and Rehabilitation Centers along with the Lithuanian Resorts Association, aimed to draw attention to innovations in Lithuania’s health sector and highlight the country’s natural resources and wellness potential.

According to Assoc. Prof. L. Rapolienė from the Faculty of Health Sciences at Klaipėda University, mud therapy has a positive effect not only on the skin but on the whole body. “Mud therapy stimulates circulation, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing processes. Additionally, it helps reduce stress and encourages regenerative processes,” explained the scientist.

At the ESPA congress, he will talk about the Future of Europe Health Tourism.
He has been working in financial sector for the last 15 years. Main skills and experience was earned in relation management and sales. This kind of skills came from taking
responsibilities of senior wealth manager, head of institutional sales
and head of investment support. Specialties: Relation management.Sales.Corporate finance.Financial analyses.Investment project management.International experience.

Researchers conducting the study confirmed that natural resources found in Lithuanian resort towns can significantly improve people’s health and sometimes even replace traditional medicines or assist them in overcoming health concerns, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19. This provides a clear signal to actively develop balneology and resort management and to utilize natural resources as a preventive measure in combating the consequences of stress or ageing.

The scientific study conducted in three cities – Palanga, Birštonas, and Druskininkai – was led by Klaipėda University (KU). The research team included a family physician who interacts with patients daily, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lolita Rapoliene and five colleagues attracted more experts from both Lithuania and abroad. 

Balneotherapy with mineral water and therapeutic mud is an excellent, eco-friendly method that complements conventional therapy

The results of the study revealed that stress is widely prevalent in society. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation, increasing the frequency of negative health consequences. Therefore, it is important to seek effective and natural methods to reduce stress and improve health. Balneotherapy with mineral water and therapeutic mud is an excellent, eco-friendly method that complements conventional therapy and has been used safely and effectively for thousands of years. The study showed that balneotherapy procedures with various natural resources improve mental and physical health by enhancing musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory system function, metabolism, and skin conditions, especially during the winter season.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. L. Rapoliene, “It seems unbelievable, but it turns out that even a three-day course of procedures in a medical spa is enough to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue levels, and life brightens with new colours, improving work and social adaptation and reducing biological age by 2.2 years.” And the effect of a two-week course of procedures lasts up to six months.

This study has opened up new opportunities in the field of balneology and resort management to more effectively combat stress and improve the health of the population. “Mineral water, therapeutic mud, halotherapy, and time in nature – gifts of the Earth that can strengthen or restore health in any season, in any regime, using various natural resources.”

More information on the next Congress of the European Spas Association in Druskininkai/Lithuania, 25-26.September 2024.

Balneotherapy is an integral part of the Lithuanian health system

We recently talked to Nijolė Dirgičienė, the mayor of the Birštonas municipality in Lithuania. She is also the president of the Lithuanian Resort Towns Association, a member of the Local Authorities in Lithuania, ALAL Board Member and a member of the Council of Europe Congress, as well as one of the most active political figures of Lithuania.

Q: You have been involved in the Lithuanian Resorts Association since 2007. What were the most important milestones for the Association in these years?

Over the years, great efforts had to be made to achieve the recognition of the uniqueness of the Lithuanian resort towns. The Association of Lithuanian Resorts is the core, while all our resort towns are different and have their own face. Although our country’s resort towns are an integral part of Lithuania’s image and tourism, the specificity and uniqueness of these areas are still not sufficiently taken into account. Over the past 16 years, we have been able to join forces to gain recognition for the common issues of resort towns. Together, we all prepared the “Draft Law on the Sustainable Development of Lithuanian Resort Towns”, which establishes a general line on how resorts should develop in harmony with the environment, social changes, while using our infrastructure and natural resources efficiently. We are already waiting for the consideration of the draft law in the Parliament of Lithuania and we are sure that its adoption will benefit not only resort towns, but also for Lithuania as a state in general and the country’s residents themselves.
We are also particularly proud that today the benefits of natural resources and the need for scientific research are no longer in doubt. There is political will and common understanding, but we all have to find tools together to implement research and lead the Lithuanian balneology sector to new heights.

Recently, we received the recognition of German statutory health insurance funds for the reimbursement of outpatient health services in Lithuanian spas. This is an extremely big step for our country, towards which we have been working for many years. However, we understand that this is only a motivational tool, and the biggest work is still in the future.
The problems faced by resort towns and resort areas are recognized, and in many cases solutions are sought. We are making great efforts so that resorts and resort areas have even more opportunities to develop, renew, increase attractiveness and at the same time contribute to economic growth of the country.

Q: How important are the economic impacts of medical and spa tourism in Lithuania and what are the other multiplicative effects for your country?

Balneotherapy and medical & spa tourism is an integral part of our health system and economy, contributing significantly to the strengthening of Lithuania’s competitiveness and GDP growth.
Currently, the tourism sector in Lithuania generates about 4% of GDP. We are ready grow and to contribute even more significantly to the country’s economic growth. The positive impact is felt not only by the resort towns themselves, our sanatoriums, medical spas, but also by elastically related economic sectors – institutions and businesses working in the sphere of accommodation, catering, service organization. Our resort towns and medical spas are the special gems of the country – they generate the largest tourist flows after the big cities. Let’s say, a third of Germans and Latvians and even 66 percent of nights spent by Israel tourists was given specifically in our resort towns in 2022. The potential is considerable, but we can and are capable of offering and providing resort recreation and balneotherapy even more widely.

Q: How do you see the further development of your association and where do you see its potential in the future?

At the moment, the full potential of Lithuanian tourism sector is not being used, it is about 4%. GDP. Resort towns in general are ready to provide even greater benefits to the country’s economy than before – of course, this requires the help of the state itself.
Lithuanian resort towns are ready to compete with other European countries with their quality of balneotherapy treatments and tourism services. Therefore, we will continue to work together to increase the flow of incoming tourism and investments in the resort towns themselves.

Q: In your role as a Mayor of Birštonas, one of the renowned spa towns in Lithuania, what are your goals and priorities to further develop and promote medical and spa tourism?

Historically and culturally, Birštonas is one of the oldest resort towns in our country. We have a beautiful history and we are very proud of it. We always highlight balneology as the most important value of our city and we will never lose it. Our goal is to make balneology even more attractive and accessible, to educate visitors, to give them a real touch of natural resources, to awaken people’s awareness in a contact with nature, mineral water. We want every visiting tourist, whether it is a mother with a baby or an elderly couple, to feel the power of nature, to inspire, to make them rethink their values (habits, diet, etc.). We develop the city in such a way that natural resources can be tested in the fresh air – after simply taking off your running shoes, wade through the mineral water and perform the “Kneipp coffee” ritual, breathe in the steam of the mineral water at your leisure with a book in hand and try forest bathing. We believe in this philosophy and develop the resort town based on these values. We believe this is our strength. We are constantly developing the infrastructure of the resort: expanding the network of bicycle paths, reconstructing parks and squares. In the near future, the construction of a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Nemunas river is planned. Spa complexes are being developed in the Birštonas resort town, more and more quality catering and leisure services are being established. We are also proud of our exceptional natural values – we are a green resort town, developing in this path.

With time and the right evidence, Balneology can replace pharmaceuticals and help people

Q: What are the main challenges of medical, spa & wellness tourism in Europe?

We are facing too little attention to balneology and spa & wellness tourism and its development, lack of financial instruments for the resort towns’ development and balneology research. These elements are extremely important, some countries implement them more widely and consistently, while other countries are still looking for ways of solutions and financial opportunities.
The current post-pandemic situation has clearly shown how important immunity is. To strengthen it in European spas, we use centuries-old healing traditions, the natural wealth of the depths of the earth – mineral waters, mud – and apply it to innovative uses. High pace of life, stress leaves a clear mark in today’s society, especially among young people. Balneology can serve well in this context – we are sure that with time and the right evidence it can replace pharmaceuticals and help people.

Q: Sustainable tourism and regenerative approach are hot topics nowadays. How successful is health and spa tourism in this field and what can be done to reduce the negative impact on the environment?

This is fundamental part to the development of today’s resort towns. Nature protection is becoming an increasingly important part of our lives, and there is no doubt that we must make as much effort as possible to make tourism sustainable, protecting the environment and nature. Both the resort towns themselves and the businesses operating in them have been taking all measures for quite a long time to reduce the footprint of their activities on the environment. We are moving to ecological development solutions, we are promoting green energy and transport. We see that people themselves are much more aware, but we must not forget to constantly educate them and offer them sustainable alternatives at every step they take.

Q: How do you see the role and importance of the European Spas Association? Which should be its main activities to help its members?

Each partnership in the association or organization is important to the extent of how much of your expertise, attention, and contribution you put into its activities yourself. ESPA has been an irreplaceable partner for the Association of Lithuanian Resorts for many years, we participate in all the activities, actively cooperate in the ESPA contact network. We see meaning and result in this cooperation. More and more of our members and their partners discover ESPA events, e-library, we notice a desire to be involved in its activities and grow.

Q: Which are the innovations in your members’ spas that you are most proud of?

The medical spas operating in Lithuania resort towns are creating unique health and wellness programs after Covid, which help not only to strengthen immune system, but also to restore the body. We hear from many partners and clients that our medical spas do not resemble the environment of regular health care institutions: they are like “boutique” hotels where you can find the most innovative and personalized service.
Of course, our medical spas are full of the latest high-end equipment: cold chambers, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, sleep capsules, the most innovative devices for examining body data. Medical spas pay a lot of attention and invest into this.

Q: Which are the treatments in the Lithuanian spas that one should not miss when visiting Lithuanian spas for the first time?

Our uniqueness is mud and mineral water procedures. We could single them out as part of our culture and traditions as well. Although trends change, new tools and equipment appear, but mud and mineral therapy is always what sticks in the memory of visitors the most. The Amber spa therapy, performed in one of the medical spas in Birštonas is a set of unique procedures that help to use the energy of amber accumulated over millions of years to improve human health. Flow therapy, which has no analogues in the Baltic countries, is also worth trying – it uses mineral water containing 70 active mineral elements: in just 20 minutes in a state of weightlessness, the body absorbs as many trace elements as it would not receive in any other form!

Lithuanian medical spas perform many unique procedures, so everyone will find one that suits them, all you have to do is listen to your body’s needs.

“This is particularly important and significant for Lithuania. We all together have been seeking this recognition for several years. Finally, our country is included in the European health tourism map, which is very important to Lithuania as balneology and natural resources have been on a spotlight for us for centuries. It is especially important to have that recognition and green light to move forward doing the best that our spa towns and our medical spas can – develop and deliver the best balneotherapy treatments that combine our natural remedies, traditions and new, innovative approach” – says Nijolė Dirginčienė, President of the Lithuanian Resorts association and mayor of Birštonas town.

Lithuanian health resorts and the balneotherapy/spa medicine sectors plays a significant role in national economy. This new recommendation of EU-Patienten brings a lot of attention to the importance and uniqueness of Lithuanian spa towns and medical spas and allows to contribute to the good and significance created for the EU society. Last year even 38 percent the overnights of German guests were in the health resorts of Lithuania. The spa towns in Lithuania: Birštonas, Druskininkai, Neringa and Palanga blend the latest advances in medical science, the finest expertise in wellbeing and rehabilitation with latest design. Natural mineral water, curative mud, unique microclimate make them multi-profile resorts with the main focus on musculoskeletal, nervous system, cardiovascular, endocrinological, oncological, post-covid and other disorders. Lithuanian medical spas deliver very high standard quality for health oriented travellers, holistically believing that every slightest detail matters when it comes to health and wellbeing.