STR news
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
by Liz Terry | 22 May 2026
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
by Kath Hudson | 01 Jun 2026
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
by Helen Andrews | 28 May 2026
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. The site will also have 60,000sq m of surrounding external space that will be developed as community gardens. Even compared to future sites in the Therme Group pipeline all over the world, the Manchester
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
by Helen Andrews | 02 May 2026
Construction has begun on a new wellness destination in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, US, called The Shenandoah Nature Resort, which is due to open in January 2028. The US$200 million (€184 million, £156 million) property has been designed to reimagine the traditional spa experience by blending ancient and modern wisdom in what is described as a “spiritually expansive and scientifically grounded approach”. The resort has been created to address
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
by Helen Andrews | 27 Mar 2026
Holistic design and architecture practice Mendil + Meyer, based in Arizona in the US, has introduced a new division called Lām Concepts to integrate and align wellness goals for projects before they reach the design stage. Ben Meyer, architect and co-founder of Mendil + Meyer, told Spa Business exclusively about the new division: “Lām comes from the word loam, meaning fertile ground – the place where conditions are right for
Hagastrand, Autograph Collection, launches spa with Gongmatic experience
by Helen Andrews | 30 Oct 2025
Nobis Hospitality Group’s wellness destination, Hagastrand, Autograph Collection, has launched in Stockholm, Sweden, with an immersive gong experience at its spa. Hagastrand is a 215-key property that has been designed by Wingårdhs Architects to incorporate Nordic features and create spaces for guests to work, connect and relax simultaneously. The 2,500sq m Hagastrand Spa has four treatment rooms, a wellness suite for private group experiences and a private spa area with
Therme Horizon appoints construction manager Sir Robert McAlpine to lead Therme Manchester development
by Helen Andrews | 11 Sep 2025
Construction management company Sir Robert McAlpine has been appointed to lead the development of the Therme Manchester project in the UK, which is slated to open at TraffordCity in late 2028. Therme Horizon, the holding company valued for Therme Group and its private equity partner CVC Capital, will fund the development. Therme Group updated the cost of the project in February of this year to £415 million (US$521 million, €500
Private wellness retreat – Here Maldives – to open with astronomy-inspired interiors by Muza Lab
by Helen Andrews | 06 Aug 2025
A private luxury retreat – called Here, Maldives – will open in December this year, set across two natural islands in the Baa Atoll called Somewhere and Nowhere. The property is owned by a family-run hospitality investment company called Seaside Collection, which specialises in hotels and river cruises in Germany, Spain and the Maldives. The retreat has been designed by architects KulörGroup to maximise the narrow islands’ footprints. The design
Self-playing gongs and sauna rituals will feature at Hagastrand in Stockholm’s royal park, with concepts by Alla Sokolova
by Helen Andrews | 16 Jul 2025
Privately-owned hospitality company Nobis Hospitality Group will unveil a new Swedish wellness destination property called Hagastrand in Q4 this year, located next to the Brunnesviken lake in Stockholm’s royal park, Haga. When it opens, the property will join Marriott International’s luxury Autograph Collection and be known as Hagastrand, Autograph Collection. It will be the first Autograph Collection property in Scandinavia. A spokesperson for Nobis Hospitality group told Spa Business the
Longevity and recovery define new 'WaldSpa Health' offering at Austria's Naturhotel Forsthofgut
by Helen Andrews | 20 May 2025
The Naturhotel Forsthofgut resort has opened a health-focused extension to its existing spa in the forests of Salzburg at the base of the Asitz mountain in Austria. The 109-key hotel and land has been privately owned and managed for more than 400 years by the Schmuck family, whose hospitality philosophy is ‘harmony with nature’. The family has expanded its existing 5,700sq m WaldSpa (translated in English to Forest Spa) by
Holloway Li works with Tripolers adventure travel to enter the luxury hospitality market with string of Silk Road hotels
by Helen Andrews | 23 Apr 2025
Tripolers, a travel tourism agency headquartered in Beijing, is working with architects Holloway Li to build a series of boutique luxury hotels following the route of the ancient Silk Road in western China. The first of these sites will be the 80-key Tripolers Oasis Spa Hotel, which is due to open in 2026 in a working vineyard on the edge of the Gobi Desert in Dunghuang province. The resort and
GWI unveils latest edition of Hydrothermal Spa & Wellness Development Standards to elevate industry practices
by Megan Whitby | 28 May 2024
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) has published the fourth edition of the Guide to Hydrothermal Spa & Wellness Development Standards The 230-page guide, developed in collaboration with the GWI Hydrothermal Initiative* members, continues to set the industry standard for designing and constructing thermal experiences and wet areas in commercial and residential properties. Originally published in 2014, the publication is designed to help stakeholders – including owners, operators and consultants –
Peninsula Hot Springs unveils AUS$11.7m sister site in Australian outback
by Megan Whitby | 12 Feb 2024
Australia’s iconic bathing destination Peninsula Hot Springs in Victoria has announced the arrival of its brand new sister site in Cunnamulla, southwest Queensland. Designed as a remote desert oasis in the outback, Cunnamulla Hot Springs is owned by the local council and marks the fourth site operated by Peninsula Hot Springs Group (PHS) – founded by Charles Davidson in 2005. Overlooking the Warrego River, the newly built site flows with
Studio A+ realises striking urban hot springs retreat in China's Shanxi Province
by Megan Whitby | 09 Feb 2024
Architecture and interior design firm Studio A+ has revealed the design inspiration behind its recent boutique hotel and hot springs retreat project in Fengxi New City, Shanxi Province, China. Founded by Min Wang in 2007, the studio’s vision was to create a property that represents a seamless fusion of city life and nature, providing guests with a peaceful and refined sanctuary. The architectural approach to Mu Feng Yue Hot Spring
One&Only One Za’abeel opens in Dubai featuring striking design by Nikken Sekkei
by Megan Whitby | 19 Jan 2024
Kerzner International has officially opened the doors to its striking new vertical resort, One&Only One Za’abeel, in Dubai. The opening marks the launch of the first-ever urban One&Only outpost. Located in the One Za’abeel development designed by architects Nikken Sekkei, the destination boasts dual skyscrapers intersected by the world’s longest cantilever bridge, The Link, which is suspended 100 metres above street level. “We have set aside convention and reinvented what
King of Bhutan unveils masterplan for Mindfulness City, designed by BIG, Arup and Cistri
by Megan Whitby | 20 Dec 2023
The King of Bhutan has announced plans for a new economic hub immersed in nature and designed by architecture firms Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Arup, and Cistri. Referred to as the Mindfulness City, the masterplan for the future Gelephu Special Administration Region (SAR) is informed by Bhutanese culture and its strong spiritual heritage, as well as the country's Gross National Happiness (GNH)* index. The goal is for the SAR to
Timbaland, music producer to the stars, joins forces with Myndstream to co-create music that improves health and wellbeing
by Megan Whitby | 15 Nov 2023
Timbaland, Platinum Grammy Award-winning producer, who's worked with artists such as Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, Madonna, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake and Drake and Björk, has announced a partnership with health and wellbeing music provider, Myndstream. The new partners will collaborate to produce an album of wellness music to help improve the health and wellbeing of listeners, whether that be to destress, relax, unwind or focus. They will be available for use by
Sports Illustrated Resorts to expand across US with active lifestyle at their core
by Megan Whitby | 19 Oct 2023
A network of Sports Illustrated branded resort and lifestyle complexes will launch in the US following a deal between Travel + Leisure Co and Sports Hospitality Ventures (SHV) – the hotel and resorts licensee for the Sports Illustrated brand in North America and the Caribbean. Each Sports Illustrated Resort campus is expected to feature a full-service hotel, a vacation club and residences, as well as a host of branded attractions
Construction work to begin on Universal Resort Beijing's second phase 'by 2025'
by Tom Walker | 10 Sep 2023
Construction work on the second phase of the Universal Resort Beijing is set to begin by 2025. The expansion of the resort, which first opened in September 2021, will form part of the Chinese government's wider action plan to invest in Beijing's tourism infrastructure and to develop the city into a global destination. The second phase will add around 2.2sq km to the total park area at Universal Beijing and
Rosewood’s second Austrian Asaya spa to open in restored 15th-century castle
by Megan Whitby | 24 Aug 2023
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts will unveil a brand new Asaya wellness spa in 2024 at a lakeside castle in the Austrian countryside. The spa will open at the luxury hotel and spa operator’s upcoming hotel Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, complete with eight treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a fitness centre. Asaya is Rosewood’s signature wellness concept focused on the intersections between physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. The Asaya
Noa* creates elemental spa for alpine eco-resort in Austria
by Megan Whitby | 18 Jul 2023
Austrian eco-resort Puradies in Leogang, Austria, has been upgraded with a brand new spa inspired by the four natural elements and designed to integrate smoothly into the natural landscape. Italian architecture and interior design firm Network of Architecture (Noa*) was appointed to realise the new 1,500sq m Heaven Spa in October 2022. With 76 rooms and 14 chalets, the family-run hotel is laid out as a village and is dedicated
Hadi Teherani-designed alpine nature spa opens at Hotel Krallerhof in Austria
by Megan Whitby | 02 Jun 2023
Austria’s five-star alpine wellness retreat Hotel Krallerhof has been updated with a new nature-centric glass-fronted spa, Atmosphere by Krallerhof. Embedded in the slopes of the Asitz mountain, the five-star Salzburger hotel’s new adults-only wellness facility opened following a two-year project helmed by Iranian-German architect Hadi Teherani. Hotel owners the Altenberger family tasked Teherani and his team with creating a spa facility – in addition to its existing Refugium spa –
Bob Iger's return to Disney sparks major restructuring focused on creativity and storytelling
by Tom Walker | 25 Nov 2022
Disney is set to undergo a "major restructuring" following the shock return of CEO Bob Iger. Iger, who steered Disney as CEO from 2005 until 2020 – when his contract expired – returned to the entertainment giant recently. His return follows the exit of Bob Chapek, who took over as Disney CEO from Iger in February 2020 – just as the COVID-19 pandemic began hitting the entertainment and visitor attraction industry
WilkinsonEyre-designed Battersea Power Station development opens as leisure district following £9bn redevelopment
by Tom Walker | 15 Oct 2022
The iconic Battersea Power Station on the south bank of the River Thames, London, UK, has finally reopened, following a £9bn redevelopment project. The Grade II* listed former coal-fired power station has been transformed into an entirely new district featuring a blend of residential and leisure, with health clubs, a visitor attraction, spa and wellness offerings, retail, bars, restaurants, entertainment venues, parks and historic spaces. Developments within the 42-acre site
Construction marches ahead for Saudi giga-projects Amaala and The Red Sea
by Megan Whitby | 14 Sep 2022
The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), the developer behind ultra-luxury Saudi tourism destination Amaala, has now signed over 300 contracts worth more than SAR 6.62 bn (US$1.7bn, €1.7bn £1.5bn). Underpinned by sustainability, Amaala is being designed for ultra-high net worth individuals and will centre on wellness and sports, arts and culture and sea, sun and lifestyle. Spanning 4,155sq m of the Saudi Arabian coastline, Amaala will be spread across three
Seventh International Museum Construction Congress to be held in Norway this year
by Tom Walker | 11 Aug 2022
The International Museum Construction Congress (IMCC) will take place in the Norwegian capital city, Oslo, from 6 to 8 November 2022. Now in its seventh edition, the three-day IMCC is designed for international museum leaders, architects, project managers, museum leaders and any other professionals involved in the construction, renovation and expansion of museums. The planning committee for this year's event is chaired by Göran Joryd, project manager for the new
Plus Architecture creates vision for hot springs retreat and spa in Perth Western Australia
by Megan Whitby | 20 Jul 2021
Proposals have been submitted for a AUS$25m (€15.5m, £13.4m, US$18.3m) hot springs development on the banks of the Swan River in Perth, Western Australia. Formerly Dalkeith Hot Pools, the site was a popular bathing spot for tourists and the local community from the 1920s to the 1950s. After reading articles about the history of Dalkeith Hot Pools, local investor and director of FJM Property, Barry Jones, was inspired to redevelop
Buildings by David Adjaye will anchor a new district in LA called Fourth & Central
by Tom Walker | 24 May 2021
Los Angeles is to get a new leisure and mixed-use district called Fourth & Central, with masterplanning by LA-based Studio One Eleven. Denver-based developer, Continuum Partners and site owner, LA Cold Storage, have lodged a planning application with the City of Los Angeles for the redevelopment of the land which has been owned by LA Cold Storage for over 50 years. The downtown gateway site will be reimagined with the
BrewDog reveals plans for visitor centre and rooftop brewery on Las Vegas strip
by Tom Walker | 01 May 2021
BrewDog has signed a lease for a visitor centre, restaurant and rooftop brewery on the iconic Las Vegas strip. To be located above the Showcase Mall, plans announced by the Scottish brewer for the space include a brewery, an "urban forest", an event and entertainment space and a retro game zone. BrewDog co-founder James Watt had hinted at a Las Vegas launch earlier this year, when he teased that plans
World's first entirely wooden stadium approved for use by EFL
by Tom Walker | 09 Feb 2021
Plans by Forest Green Rovers Football Club (FGRFC) to play its games at the world’s first entirely wooden stadium have been approved by the English Football League (EFL). Getting approval to host games at the proposed stadium clears another planning hurdle for the project, which would see a 5,000-seat venue built near the UK town of Eastington. Plans for the stadium were first unveiled in 2015 and it is expected
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