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he leisure & wellness sectors open in late 2028 as the largest water-based tic experience focused on fitness, wellness
SPECIAL FEATURE T represent a dynamic part of the global wellbeing destination in Europe. In addition and performance living. The brand currently
economy that is dedicated to enhancing qual-
to this and approved by His Highness Sheikh
operates over 100 upscale, full-service fit-
- Leisure and Wellness ity of life, whether through enjoyment, relaxa - Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Mak- ness clubs in major urban areas across the
US, Canada and London. Recently they have
toum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime
tion, self-care or personal development.
The leisure sector focuses on how people Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman announced a new project in Nashville as it con-
choose to spend their free time - from travel, of The Executive Council of Dubai, in partner- tinues to roll out its fitness, spa and lifestyle
entertainment and cultural activities to sports ship with Dubai Municipality, Therme Group hotels. The 245-key Park Place Equinox hotel
and recreation - offering experiences that announced the launch of Therme Dubai - will feature an 18,000sq ft Equinox Club and
Redefining routine. The wellness sector complements this by renowned architects Diller Scofidio + ties and the brand’s signature lounge. Equinox
spa, a rooftop pool, private residential ameni-
create enjoyment, connection and escape from
Islands in the Sky earlier this year. Designed
Renfro, Therme Dubai - Islands in the Sky
by addressing physical, mental and emotional
Hotels has plans to expand to 33 locations
will be located in Zabeel Park, beside the
globally over the next decade, with at least
wellbeing, spanning fitness, nutrition, spa treat-
Royal Palace in the heart of Dubai. Blurring
half of these in the US.
ments, mindfulness and preventive healthcare.
Expectations wellness tourism, active leisure and holistic nature and city living, the landmark will span Ubud, Bali has launched a trio of new holistic
Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana near
Increasingly, the two overlap in areas like
500,000sq ft with a 100m-tall-structure and
retreats, reflecting a growing consumer desire
is designed to welcome 1.7 million visitors
wellness retreats that guide guests on explo-
for experiences that are both enjoyable and
rations of spiritual renewal, mental clarity
annually, setting a new standard for holistic
and daily wellbeing. Therme Dubai - Islands in
and physical rejuvenation. Ranging from two
health-enhancing. Together, they cater to the
rising demand for lifestyles that balance fun,
relaxation and overall wellbeing. the Sky’s pioneering features include botani- nights to five nights, programmes are shaped
by ancient Balinese traditions, harmonising
cal gardens suspended from the air, stacked
Global wellbeing leader Therme Group and terraces and cascading pools where guests cultural heritage and contemporary healing
The sectors of leisure & wellness are ones that have taken on dra- CVC, one of the world’s leading private market can enjoy restorative thermal and mineral practices to create journeys of inner peace,
balance and self-discovery. Each retreat
investment firms, have announced the signing
waters - as well as cultural events and social
matically increased importance in recent years as people’s lives of a strategic joint venture. Upon closing, CVC spaces. With construction set to begin in 2026 builds on a base of signature treatments and
grow ever more busy, tech-reliant and screen-required. When and Therme Group will become equal part- and completion anticipated by 2028, Therme activities, including a 90-minute Ayurvedic
people do have the rare opportunity to switch off, relax and focus ners in Therme Horizon, a new holding com- Dubai - Islands in the Sky is both an architec- Abhyanga Massage which promotes relax-
ation, improves circulation and balances the
tural feat and a step toward a new era, where
pany comprising Therme Erding in Germany
on themselves, they want the best experiences in the most lux- and Therme Bucharest in Romania, two of cities are designed to serve the wellbeing of all body’s energy; a 60-minute private yoga
urious environments possible. Here, RLI explores a number of Europe’s most visited wellbeing destinations, who live in and visit them. class and 60-minute guided trek through
Equinox Hotels & Clubs is a luxury fitness
international examples that highlight this growing trend in con- together welcoming approximately 3.5 mil- and hospitality brand that combines high-end neighbouring villages and rice paddies to
lion guests annually. CVC will also co-invest
connect guests with nature and the spiritual
sumer decision-making. in the development of Therme Manchester, fitness clubs with upscale hotel accommo- energy of Island of the Gods; alongside daily
which is currently underway and on track to dations. The brand aims to provide a holis- breakfast, daily healthy lunch or dinner at the
The Alba, Dubai, UAE

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