SpaScoreTM
A multi-dimensional quality rating system for thermal spas and longevity clinics, grounded in peer-reviewed academic research.
Why SpaScore
No objective quality standard exists for thermal spas. Hotel stars and TripAdvisor reviews don't capture what matters: medical credentials, water quality, and treatment protocols.
SpaScore distinguishes termalismo sanitario (licensed medical spas) from termalismo social (wellness facilities), enabling fair comparisons across different price tiers.
7 Evaluation Categories
Each spa is evaluated across 7 dimensions, totaling 100 points. Weights reflect relative importance validated by academic research.
Medical Excellence
Licensed medical staff, specialties, certifications, treatment protocols.
Academic basis: MDPI C4 (16.12%) + Heilbad + EuropeSpa med
Subcriteria
21+ doctors = 8pts
+1 per specialty
License + registry check
Heilbad, EuropeSpa med, national
Documented, evidence-based
Exam rooms, equipment
Innovation & Research
Diagnostic capabilities, longevity services, research programs, technology.
Academic basis: NEW: Modern longevity medicine
Subcriteria
Lab, imaging, biomarkers
Epigenetics, biological age, telomeres
Active studies, publications
AI, digital health, tracking
University partnerships, patents
Therapeutic Resources
Water classification, thermal properties, mineral uniqueness, source protection.
Academic basis: MDPI C8 (15.02%) + SAM + Heilbad
Subcriteria
Mineral, medicinal, Heilwasser
>38C (hyperthermal) = 5pts
Rare composition = 4pts
Protected zone, sustainable
Documented therapeutic uses
Wellness & Facilities
Spa circuits, accommodation, treatment rooms, accessibility.
Academic basis: MDPI C1 + C5 + C6 combined
Subcriteria
Basic to exceptional
Quality and diversity
Adequate equipment
Mobility access
Gardens, pools, common areas
Value Proposition
Price-quality ratio, packages, social programs, flexibility.
Academic basis: NEW: Cross-tier price fairness
Subcriteria
Competitive for quality level
Diverse options
Insurance, government programs
Cancellation, payment options
Experience & Service
Programs, gastronomy, service quality, surroundings.
Academic basis: MDPI C2 + C7 combined
Subcriteria
Wellness activities
Healthy cuisine
Trained staff
Nature, culture
Sustainability
Environmental certifications, energy, water management, local sourcing.
Academic basis: NEW: EU Green Deal alignment
Subcriteria
ISO 14001, EMAS
Renewables, efficiency
Sustainable management
Local suppliers
Grade Scale
Letter grades provide intuitive communication of overall quality.
World-class benchmark facility
Top-tier comprehensive excellence
Strong across most dimensions
Above average, standout areas
Solid performer
Meets basic expectations
Notable gaps
Significant improvement needed
Non-Thermal Facilities
Longevity clinics and wellness centers without thermal waters compete on the same 100-point scale but cannot score in the Therapeutic Resources category.
Knockout Criteria
Inspired by EuropeSpa certification, certain conditions cap the maximum achievable score.
No licensed medical staff on-site
Medical category capped at 12/25 (48%)
Cannot claim medical excellence without doctors
No verified water analysis (thermal facilities)
Resources category capped at 10/20 (50%)
Self-reported water claims unreliable
Known safety/hygiene violations
Total score capped at 60/100
Safety is non-negotiable
Verification Levels
Every data point in SpaScore has an associated confidence level.
Verified
Confirmed against official sources. Licenses checked against medical registries. Safe to cite as fact.
Claimed
Information provided by the establishment. Identity verified. Cite as: "According to the establishment..."
Estimated
Based on public information. No establishment input. Cite as: "Based on available data..."
Academic Foundation
SpaScore is grounded in peer-reviewed research on spa competitiveness.
Determining the Competitiveness of Spa-Centers Using Fuzzy MCDM
MARCOS Method for Healthcare Supplier Selection
Spa Assessment Model (SAM)
Key findings incorporated
- 1 Treatment/therapy is the #1 criterion — Academic weight: 16.12%. SpaScore responds with Medical Excellence at 25%.
- 2 Natural conditions ranks #2 — Academic weight: 15.02%. SpaScore responds with Therapeutic Resources at 20%.
- + Innovation gap identified — Not present in MDPI study. SpaScore adds Innovation & Research at 20%.
Transparency Principles
Independent
No paid rankings or sponsored scores
Objective
Verifiable criteria, reproducible methodology
Academic
Grounded in peer-reviewed research
Fair
Same criteria applied to all establishments
Transparent
Methodology publicly documented
Updatable
Scores revised with new verified information
Explore spas with SpaScore
Find spas rated objectively according to our academic methodology.
SpaScore™ is a trademark of Happyberg.
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