estonia

What Have We Learned at the European Spas & Balneology Congress 2025?

European Spas Association — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 08:46:59 +0000

The European Spas & Balneology Congress, held in Haapsalu, Estonia from 8 – 10 October 2025 brought together health experts, policymakers, innovators, and spa professionals to explore how Europe’s spa destinations can shape the future of preventive health and wellbeing. The event opened with a strong message: spas are no longer just leisure spaces — they are emerging as important partners in public health systems, especially in prevention and long-term wellbeing. Sessions on governance and health policy highlighted how medical spas can integrate more closely with national and EU-level healthcare frameworks, and how investments in prevention deliver measurable returns for society.

Digital transformation was another major thread running throughout the congress. Speakers examined how tools such as digital health platforms, VR applications, and even robotics can support both spa treatments and the broader preventive-health ecosystem. Representatives from international organizations, including WHO, discussed how digitalization can strengthen cooperation between medical spas and public health institutions.

According to our post-congress survey, the main motivations for attending were:
-Gaining new knowledge from industry experts (60%)
-Meeting colleagues from the spa and health resort sector (50%)
Expanding professional networks (44%)
More results from the post-congress survey can be found bellow

The congress also confronted the growing challenges of climate change. Experts shared strategies for improving the climate resilience of spa towns, with emphasis on geothermal resources, energy-efficient solutions, and the creation of nature-based environments that support both ecological sustainability and human wellbeing. The “Blue Health” concept – exploring how coastal and water-rich environments contribute to mental and physical health – added an inspiring environmental dimension.

Balneology remained at the heart of the programme, with scientific presentations on natural healing resources such as mineral waters and therapeutic muds. Researchers shared new findings on the composition, quality, and sustainable use of these resources, including studies on clinical applications for stress, burnout, fibromyalgia, and long COVID. Traditional practices like Estonia’s UNESCO-recognized smoke sauna were also showcased as living examples of cultural and therapeutic heritage.

A strong focus on people – both patients and professionals – shaped many discussions. Sessions on skills development examined how the spa sector must adapt to new expectations, technologies, and population needs, including active ageing and workplace wellbeing. Medical and scientific working groups met alongside local leaders and spa-town mayors, strengthening the network of stakeholders who collectively support Europe’s health destinations.

Complete programme is available at the website

Innovation received a spotlight during the dedicated innovation sessions and the ESPA Innovation Awards, celebrating forward-looking ideas in wellness, health tourism, and spa medicine. Between the scientific sessions, participants also enjoyed cultural events — including a reception in Haapsalu Castle and a gala evening – reinforcing the importance of culture and place in the identity of spa destinations.

The congress concluded with a visit to the Haapsalu Neurological Rehabilitation Centre, grounding the discussions in real-world practice and reminding participants of the essential role spas can play in rehabilitation and long-term recovery.

Results of the satisfaction survey among participants

The most appreciated sessions included:

–Dr. Malina Müller’s keynote – “The Return on Investment of Better Health”
-The panel “Europe’s Hidden Healthcare Power” with Alina Huseynli, Claudia Wagner, Meglena Plugtschieva, Claude-Eugene Bouvier; Patrick H. Carpentier, MD
-Sessions on health, Trigger Points, Strategies & Priorities in Health, Wellbeing, and Prevention

Overall satisfaction with the congress reached 7.9/10, with 60% of participants reporting that their expectations were fully met.

Hosting destination, Visit Haapsalu in beautiful #Estonia, and the local organizing team both received over 90% top-level ratings for their hospitality and professionalism.

Networking opportunities (92.9%) and programme content were also rated as very good by nearly all respondents.

A special mention goes to the “We Trust in #mud” activity and the visit to the Haapsalu Rehabilitation Centre, both of which are described by many as inspiring and insightful.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our hosts, distinguished speakers, panellists, sponsors, and attendees for sharing their expertise and passion for health, prevention, and wellbeing.

More photos can be found here

The Art and Science of Better Sleep

European Spas Association — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 17:25:48 +0000

One of the local partners of the ESPA Congress 20225 is SLEPT – a company dedicated to the science and craft of sleep. The brand focuses on creating beds and mattresses that combine sustainability, traditional craftsmanship, modern comfort, and innovative technology. Each product is developed with attention to individual needs and is refined through user feedback to achieve a balance of form and function.

The company’s philosophy recognizes sleep as a deeply personal experience. Daily life is filled with work, interactions, and meaningful experiences, but restorative rest is essential to maintaining balance and well-being. SLEPT’s work is guided by the principle that high-quality sleep supports both physical health and emotional resilience.

Bespoke, Handcrafted Beds

Distinctive design supported by skilled construction
Tailor-made options, including the possibility of working from customer sketches
A curated selection of more than 1,000 fabrics
Designs that integrate seamlessly into interiors while promoting restorative rest

As a small company, SLEPT offers flexibility, direct collaboration, and focused attention to detail in every project. For more information: www.slept.ee

Loora Salurand: “Digital healthtech”

European Spas Association — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 20:37:56 +0000

Loora Salurand is a health technology professional with a background in pharmacy and academic expertise in developing digital health technologies. She has contributed to Estonia’s digital health advancements, including the launch of the first national e-pharmacy and work at the Estonian Health Insurance Fund. At Teadus ja ärilinnak Tehnopol, she leads EU-wide medtech innovation and export projects, with a focus on chronic diseases such as COPD.

At the ESPA Congress, Loora Salurand and Jana Holmar will jointly present on the topic: “Digital HealthTech.”

Varje-Riin Tuulik: “Clinical studies on Balneology in Tallinn University Haapsalu College”

European Spas Association — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 06:46:48 +0000

Varje-Riin Tuulik is Head of the Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Center at West-Tallinn Central Hospital and serves as Chair of the Board of the Estonian Society of PRM Doctors. Her academic work at Tallinn University’s Haapsalu College focuses on balneology and musculoskeletal overuse syndromes, contributing to clinical studies that bridge scientific research and rehabilitation practice.

At the ESPA Congress, she will give a lecture: „Clinical studies on Balneology in Tallinn University Haapsalu College“.

Eda Veeroja: “Estonian Smoke Sauna – UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”

European Spas Association — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 06:43:11 +0000

Eda Veeroja is a prominent advocate for the preservation and promotion of Estonia’s smoke sauna tradition. Thanks to her initiative, the smoke sauna was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2014. Deeply rooted in her native Haanjamaa, the smoke sauna embodies a rich cultural heritage that includes the knowledge of heating, whipping, sauna words, and ritual practices. Traditionally regarded as a sacred space, the sauna is closely tied to the human life cycle, particularly birth and death.

At the ESPA Congress, she will give a lecture: “Estonian Smoke Sauna – UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity“.

ESPA Congress 2024 & 2025

European Spas Association — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 20:29:44 +0000

Marlies Sobczak gave a retrospective of the ESPA Congress taking place in Druskinikai (Lithuania) in September. 220 Experts from 27 countries participated and for the first time, there was also attention for climate therapy and Thalasso. In addition to looking back, there is also a look ahead.

Maret Sukles (Fra Mare Thalasso Spa) explained that her native country Estonia will celebrate Haapsalu’s 200th anniversary as a spa town in 2025. The next European Spas & Balneology Congress will take place in Estonia from October 8 to 10, 2025. Estonia has a rich spa history, starting with the German physician Carl Abraham Hunnius, who studied in Estonia and introduced sea air, water and mud as therapeutic treatments in 1825.
Heat and water as therapy have an even longer tradition in Estonia. The first writings about sauna use there date back 745 years.