ONKOFIT-SPA programme is the winner of the ESPA Special Jury Innovation Award 2025 in category Innovative Health Spa Programme.

“Excess body fat increases recurrence risk for breast cancer survivors. How do you talk about weight and nutrition with women who’ve just been through cancer treatment? What’s your approach to making this feel supportive rather than pressuring?”

Excess body fat is indeed a known risk factor for breast cancer recurrence. We explain to women that in postmenopausal patients, adipose tissue becomes the main source of estrogen production – a risk particularly relevant for hormone-dependent breast cancers, where elevated estrogen levels may support tumour growth. Because this is such a sensitive topic, we approach it with great empathy, clarity, and without any form of judgement.

In the ONKOFIT-SPA programme, we never create pressure related to body image or performance. These women come to us after a demanding period of cancer treatment, often exhausted physically and emotionally. Our role is to support their recovery, confidence, and sense of safety. When we discuss weight and nutrition, we use exclusively health-focused language, emphasising long-term prognosis and quality of life. We highlight that even small, realistic adjustments in physical activity and eating habits can bring meaningful benefits.

A very important element of the programme is the structured spa stay within a supportive female community of patients who share the same diagnosis. Sharing experiences, participating in group activities, and regaining a sense of physical strength often increases self-confidence and fosters strong motivation to continue the new habits at home after the spa stay.

Our approach is fully individualised. Each participant has access to a nutrition therapist and physiotherapist in a respectful, safe environment where she can speak openly. We focus on sustainable lifestyle habits rather than restrictive diets.

Our data clearly show that this combination of empathetic communication, education, and expert guidance has a long-term positive impact—improving physical performance, body composition, and overall quality of life after cancer treatment. Through this supportive approach, we help women regain not only their health but also a sense of control over their bodies and their future.

Read more about the Oncology Recovery Retreat Programme
Website: https://lazneml.cz/post-onkologicky-program/
Watch the video

The Thermal Tourism Congress 2025 took place from 4 to 6 June 2025 at the renowned Ensana Thermal Margaret Island in Budapest. The event was hosted by the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA), Budapest Spas, and UN Tourism, and powered by Ensana. The European Spas Association (ESPA)joined as a supporting partner.

Mayor’s Summit and Welcome Reception

The Congress officially opened on 4 June with the Mayor’s Summit, co-hosted by Riccardo Mortandello, EHTTA President and Mayor of Montegrotto Terme (Italy), and Isidre Pineda, EHTTA Vice President and Mayor of Caldes de Montbui (Catalonia). The opening was followed by a Welcome Reception, where Mark Hennebry, President of Ensana Health Spa Hotels, and his team welcomed delegates and set the tone for the days ahead.

Destination Forum

On 5 June, the Destination Forum featured a series of engaging panel discussions led by prominent experts in the thermal tourism sector. Key topics included the current state of the thermal tourism market, insights into consumer expectations across different segments, and strategies for defining and developing new thermal destinations.

Session “Where Is the Evidence? What Certain Market Segments Understand & Expect?”
was chaired by Ms. Csilla Mezősi, Secretary General of the European Spas Association.

The panelists included:

– Ms. Huseynli, who presented the current and future goals of research programs focused on medical and environmental subjects. She shared updates on publications related to cancer aftercare and new models of virtual reality technologies in medical spa rehabilitation.

– Dr. Ms. Ruzicska, presented the healing effects of mud treatment at Ensana destinations, including Héviz, Piešťany, and Sovata. She discussed how these natural remedies aid in the recovery of many individuals. She highlighted the various packages that Ensana offers to help reduce the pain of people suffering from chronic diseases.

– Dr. Ms. Zálesáková, who highlighted the collection of patient data at a Slovak rehabilitation center. She explained how this information is used to develop new certified programs in spa centers. These programs address issues such as spine disorders, obesity, and cancer aftercare, and are accepted by health insurance providers.

–Mr. Ali Ghamman, President, Observatoire du Tourisme Morocco (Morocco) explained about the new developments in thalasso therapy in Morocco

Alina Huseynli, Director, Institute of Spa and Balneology, Karlovy Vary (Czechia), Dr. Eva Ruzicska, Head Physician, Ensana Hungary, Dr. Janka Zálesáková, President, Slovak Spa Association (Slovakia)

Sustainability Forum

Sustainability was another key focus of the Congress, addressed during the Sustainability Forum chaired by Simone Zagrodnik, Executive Director of EHTTA. Discussions centred around the transition of thermal destinations toward actionable innovation and long-term sustainable practices.

A Vision for the Future

With the statement “Sustainable Destinations for the Future”, the Congress underscored the vital role of thermal tourism in advancing sustainability, preserving heritage, and revitalising rural regions in the post-COVID world:

»Thermal tourism is considered one of those fields of tourism which could experience the greatest growth after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourists will be looking for wellness experiences, immersing themselves in the destinations and interacting with local inhabitants. It is necessary to explore connections with other cultural and natural resources to create new and better sustainable thermal products. Thermal Tourism is a powerful tool to contribute to safeguarding the world’s thermal heritage (natural, cultural and intangible) and to provide socio-economic benefits, including the dynamisation of rural areas and the creation of stable employment and income-earning opportunities. Thermal tourism needs to be recognised as an instrument for sustainable development and as a model for other tourism sectors or products.«

On behalf of the European Travel Commission, Mr. Miguel Gallego presented inspiring figures from Europe. His presence conveys a powerful message: the European market specializes in thermal-based relaxation and healing effects, supported by high-quality infrastructure and expertise. It is essential to promote these aspects more effectively to improve their visibility in overseas markets.

Furthermore, the audience explored several innovative topics that are likely to shape the future. One of these topics is Longevity, led by Petra Bailey, Vice President of Ensana. This session focused on new approaches to enhancing lifespan and well-being. Additionally, we explored the concept of “TikTokization” and its effects on engaging with Gen Z, particularly in the context of Health Tourism, a discussion led by Ivana Kolar. These sessions offered valuable insights into emerging trends and effective communication strategies within the industry.

More information about the congress can be found on the website: https://thethermalcongress.com.
Video recordings are available on YouTube for Thursday, June 5^th and Friday, June 6^th 

ENSANA announced a new addition to its extraordinary family of health spa hotels.

Ensana, Europe’s leading operator of health spa hotels, is announcing a new addition to its extraordinary family of health spa hotels. Greece’s Santorini joins premier destinations in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and the UK, which proudly carry the Ensana name. “We are very happy to announce that we are extending the Ensana brand to Greece where we don’t yet have a hotel. Santorini will complement our list of amazing destinations throughout Europe and provide new possibilities for our clients,” said Frank Halmos, CEO of Ensana, after officially signing the agreement with Ensana’s partners in Greece. 

Ensana will be operating a newly built property in the unique location of Santorini’s Kamari Beach, providing its extensive expertise in running seamless operations and delivering unique health concepts which combine natural resources and expert medical knowledge. “The ancient Greek concept about health exactly matches what Ensana believes in, as we do incorporate both physical and mental wellbeing elements in the development of our existing and new programmes. The history and heritage of the Greek healing concept is a great foundation for the expansion in this fantastic region, and we do hope that after Santorini, we will see several more hotels in the upcoming years in this country of great potential,” explains Frank Halmos. 

Over ten projects in the pipeline

Currently, Ensana has over ten projects in the pipeline, all in exciting and interesting locations, but within the nearest future, you will see hotels joining not only in Greece but also in Italy, Bulgaria, Germany, and eventually also in the Baltics and Scandinavia. “Very soon, we will announce another location in a similarly amazing location as Santorini,” adds Frank Halmos.

About Ensana Health Spa Hotels

Launched in 2019, Ensana is the leading health spa hotel brand in Europe. The group currently manages 27 hotels in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and the UK,  located in many of Europe’s most historic spa towns – all renowned for their natural healing resources and restorative properties. Ensana has developed an innovative, integrative health concept; natural healing resources combined with current medical expertise and modern diagnostic methods to help guests achieve their personal health goals. The group is committed to improving the health and well-being of all its guests, which is why it provides a diverse range of spas to suit every budget.

For more information, visit www.ensanahotels.com.