Wellness Innovation

Recognition for
innovative spirit

The German Wellness Association recognizes the innovative strength of the wellness and spa industry and presents the WELLNESS & SPA INNOVATION AWARDS to the best ideas and concepts every year. Since 2012, this award has developed into one of the most important industry awards in Europe. Here we present the nominated and awarded innovations of the past years.

Who can apply
for the awards?

The competition is open to individuals, companies and organizations of all sizes worldwide who have a new and pioneering offering in the form of concepts, products, methods or services for the wellness and spa market. As this is an international competition, applications are accepted from all countries.
The application phase starts on May 1, 2026.

What requirements to be met?

The submitted innovation has to make a contribution to improving health and well-being. The benefits and effects should be credibly proven, they must at least be plausible. The innovation needs to be implemented in products, services or processes (at least as a prototype), actually function successfully in the application and be available to the market by the time of the award ceremony at the latest. On the other hand, it must not have been on the market for more than 18 months.

Competition categories 2026

You can apply with your wellness and spa innovations in the following categories:
- Environmental and Climate Protection
- Design and Architecture
- Technologies, Devices, and Equipment
- Spa Treatment Products
- Spa Treatment Methods
- Wellness and Longevity Programs
- Digital Solutions (Hardware/Software)
- New Spa/Wellness Business Concepts
- Open Category

The Winners 2026

In the 2026 competition, two companies were honored with the Wellness & Spa Innovation Award in the categories of Design & Architecture and Spa Treatment Products, out of the nine nominated international innovations for the spa and wellness market. The winners were announced on October 30, 2026.

Hanscraft for SP - 116

Jury`s Statement:
Hanscraft’s proprietary manufacturing innovation, in collaboration with the F. A. Porsche Agency, has led to a design innovation that sets an unprecedented standard in the international market for outdoor hot tubs. The accompanying modular elements, made of high-quality materials, expand the core product into an attractive outdoor living concept. A successful fusion of spa and wellness. mehr Information

SI Shape for Neuromuscular Activation System

Jury`s Statement:
Shoe insoles with potential. Shapes differ from standard insoles, comfort soles, and orthopedic insoles in several ways. Thanks to their patented design, they are intended to activate the foot muscles and the interaction between various muscle groups, improve body balance, promote optimal posture, and even alleviate physical discomfort. A study commissioned by Shape Industries on the effects of the improved Version 2.0 has now provided initial evidence that stability and balance could improve in a specific group of competitive athletes. mehr Information

The 2026 Nominees

In the 2026 Wellness & Spa Innovation Awards competition, the jury reviewed all entries and announced the nominations. A total of nine innovations from Germany, Sweden, Italy, Estonia, the Czech Republic, and the United States are in the running for the awards, which will be presented on October 30, 2026.

Lemi Group for Venice Head Spa

Venice Head Spa is a multifunctional wellness bed designed to elevate the growing Head Spa ritual into a professional, ergonomic and highly customizable experience. Combining advanced engineering, integrated water management, exceptional client comfort and elegant Italian design, it enables seamless execution of scalp, hair, facial, manicure and pedicure treatments within a single platform. Its versatility optimizes operational efficiency while creating a unique wellness journey for guests. more information

SI Shape for SHAPES — Neuromuscular Activation System

SHAPES Series 2.0 (launched 2026) is a patented biomechanical training system activating the sensorimotor system through plantar stimulation. It primes the neuromuscular system for more stable movement under load. Peer-reviewed validation (German Sport University Cologne, ACSM 2026, n=70): +6.2% stability, +17.5% balance, 89% responder rate. Three editions — ALLROUND, HYBRID, GOLF. Over 20,000 users tested across the Mein Schiff fleet. more information

Zwischen Fluss & Seele – Spa im Papa Rhein

Das Hafen Spa im Papa Rhein Hotel & Spa überträgt die Atmosphäre des Rheins in ein ganzheitliches Spa-Erlebnis. Innen- und Außenpool, ein naturnaher Schwimmteich sowie Blickbeziehungen zum Rhein schaffen Nähe zur Umgebung. Fließende Übergänge, neue Ruheräume, Sauna, Whirlpool, Fitness- und Yogabereich sowie ein erweiterter Außenbereich bieten ein vielseitiges, immersives Erholungserlebnis. more information

Lavaprojects for Tiche house of water

The project transforms a technically complex existing structure into an immersive wellness environment where architecture, lighting, acoustics, and materiality work as one continuous sensory experience. Inspired by the movement of water, custom-integrated lighting and spatial transitions create a calm and emotionally restorative atmosphere while maintaining a restrained, timeless architectural language and energy-efficient A++ performance standards. more information

Pulse Mindfulness for Pulse Ring

Pulse Ring is the world’s first smart wearable designed exclusively for mindfulness, presence, focus, and wellbeing. Instead of tracking sleep, stress, or activity, it delivers gentle haptic vibrations throughout the day that encourage brief mindful pauses. These micro-pauses help users reduce stress, improve focus, build healthier habits, and reconnect with the present moment, all without notifications, scores, dashboards, or biometric tracking. mehr Information

Longevity. Naturally Since 1864.

“Longevity. Naturally Since 1864.” transforms a historic Alpine wellness tradition into a modern, personalized guest journey. A digital self-assessment evaluates key dimensions such as movement, nutrition, sleep, balance and resilience. Guests receive tailored recommendations combining free self-care, included hotel experiences and optional treatments. The concept makes natural longevity measurable, understandable and easy to continue at home—without relying on supplements or high-tech medicine. more information

SP - 116

SP—116 is a five-person premium spa developed by HANSCRAFT with Studio F. A. Porsche. Rather than standing as an isolated whirlpool, it is conceived as part of the architecture: modular platforms, integrated lounge seating, storage and sunshade extend it into a complete outdoor wellness landscape. A signature illuminated line, refined hydromassage, Turbo Boost and SILK SKIN microbubble technology unite design, comfort and function. more information

The Ultima Reset™ Lounger

The Ultima Reset™ Lounger brings five scientifically backed modalities into one immersive, touchless experience: Mind-Sync™ vibro-acoustic sound and resonance, FDA-cleared Celluma® LED light therapy, Normatec® compression boots, Hyperice® percussion therapy, and grounding. Together, they support stress reduction, recovery, circulation, mobility, relaxation, and physical and mental restoration. more information

8Breath: App für Atem, Meditation & Nervensystem

8Breath bringt dein Nervensystem zur Ruhe: geführte Atemübungen, Meditationen, somatische Übungen und Schlafgeschichten senken dein Stresslevel, verbessern deinen Schlaf und schenken dir mehr Energie und Fokus - in wenigen Minuten am Tag. Entdecke unsere App im App Store und auf Google Play. more information

Services for nominees and winners