On 13 May 2026, the HEALTHXCHANGE Summit 2026 concluded in Varna, bringing together more than 200 participants from 29 countries and culminating in the recognition of Europe’s leading spa, wellness and medical tourism innovators.
Held from 11 to 13 May at the Golden Sands, the forum gathered representatives of European institutions, government officials, tourism experts, and healthcare professionals to discuss the future of sustainable health tourism, prevention, and longevity. Organised by the European Spas Association, the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism and HTI Conference & Expo, the event highlighted Bulgaria’s growing role as a European hub for health, spa and medical tourism.
Destination award: redefining the European thermal model
The Destination award was presented to Domaine de Marlioz for redefining what a modern thermal destination can be through regeneration, prevention, and community impact.
Recognised for its visionary blend of ecological regeneration, public health innovation, and community-driven transformation, the destination stands as a model of how European spa destinations can reinvent their future with purpose and impact.
The Special Jury Award went to Pamporovo, which has transformed a mountain resort into a health-focused destination where climate, nature, and medical expertise come together to support respiratory wellbeing and recovery.
Medical spa excellence: Lithuania sets a new benchmark
The Medical Spa Award was presented to Eglės Sanatorija for its transformation into a modern, evidence-based, personalised and digitalised medical wellbeing destination.
The jury highlighted its shift from traditional treatments to coordinated health programmes, combining advanced diagnostics, personalised care and digital follow-up to deliver measurable results and long-term health outcomes.
A Special Jury Award recognised MARE SPA by Gradiali for creating a wellness experience centred on personal guidance, smart technologies and long-term balance and wellbeing.
Innovation awards: new models shaping the sector
In spa design, Kashmir Hotel received the main award, while The Five Elements Hotel was recognised with a Special Jury Award.
A major innovation award went to Addere Care for introducing a completely new model in Europe: a Wellness Nursing Hospital combining medical care, rehabilitation, palliative support and spa wellbeing under one roof.
The Special Jury Award in this category went to King’s Valley Medical and Spa Hotel.
Programmes and products addressing modern health challenges
The Innovative Health Spa Programme award was presented to Savoy Westend Hotel for its Diabetes Mellitus+ programme, combining medical diagnostics, personalised treatments and digital monitoring to support long-term disease management.
The jury also recognised Grand Hotel Bansko.
In the product category, GENTIQUE received the award for translating longevity science into a high-quality supplement line designed to improve vitality and well-being.
Education and science: shaping the future of wellness
The Innovative Spa Education award went to the Bled Water Forum and its Young Global Academy, recognised for redefining how water is understood as a scientific, sensory and health-giving resource.
In the Medical Spa Science category, Spirit Hotel Thermal Spa was awarded for its Sweet Dreams programme, which reimagines sleep environments by reducing electrosmog and combining medical expertise with thermal therapies to support deep, restorative sleep.
Bulgaria strengthens its position in European health tourism
Throughout the summit, speakers emphasised the growing importance of prevention, longevity and integrated care models. Bulgaria’s extensive mineral water resources, qualified medical professionals and favourable climate were repeatedly highlighted as key assets for future development.
As discussions in Varna concluded, the awards underscored a clear message: health tourism in Europe is evolving rapidly, moving beyond traditional spa treatments towards integrated, personalised and science-based wellbeing experiences.
