technology https://europeanspas.eu European Spas Association Sat, 29 Nov 2025 11:02:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Designing Serenity: How Gradiali Transforms Technology into Therapy https://europeanspas.eu/designing-serenity-how-gradiali-transforms-technology-into-therapy/ https://europeanspas.eu/designing-serenity-how-gradiali-transforms-technology-into-therapy/#respond Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:58:24 +0000 https://europeanspas.eu/?p=6773 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.

]]>
https://europeanspas.eu/designing-serenity-how-gradiali-transforms-technology-into-therapy/feed/ 0
Aleš Příhoda: “Virtual Reality – New Trend in Medical Spa Treatments” https://europeanspas.eu/ales-pohoda-virtual-reality-new-trend-in-medical-spa-treatments/ https://europeanspas.eu/ales-pohoda-virtual-reality-new-trend-in-medical-spa-treatments/#respond Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:48:50 +0000 https://europeanspas.eu/?p=6469 Ing. Mgr. Aleš Příhoda is working at the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering CTU in Prague and in Medical Spa Hotels and Resorts Royal Spa, Inc.

At the European Spas and Balneology congress 2025, he will be talking about Virtual reality.
He explained: “Virtual reality has experienced dynamic development in recent years, not only in the field of rehabilitation and spas. The Czech startup VR Medical, s.r.o. has become the number one on the Czech market in recent years, and experts from the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering at the Czech Technical University or the Institute of Spas and Balneology, v.v.i. also participated in the development of the technology.

The use of technology in spas brings many benefits, not only for clients, but also for the spa facilities themselves. The clinical effect has been proven by many studies on a wide range of indications, and further studies are underway.

The reference spa facilities using VR Medical virtual reality technology include, for example, Medical Spa Hotels and Resorts Royal Spa or Lázně Darkov, which won ESPA Innovation Awards in previous years. VR medical was the first to bring unique lower limb and gait therapy to VR rehabilitation, they have detailed reporting, not only for individual therapy, but also for group therapy. Group therapy in VR brings greater efficiency for medical facilities and at the same time increases the quality of movement therapy.

We push the boundaries of the world of rehabilitation with a form supported by clinical evidence.”

]]>
https://europeanspas.eu/ales-pohoda-virtual-reality-new-trend-in-medical-spa-treatments/feed/ 0
Mari-Liis Ööpik-Loks: “Robotics, VR and Technology Innovation” https://europeanspas.eu/mari-liis-oopik-loks-robotics-vr-and-technology-innovation/ https://europeanspas.eu/mari-liis-oopik-loks-robotics-vr-and-technology-innovation/#respond Wed, 17 Sep 2025 06:57:22 +0000 https://europeanspas.eu/?p=6420 Mari-Liis Ööpik-Loks is a board member of the Haapsalu Neurological Rehabilitation Centre (HNRK). She holds degrees in Health Sciences in Physiotherapy from the University of Tartu and in Global Development and Healthcare Management from Laurea University of Applied Sciences in Finland. With extensive experience as both a physiotherapist and head of services at HNRK, she has been actively involved in implementing cutting-edge technologies in rehabilitation.

At the ESPA Congress, she will give a lecture: “Robotics, VR and Technology Innovation“.

]]>
https://europeanspas.eu/mari-liis-oopik-loks-robotics-vr-and-technology-innovation/feed/ 0