On 12 May 2026, the ESPA Thalasso Working Group will convene in Varna, Bulgaria – a distinguished Thalasso destination on the Black Sea coast.

The working group, initiated by Marlies Sobczak (ESPA Board Member, NL) and supported by Wilhelm Loth (Director, Staatsbad Norderney, DE), brings together European experts committed to strengthening the scientific foundation, visibility, and sustainable and economic development of Thalasso in Europe. The meeting is part of the HealthXchange Summit 2026, organized by European Spas Association, the Bulgarian national association BUBSPA, HTI and other partners, bringing together European spa and health tourism stakeholders. This ESPA meeting will be chaired by the newly elected President, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siyka Katsarova.

PART I.: Thalasso Exchange  
12 May 2026 from 14.00 to 15.30 – LIVE SESSION

The Thalasso meeting will begin with a high-level expert knowledge exchange, followed by an interactive online workshop open to additional interested stakeholders from participating European countries.

The overarching theme is: “The Health of the Sea”
Recognising that the health of people and the health of marine ecosystems are inseparably connected. Thalasso: the importance for our economy and natural environment

Part I – Expert Knowledge Exchange (On-site, Varna)

Title: Science, Practice and Policy in Dialogue
The meeting will open with an expert conversation featuring leading European voices in Thalassotherapy and thermal medicine:

• Prof. Dr. Todorka Kostadinova – Medical University of Varna (Bulgaria)
• Dr. Marina Lalli – President, Federterme (Italy)
• Dr. Marie Perez Siscar – President, French Thalasso Organisation (France) On line
• Prof. Maria Lourdes Mourelle – Author and Lecturer in Thalassotherapy, University of Vigo (Spain)
• Claudia Wagner Managing Director, Fit Reisen (Germany)
• Wilhelm Loth Director Staatsbad Norderney (Germany)

The session will be structured as a moderated dialogue, encouraging interaction between health science, practice, tourism development and European cooperation.

Part II Online workshop
13 May 2026 from 14.00 to 15.30

During the online workshop, Thalasso in theory and practice will take centre stage including contributions from different countries.

Dr. Michele Antonelli, World Hydrothermal Organization (OMTh), Italy: This intervention aims to explore the impact of marine environments on human health, focusing on the physiological and psychological benefits of sea climate, air quality, and exposure to marine elements. The presentation highlights current scientific evidence on thalassotherapy, examining its role in prevention, rehabilitation, and wellbeing. It also discusses emerging research on how coastal ecosystems and marine resources can support integrative, evidence-based approaches to health promotion.

Mr. Serge Fourcade, Quality Director of the Thalazur group, France
Experience the Epigenetic Journey
Epigenetic science has shown the influence of the environment on gene expression and our overall health.It’s possible to take action at any age to preserve your health!
Our thalassotherapy centers will guide each client in improving their lifestyle using the 5 pillars of epigenetics: Mindful nutrition, personalized physical activity, stress management, a supportive social environment and the pleasure of linving. Become an Actor in Your Health!

Ms. Anja Raschke, SPA and Thalasso Coordinator at Staatsbad Nordeney, Germany:
From Concept to Impact: Thalassotherapy Best Practice at bade:haus Norderney
A review of how we have holistically integrated the concept into practical implementation within our facility: treatments, Thalasso offers, courses, sauna rituals, and lounge areas.

Attendance at the online workshop is free of charge. Please fill-out the Registration form to receive the link to the online platform.

For more information please contact: thalasso@europeanspas.eu

Welcome to the 5th online workshop of the Thalasso Working Group!
Participation at the event is free of charge. Please fill-out the Registration form to attend.

PROGRAMME

11:00 – 11:10 Welcome address and introduction by Marlies Sobczak and Dr. Siyka Katsarova
11:10 – 11:25 Dr. Marcus Wengel: “Minerals and Thalassotherapy”
11:30 – 11:45 Ms. Claudia Wagner: “Thalasso for Today’s Health & Welness Travellers”
11:45 – 12:00 Ms. Silke Lambert: “The Sea on Prescription: Investigating the Link between Sea Spray Aerosols and Human Health Benefits”
12:00 – 12:10 Overview and future projects
12:10 – 12:20 Questions from participants
12:20 – 12:15 Future projects and announcement of the first speaker for the Spring edition of Thalasso workshop, Ms. Margrét Grímsdóttir

About the Speakers

Dr. Marcus Wengel from Prof. Dr. Biener GmbH will speak about minerals in thalassotherapy. His presentation begins with the ocean — a rich source of minerals that can influence human health in many ways. He will focus on selected minerals and their benefits. Drawing on more than 60 years of expertise in marine minerals, his company successfully transforms this knowledge into medical wellness products.

Claudia Wagner from Fit Reisen will share her perspective and experience on thalasso health cures using natural remedies from the sea. For over 45 years, Fit Reisen has been creating and promoting healthy holiday experiences — from holistic and natural healing retreats such as thalasso therapy, to health spa hotels that integrate the latest advances in modern spa medicine and medical wellness.

Silke Lambert, a PhD researcher at Ghent University, collaborates with the Blue Growth Research Lab to investigate how exposure to coastal environments can support physiological health. Her research aims to expand our understanding of the mechanisms behind these effects. The title of her presentation is: “The Sea on Prescription: Investigating the Link Between Sea Spray Aerosols and Human Health Benefits.”

Margrét Grímsdóttir is the Director of Nursing for Heilsutofnun NLFI, a Rehabilitation clinic in Iceland. She has long-term experience working in rehabilitation settings and has specialised in burnout and recovery. Margrét has been studying the experience of individuals who have undergone inpatient rehabilitation following severe burnout and how medical rehabilitation programs with the empahizes on natural remedies may support sustained improvements in well-being and quality of life. The aim of her presentation is to offer insights that may help improve rehabilitation strategies for individuals suffering from burnout and stress-related disorders.

The Thalasso working group, a collaborative effort between ESPA and Staatsbad Norderney, is dedicated to the advancement and professionalisation of Thalassotherapy within the health and lifestyle sector. Led by Marlies Sobczak from the Netherlands and Mr. Wilhelm Loth, Staatsbad Norderney, the group aims to integrate Thalassotherapy more closely into European healthcare practices. Emphasising the benefits of a seaside location and a healthy maritime climate, the group focuses on innovation and sustainability under medical supervision.

For more information please contact Ms. Marlies Sobczak at: thalasso@europeanspas.eu

We are glad to announce the next online workshop of the Thalasso Working Group and the first speakers:

Dr. Marcus Wengel from Prof. Dr. Biener GmbH will speak about minerals in thalassotherapy. His presentation begins with the ocean — a rich source of minerals that can influence human health in many ways. He will focus on selected minerals and their benefits. Drawing on more than 60 years of expertise in marine minerals, his company successfully transforms this knowledge into medical wellness products.

Claudia Wagner from Fit Reisen will share her perspective and experience on thalasso health cures using natural remedies from the sea. For over 45 years, Fit Reisen has been creating and promoting healthy holiday experiences — from holistic and natural healing retreats such as thalasso therapy, to health spa hotels that integrate the latest advances in modern spa medicine and medical wellness.

Silke Lambert, a PhD researcher at Ghent University, collaborates with the Blue Growth Research Lab to investigate how exposure to coastal environments can support physiological health. Her research aims to expand our understanding of the mechanisms behind these effects. The title of her presentation is: “The Sea on Prescription: Investigating the Link Between Sea Spray Aerosols and Human Health Benefits.”

Stay tuned for more information! Registration will open in September.

The Thalasso working group, a collaborative effort between ESPA and Staatsbad Norderney, is dedicated to the advancement and professionalisation of Thalassotherapy within the health and lifestyle sector. Led by Marlies Sobczak from the Netherlands and Mr. Wilhelm Loth, Staatsbad Norderney, the group aims to integrate Thalassotherapy more closely into European healthcare practices. Emphasising the benefits of a seaside location and a healthy maritime climate, the group focuses on innovation and sustainability under medical supervision.

For more information please contact Ms. Marlies Sobczak at: thalasso@europeanspas.eu

This time, five speakers presented their interesting research, trends, and activities. From the beginning, the support of Norderney has proven invaluable to the Thalasso working group, as has the involvement of Dr. Marie Perez, President of the French Thalasso Association, who will now actively participate in our group. We warmly welcome her!

University of Varna (Bulgaria)
Dr. Evgeniya Vladeva, in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Todorka Kostadinova, outlined the current and future development of Thalasso therapy in Bulgaria. Thanks partly to pioneers such as Prof. Dr. Stamat Stamatov—considered the founder of medical tourism—Bulgaria is now a key player in Thalasso innovation.

With government support, Bulgaria is working to develop certification guidelines for spas, conduct regular inspections, integrate Thalasso with hospital medical treatments, and coordinate with health insurance companies. Based on a strong scientific foundation, the Medical University of Varna has offered Europe’s first interdisciplinary Master’s program in Rehabilitation, Thalassotherapy, Wellness and Spa since 2018.

“There is a great need for highly qualified professionals, and Varna attracts students from all over the world,” said Dr. Vladeva. “In the future, our focus will be on emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East.”

oceanBASIS (Germany)

Dr. Inez Linke, biologist and founder of oceanBASIS, illustrated how seawater, sea mud, seaweed, and marine animals provide valuable marine resources. Her research focuses on the health benefits of active marine ingredients—especially algae—in food, cosmetics, biotechnology, and medicine. “The minerals in seawater are very similar to those in human blood. We come from the sea. One kilo of algae can contain 10,000 liters of seawater. There are 13,000 species of algae but only about 50 to 100 are used by us. There are more than 4,000 species of red algae that contain many antioxidants. And more than 8,000 species of the more common green algae. The sugars in the brown algae in particular have an anti-inflammatory effect thanks to polyphenols and activate the immune system. They reduce the risk of cancer, offer protection against UV-rays and hydrate the skin. The collagen that can be extracted from the ocean can be used in knee reconstructions. There is an underwater rainforest below sea level and we need to improve the water quality.

The minerals in seawater are very similar to those in human blood. There are 13,000 species of algae but only about 50 to 100 are used by us.. There is an underwater rainforest below sea level and we need to improve the water quality.

oceanBASIS runs a small algae farm in Kiel, Germany, and more than 400 underwater fields are already being harvested in Scandinavia.

Institute Fresenius (Germany)
Nicola Ackermann explained the effects of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in seawater and their consequences for the production of consumer beverages. All water—ranging from drinking water to soft drinks—contains around 8,600 substances that do not naturally occur in the environment. These “forever chemicals” do not decompose and accumulate over time.

PFAS are found in pesticides, food industry dyes, pens, non-stick pans, fire-fighting foam, and water-repellent clothing. Today, PFAS can be detected in everyone’s blood and even in breast milk. These substances are carcinogenic and may cause liver damage. While most substances are excreted within a few days, PFAS can remain in the body for 2–3 years.

According to EFSA guidelines, a maximum of 4.4 ng/kg body weight is considered acceptable. However, in industrial areas and near airports, levels as high as 1,000–4,230 ng/l have been recorded. Although oceans show less contamination, PFAS levels decrease as salinity increases.

Blue Growth Lab (Belgium)
Julia Kinet, gave a presentation on behalf of the Blue Growth Research Lab (BGRL) at the University of Ghent, led by Prof. dr. ir.  Jana Asselman and Prof. dr. Colin Janssen. The lab combines various disciplines such as biology, chemistry, social sciences, psychology, and medicine, to study how people interact with the ocean and how this affects both the sea and our health. In her research, she examines the potential benefits of coastal walking for older adults’ health in Belgium. To this date, most research in this field focuses on questionnaire data, therefore, quantitative data is scarce. Moreover, coastal environments remain under-researched compared to green settings (such as forests), even though 50% of the global population lives within 100 km of a coastline. In Belgium, one in three coastal residents is over 65 years old, offering a unique opportunity to investigate the effects of coastal exposure on this demographic. The research team uses wearable devices and biological markers to measure how a coastal walk affects stress and cognitive performance in older adults.”

Training Thalasso Therapists – Norderney (Germany)
Dr. Friedhart Raschke presented the Thalasso educational program offered on the island of Norderney. Since 2018, this seaside resort has hosted this training annually—this February marked the 15th session.

Over three weekends (Friday to Sunday), participants can earn certification recognized by the Medical Academy Europe. The training focuses on sports, relaxation, and the respiratory system and is used in treating sleep disorders, fatigue, burnout, and immune conditions. In recent years, modules on art, mindfulness, and yoga have also been included. Each session can accommodate 40 to 50 participants, and the cost is €480 (incl. VAT).

Market Trends
Claudia Wagner, Manager at Fit Reisen, gave a brief preview of her upcoming presentation at the next Thalasso workshop. She observes strong market growth: 68% increase in wellness tourism, 85% repeat bookings, and a 12.5% increase in average length of stay.

In her talk, “Thalasso Health Cure with Natural Remedies from the Sea – A Holistic Approach to Prevention, Wellness, and Beauty,” she will explore how companies can meet rising demand.

Coming Soon
We also look forward to welcoming:

– Dr. Marcus Wengel, CEO of Biener GmbH:
“Minerals in Thalasso – The Ocean’s Influence on Health”
In this presentation, we will explore various ocean-derived minerals and their wide-ranging health effects.
www.biener-aquaristik.de

We look forward to meeting again this autumn!

Marlies Sobczak-Boumans
ESPA Board Member

In 2002, the kick-off of Thalasso as a therapeutic wellness treatment method took place in the German seaside resort of Norderney. Willem Loth (director Staatsbad Norderney, Germany), Dr. Raschke (Head of Research Dept. Staatsbad Norderney (Germany) and Lourdes Mourelle (member of the FA2 research group / Applied Physics department of the University of Vigo, Spain) were from the first hours intensively involved in the promotion of Thalasso as a growing – but still unknown – market.

How it Started: Thalasso Promoters

In 2023, Marlies Sobczak created this working group to promote the Thalasso concept and enhance its marketing, with the first online meeting held in April 2024. The European participant list is growing steadily, with journalist Laura Powell from the US acting as an intermediary for ESPA in North America.

In 2002, the promotion of Thalasso as a therapeutic wellness treatment began in the German seaside resort of Norderney. Key figures such as Willem Loth (Director of Staatsbad Norderney, Germany), Dr. Raschke (Head of Research, Staatsbad Norderney, Germany), and Lourdes Mourelle (member of the FA2 research group, Applied Physics Department at the University of Vigo, Spain) were deeply involved in promoting Thalasso as a growing—yet still emerging—market.

Promising American Markets

Journalist Laura Powell from Tourism Well Defined (a veteran travel and wellness consultant working with ESPA) provided insights into the potential for Thalasso in the American market. “In America, we don’t have medical spas or equivalents of balneology and Thalasso. While hot springs are very popular, and New York is a thermal city, the concept of ‘wellness’ is interpreted very differently here. In Europe, wellness often emphasizes medicinal applications, whereas, for the average American, it’s associated more with vacations and relaxation. Moreover, prices in America are much higher; for example, six days of Thalasso in Saint-Malo, France, cost me €1,000—roughly what you’d pay per day in America.” According to Powell, ‘rebranding’ is needed so that Thalasso facilities cater to broader audiences beyond the traditional wellness market. “Focus on health vacations, oceans, and lakes, and approach North American tour operators in your region.”

ESPA Congress 2024 & 2025

Marlies Sobczak presented a summary of the ESPA Congress held in Druskininkai, Lithuania, in September. This congress attracted 220 experts from 27 countries, with discussions that, for the first time, included climate therapy and Thalasso.

Looking forward, Maret Sukles from Fra Mare Thalasso Spa shared that in 2025, Estonia will celebrate Haapsalu’s 200th anniversary as a spa town. The next ESPA conference is set to be held in Estonia from October 8 to 10, 2025. The German physician Carl Abraham Hunnius, who studied in Estonia, introduced sea air, water, and mud as therapeutic treatments in 1825. Read more…

The tradition of using heat and water as therapy in Estonia goes back even further; the earliest writings on sauna use date back 745 years. Learn more about Estonian sauna tradition and VisitEstonia’s sauna information.

Invitation to the First Thalasso Exchange 2025 in Varna, Bulgaria

Siyka Katsarova, Vice President of ESPA and founder/board member of the Bulgarian Union of SPA, Balneology, and SPA Tourism (BUBSPA), invited everyone to Bulgaria next April. The first Thalasso Exchange event will be held from April 15-17, 2025, at the beautiful seaside resort of Varna.

Measurable Effects of Thalasso

Dr. Varje-Riin Tuulik, affiliated with Tallinn University for over a decade, gave a brief presentation on clinical studies and publications demonstrating the curative properties of sea mud and heat since 1939. Mud also serves as a heat conductor, among other functions. “Musculoskeletal disorders are a significant problem, but Thalasso therapy improves muscle tone and blood circulation—effects that are objectively measurable. For example, it significantly reduces complaints of lower back pain.”

Mr. Wilhelm Loth and Thalasso on Norderney Island, Germany

Thalassotherapy on Norderney – Harnessing the Power of the Sea

Mr. Wilhelm Loth highlighted the importance of balancing knowledge, community well-being, and economic development in Norderney. Attracting suitable staff remains a significant focus. A specialized course for professionals, “Thalassotherapy in Theory and Practice,” will take place from February 21-23, 2025, offering a valuable opportunity for those interested in deepening their understanding of Thalassotherapy and the healing potential of the sea. The course, comprising 16 teaching units, combines theoretical fundamentals with intensive practical experience and covers the use of algae, North Sea mud, and climate therapy. It awards recognized medical training points and is open to various professionals in the healthcare and health tourism sectors.

The premiere of the first international meeting under the motto ‘Thalasso, health by the sea’ can be described as a complete success. Several representatives of spas, tourism professionals and medical doctors from a dozen different countries came together for an inspiring exchange to give Thalassotherapy a stage at the European level. Wilhelm Loth: “I am pleased that so many experts will be able to exchange ideas regularly in the future and learn from each other on the topic Thalasso. This will give Thalasso further significance, and I am grateful to be part of this initiative. The healing powers of the sea play a traditional, lucrative and medically important role for many coastal destinations and islands in Europe. Together, we will move this issue forward.”

All participants endorse that Thalasso has a long history in Europe. In Estonia, e.g. it is still a day-to-day practice, as Maret Sukles – director of the Fra Mare Hotel, explained. Modern research increasingly demonstrates the beneficial effect of combining sea air, minerals and salty water. Professor Dr. Raschke (G) presented the effects of Thalasso on the immune system, and Prof. Dr. Z. Karagülle underlined the research results on climate influence.

Opportunities

Thalasso combines tourism and health. Claudia Wagner, manager of tour operator Fit Reisen: “We have been offering classic health treatments and Thalassotherapy for over 40 years. The beneficial treatments with mud, algae, seawater and sea air administered during Thalassotherapy are a proven remedy for stress and a wide range of illness symptoms. It is much more than wellness and has recently become increasingly popular.”

With these meetings, the ESPA work group aims to create a platform that combines expertise and builds a strong foundation to meet future challenges. The concept of Thalasso deserves a more prominent place among the general public and in healthcare. Brussels has launched the EU4Health program (2021-2027) to promote health and prevent diseases. Our member Sven Aerts is the contact person for Brussels.

The ESPA work group wants to work on better awareness and positioning of Thalassotherapy, promote knowledge exchange, and an even higher level of research and therapies, as well as find funding for this and/or generate more profitable turnovers. 

Our plan for 2024 includes the following:

• Quarterly Teams Meeting

• Meetings that cover specific Thalasso subjects

• Contribute to ESPA E-library

• Contribute to social media/website

We recently spoke to Marlies Sobczak, project manager of ESPA’s Thalasso working group, who played a pivotal role in bringing the congress to Norderney. Marlies provided valuable insight into the event and the activities of the Thalasso group.

What is the main focus of the activities of the Thalasso group within the European Spas Association?

“The Thalasso working group’s focus is on the future of Thalasso and professionalization and innovation within the health and lifestyle sector. The group has the objective to make an important step in bringing Thalasso closer to people in intensive cooperation within European countries. A new cooperation between the European Spas Association and the German Spas Association has emerged, the subject of Thalasso is vital for the seaside resorts, therefore Thalasso became the leading theme for lifestyle and health on the island of Norderney. In addition to the clinics, which offer extensive programs, there are many indoor and outdoor Thalasso facilities in the region. It was obvious that this congress took place on Norderney.”

Marlies Sobczak took an active part in several forum discussions at the annual congress. She also gave a presentation on the developments and best practices in the Netherlands with a focus on Noordwijk.

Private Lecturer Dipl.-Ing. dr rer physiol. Friedhart Raschke spoke about the scientifically based and convincing effect of Thalasso on human health. The President of the DHV, Brigitte Goertz-Meißner, emphasized the importance of cooperation and the further definition and safeguarding of the Thalasso criteria. In cooperation with Wilhelm Loth, Managing Director of Staatsbad Norderney GmbH, a staunch Thalasso fan, and ESPA’s Marlies Sobczak, it was agreed to develop the Thalasso health services on a European level.

Where do you see the main challenges and opportunities?

“More and more attention is being directed towards a healthy lifestyle, also in relation to our surrounding nature, climate and focus on sustainability. This includes seeking medical supervision and the use of services of professionals. At the coast, considering the benefits of a seaside location and a healthy maritime climate, the conditions are optimal to respond to a market where there is not only demand but where the need for prevention and awareness is concretely visible.”

What is the future of Thalasso from your point of view?

“It is almost an assignment for DHV and ESPA to further develop these opportunities and translate them into a future-oriented offer. Our slogan explains it all: Power by the sea. New spirit for thalassotherapy – the use of seawater and marine environment.”

Marlies Sobczak also explains that during the annual congress of DHV in Norderney, the future program of the ESPA working group was presented. The aim is to meet once a year as a working group on a European level.

In addition, an extensive document containing several (scientifically) substantiated reports in which the effects of Thalassotherapy are described and the latest insights are expressed has been compiled. The documents and publications were obtained through various channels from Romania, Germany, and France, – Marlies Sobczak concludes.