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Prestigious Award

The main prize Spa Inspiration 2025 was awarded to Lázně Luhačovice, a.s. for the Sluneční Lázně restoration project. This award is presented by the Association of Spa Towns of the Czech Republic in cooperation with the CzechTourism agency. Its aim is to highlight the most successful innovative approaches that enrich the genius loci and unique atmosphere of spa destinations.

 

The expert jury, composed of representatives of CzechTourism, the Association of Spa Towns of the Czech Republic and other experts, recognised the sensitive connection between history and a modern approach to spa tradition. An integral part of the Spa Inspiration award is also financial support of CZK 100,000, which will be used for the further enhancement of the Sluneční Lázně complex.

"We did not expect to win, but we knew we were entering a very high-quality project into the competition. For us it is a recognition and confirmation that our vision of reviving Sluneční Lázně was the right one. It is an award for the entire team that contributed to the restoration — from the architect and project author, the contractor, to Lázně Luhačovice, a.s., the owner of the complex and investor behind the acclaimed restoration," said Hana Felcmanová, director of Sluneční Lázně, adding: "I think the key role was played by the combination of respect for the historical value of the building and the legacy of our predecessors. Our effort to preserve the original character of the unique Jurkovič architecture while at the same time restoring the social and cultural life of this magical place was recognised as an example of a sensitive and thoughtful reconstruction. An important factor was also the project's contribution to public space."

The restored complex of the Hydrotherapy Institute and Sluneční Lázně in Luhačovice was created through the reconstruction of disused spa buildings and now serves as a unique testimony to spa culture and the cultural atmosphere of the early 20th century. The reconstruction of the complex took place between 2021 and 2024. The total investment exceeded CZK 150 million, of which approximately CZK 70 million consists of IROP grants. The remaining portion was financed by Lázně Luhačovice, a.s. The restoration project was designed by architect Petr Všetečka. At its heart is the restored Hydrotherapy Institute building with an exhibition dedicated to the history of the site, the work of Slovak architect Dušan Jurkovič, and the relationship of composer Leoš Janáček with Luhačovice.

The competition was held under the auspices of the Minister for Regional Development, Petr Kulhánek. In its inaugural year it attracted fourteen entrants from a broad spectrum of projects across various spa destinations. The projects focused on the revitalisation of public spaces, historic complexes, the development of nature-friendly landscape initiatives, and the modernisation of spa infrastructure.