Driven by the belief that wellbeing should be accessible to all, Therme Group’s vision is to create the world’s most advanced wellbeing resorts by harnessing the complex interplay of nature, technology and culture. Here, RLI speaks with Stelian Iacob, Senior Vice President Therme Group and CEO of Therme Group UK to learn more about this intriguing concept.
Part of a technology group with more than 80 years of history, much of Therme Group’s wellbeing technology has been developed in the past two decades as they look to combine the traditions of global thermal bathing with an indoor biodiverse system. More than relaxing and fun places to meet, Therme Group’s resorts nurture mental and physical health, offering a vital piece of social infrastructure that delivers an experience to enhance the mind, body and soul.
In 2016, Therme Bucharest opened, becoming the world’s first LEED Platinum wellbeing resort and quickly becoming the nation’s most popular attraction, welcoming over one million guests in its first year of operation. The company is now looking to take the concept worldwide as part of its global development programme.
“We have 14 large-scale projects in the portfolio around the world, with ten in the final stages of development along with four operational in Europe,” highlights Stelian Iacob, Senior Vice President at Therme Group and CEO of Therme Group UK. “For more than 20 years, the Therme wellbeing concept has been transforming how people in Europe spend their free time, whilst boosting their physical and mental health.”
In the last few years, Therme Group has established itself as a global wellbeing leader and its projects are set to have a major impact on a global scale. They have recently received planning permission for the UK’s first wellbeing resort, Therme Manchester, with additional projects entering the final stages of approval in the UK, mainland Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.
Its current flagship project, Therme Manchester, is set to open in 2023 and it will be the UK’s first city-based wellbeing resort. It will combine hundreds of water-based activities with wellbeing treatments, art, nature and technology, to create a unique experience never before seen in the UK. It will include a large family area with waterslides, a wave pool, indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms, relaxation area and dozens of other fun, relaxing and healthy activities, all in a biodiverse natural environment.
“We were drawn to Manchester because of the city’s dedication to innovation, particularly in the area of health and wellbeing. Excellent public infrastructure and transport links, serving a large regional population, will enable us to bring an everyday holiday to people throughout the North West of England,” explains Iacob.
In the last few months, as ever the most important focus for the company has been the health and wellbeing of its customers. They have made a lifelong commitment to the communities they serve; staying connected and engaged with their guests has been extremely important.
Iacob states that the business is always looking for opportunities to benefit communities around the world, redefining what wellbeing means to people and making it accessible to all.
“Our resorts are one of a kind, providing an environment for guests to create their own story every time they visit. Unlike other leisure concepts, there are thousands of ways to experience a day at a Therme Group wellbeing resort. Reflecting their unique mood, social group and life-stage, each guest can experience a tailored day of wellbeing optimised to their needs,” says Iacob.
While the company does use its social media platforms to engage and interact with its online community, what is more fundamental to its approach is the promotion of a balanced life with the opportunity to unplug from the digital world, to instead relax amongst nature.
Looking forward, Iacob says that its development plans will see them create destinations in a number of locations across the world, enhancing life for people living and working in cities. Central to this idea is providing local and national governments with a solution to help prioritise wellbeing and preventative healthcare.
The company is part of the global wellbeing movement, creating wellbeing resorts to improve people’s daily lives and bring proven benefits to communities.
Iacob concludes the interview by saying: “We see our future plans and projects as huge opportunities, helping to bring communities together to create a connected city system. At Therme Group we want to make positive progress towards a better, fairer future, benefitting both people and our planet. Our resorts are future-focused and part of the solution.”
