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

Current Nominees 2026

In the 2026 Wellness & Spa Innovation Awards competition, the jury has announced the first nominations from among the applications received so far. Applications can still be submitted through September 15. Accordingly, we are continuously updating the list of this year’s nominees.

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. mehr 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. mehr Information

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. mehr 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

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. mehr Information

Services for nominees and winners