Redefining Expectations
The sectors of leisure & wellness are ones that have taken on dramatically increased importance in recent years as people’s lives grow ever more busy, tech-reliant and screen-required. When people do have the rare opportunity to switch off, relax and focus on themselves, they want the best experiences in the most luxurious environments possible. Here, RLI explores a number of international examples that highlight this growing trend in consumer decision-making.
The leisure & wellness sectors represent a dynamic part of the global economy that is dedicated to enhancing quality of life, whether through enjoyment, relaxation, self-care or personal development.
The leisure sector focuses on how people choose to spend their free time – from travel, entertainment and cultural activities to sports and recreation – offering experiences that create enjoyment, connection and escape from routine. The wellness sector complements this by addressing physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, spanning fitness, nutrition, spa treatments, mindfulness and preventive health.
Increasingly, the two overlap in areas like wellness tourism, active leisure and holistic retreats, reflecting a growing consumer desire for experiences that are both enjoyable and health-enhancing. Together, they cater to the rising demand for lifestyles that balance fun, relaxation and overall wellbeing.
Global wellbeing leader Therme Group and CVC, one of the world’s leading private market investment firms, have announced the signing of a strategic joint venture. Upon closing, CVC and Therme Group will become equal partners in Therme Horizon, a new holding company comprising Therme Erding in Germany and Therme Bucharest in Romania, two of Europe’s most visited wellbeing destinations, together welcoming approximately 3.5 million guests annually. CVC will also co-invest in the development of Therme Manchester, which is currently underway and on track to open in late 2028 as the largest water-based wellbeing destination in Europe. In addition to this and approved by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, in partnership with Dubai Municipality, Therme Group announced the launch of Therme Dubai – Islands in the Sky earlier this year. Designed by renowned architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Therme Dubai – Islands in the Sky will be located in Zabeel Park, beside the Royal Palace in the heart of Dubai. Blurring nature and city living, the landmark will span 500,000sq ft with a 100m-tall-structure and is designed to welcome 1.7 million visitors annually, setting a new standard for holistic and daily wellbeing. Therme Dubai – Islands in the Sky’s pioneering features include botanical gardens suspended from the air, stacked terraces and cascading pools where guests can enjoy restorative thermal and mineral waters – as well as cultural events and social spaces. With construction set to begin in 2026 and completion anticipated by 2028, Therme Dubai – Islands in the Sky is both an architectural feat and a step toward a new era, where cities are designed to serve the wellbeing of all who live in and visit them.
Equinox Hotels & Clubs is a luxury fitness and hospitality brand that combines high-end fitness clubs with upscale hotel accommodations. The brand aims to provide a holistic experience focused on fitness, wellness, and performance living. The brand currently operates over 100 upscale, full-service fitness clubs in major urban areas across the US, Canada and London. Recently they have announced a new project in Nashville as it continues to roll out its fitness, spa and lifestyle hotels. The 245-key Park Place Equinox hotel will feature an 18,000sq ft Equinox Club and spa, a rooftop pool, private residential amenities and the brand’s signature lounge. Equinox Hotels has plans to expand to 33 locations globally over the next decade, with at least half of these in the US.
Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana near Ubud, Bali has launched a trio of new holistic wellness retreats that guide guests on explorations of spiritual renewal, mental clarity and physical rejuvenation. Ranging from two nights to five nights, programmes are shaped by ancient Balinese traditions, harmonising cultural heritage and contemporary healing practices to create journeys of inner peace, balance and self-discovery. Each retreat builds on a base of signature treatments and activities, including a 90-minute Ayurvedic Abhyanga Massage which promotes relaxation, improves circulation and balances the body’s energy; a 60-minute private yoga class and 60-minute guided trek through neighbouring villages and rice paddies to connect guests with nature and the spiritual energy of Island of the Gods; alongside daily breakfast, daily healthy lunch or dinner at the resort’s The Tempayan authentic Balinese restaurant and a choice of villa accommodation. Positioned on the fringes of the artists’ village of Ubud, Tanah Gajah creates a serene ambience in which guests can focus on holistic wellbeing and connections to nature, culture and themselves. Conceived by Hendra Hadiprana, Tanah Gajah is a serene hideaway of 24 villas and suites adorned with unique original Balinese artworks.
Launched earlier this year and set between the vibrant blue skies of the Maldives and the Indian Ocean’s azure waters, JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort is a secluded sanctuary just 15 minutes from Velana International Airport. Designed for indulgence and reconnection, our 80 thoughtfully crafted private pool villas blend eco-conscious design with uninterrupted ocean views, spacious terraces and direct lagoon access. Embark on a diverse culinary journey across restaurants and bars, celebrating traditional classics, Indian Ocean fusion, South American and Japanese-Peruvian flavours. Savour ocean-fresh seafood, premium steaks and island-grown ingredients from the JW Garden. Rejuvenate at the overwater Spa by JW, where exclusive treatments featuring BABOR’s precision skincare products – offered for the first time in the Maldives – bring a new level of renewal. A haven for leisure and connection, the resort offers enriching activities and mindful experiences, ensuring every generation finds their perfect escape.
The five-star Minos Palace Resort in Crete, a member of Bluegr Hotels & Resorts, proudly opened the transformational Nao longevity hub in May 2025. Nao is Greece’s newest luxury wellbeing destination that offers a revolutionary, evidence-based approach integrating ancient healing practices with advanced diagnostics and treatments. Situated at the heart of Minos Palace Resort, on a secluded private peninsula with 360° views of the Aegean, Nao is designed to inspire a lifestyle evolution. Derived from the ancient Greek word meaning “to flow”, Nao symbolises harmony and continuous transformation. At its core lies a pioneering approach to wellbeing, targeting the 12 Hallmarks of Ageing – the key biological processes that drive ageing – to guide guests in extending both their lifespan and health span. Each Nao journey is guided by the four foundational pillars of wellbeing: Nutrition, Sleep, Movement and Self-Mastery, each embedding interventions that target specific aspects of the 12 Hallmarks of Ageing. Together, these create an integrated path to wellbeing, addressing physical, mental and emotional health with precision and care.
Late last year, the 62-suite Forestis Hotel, on the slope of the Plose mountain in Italy, reopened following extensive renovation. A five-star mountain retreat, Forestis revealed new spa suites and treatments. Each of the suites has two treatment beds, a large round bathtub, relaxation area, steam bath and shower. Spa facilities at Forestis include an indoor and outdoor pool filled with pure Plose mountain water, a silent room and a Wyda (yoga) area. There are four treatment rooms with Gharieni treatment beds and the spa has a Technogym-equipped gym. Thermal offerings include a brine steam, bio sauna and textile sauna. Meanwhile, earlier this year launched Yera, a fine-dining restaurant built directly into the mountainside. But Yera is more than just a place to eat – it’s a full-sensory journey into South Tyrolean tradition. Created by executive chef Roland Lamprecht in collaboration with Forestis owners Teresa and Stefan Hinteregger, the subterranean dining space is a tribute to forest cuisine and a nod to the region’s early inhabitants, the Celtic peoples, who once lived in harmony with the land.
Scorpios Bodrum, a globally renowned destination for creatives to gather and galvanise, has partnered with Dr. Jonathan Leary, Founder and CEO of Remedy Place, the world’s first Social Wellness Club®, to launch Aegean Awakening – a groundbreaking new retreat that marks the brands’ first-ever foray into destination wellness experiences, combining their shared well-being values of creativity, tailored discovery and education. Produced by KOBU, a curator of transformative retreats and experiential travel, the retreat will take place between 9-14 September, at Scorpios Bodrum with Dr. Jonathan Leary leading as guest practitioner. Nestled on Türkiye’s southwest coast, Scorpios Bodrum opened in 2024 as the brand’s second property and differing to the brand’s Mykonos destination, also provides luxury accommodation, a spa and a contemporary Ritual Space where ancient healing practices meet modern artistic exploration. The retreat will be housed in 12 bungalows, designed in the spirit of Scorpios’ carefree essence, each equipped with private pools and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Dr. Jonathan Leary and Remedy Place bring their expertise in social wellness to the retreat, integrating practices such as infrared saunas, Fire & Ice Resilience Ceremonies and group breathwork sessions. Guests will engage in activities that promote both physical health and authentic human connection.
Third Space, a UK-based luxury fitness and wellness brand, is currently undergoing a significant expansion phase, including new clubs in London. They are opening a new flagship location on Oxford Street, described as a “mega-gym” in 2027 and once complete it will become the largest fitness club in the iconic retail destination. Spanning three floors, the 30,000sq ft flagship will feature multi-functional training spaces and studios, plus recovery rooms with hydro pools, Himalayan salt saunas and cryotherapy. Founded in 2011, Third Space counts 35K members across 13 clubs – all in London. Backed by equity firm KSL, the chain has doubled its footprint post-pandemic, racking up £100M in revenue in 2023. Targeting growth, it opened four premium clubs in residential areas last year while envisioning up to 30 London sites and international expansion in the near future.
Opened back in April, Dubai’s newest luxury resort, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, offers transformative wellness, cultural collaborations and 11 dining concepts, marking a new era in high-end hospitality. Located next to the iconic Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the new resort completes what the company calls its “nautical trilogy.” Designed by Shaun Killa, the property includes 386 sea-facing rooms and suites, private residences, a marina, a three-floor wellness and spa centre and 11 dining venues. The Talise Spa spans three levels and includes the UAE’s first Remedy Suite, featuring cutting-edge treatments such as Cryotherapy, ChromoSpace light therapy and a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber. A female-only floor, a 20m indoor pool and performance-focused fitness studio round out the wellness offering. Dining is a key focus of the guest experience, with a signature concept called The Fore – a multi-restaurant venue that transforms throughout the day across four distinct offerings: Umi Kei, Madame Li, Mirabelle and The Bombay Club. Other highlights include Kinugawa, Rialto, Iliana and a partnership with Pierre Hermé for the Lobby Lounge.
On course to open in 2027, the Elanan project is an upcoming wellness retreat within NEOM’s Magna region. Elanan is a new luxury wellness retreat within the NEOM project in Saudi Arabia, located on the Gulf of Aqaba coastline. It’s designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment, offering 80 bespoke rooms and suites nestled amidst lush oases and ancient springs. Elanan emphasizes holistic wellness, incorporating unique architectural designs, nature-inspired spaces, and opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. The retreat offers a range of wellness experiences, including opportunities for relaxation, reflection and rejuvenation. It aims to redefine luxury wellbeing experiences by immersing guests in nature.
Earlier this year, OMNIYAT announced ‘The Alba’ – a $1.9bn project that is the world’s first mixed-use garden retreat by the sea. Set to be managed by Dorchester Collection and designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the scheme is due to open in 2028. Highlights of The Alba includes exclusive living that places the resident at the centre of each space – each residence has its own private amenities, including private pools, outdoor jacuzzis, elevated sun terraces and expansive outdoor terraces, luxurious amenities such as pools with private cabanas, sun loungers and social gathering and entertainment areas and use of the Alba Hotel’s amenities, including infinity pools, vitality pools, a fitness suite, beach areas and a branded spa.
