Therme Group is forging ahead with its ambitious global expansion plans and has unveiled plans for a futuristic new AED2 billion (US$545 million, €526 million, £438 million) flagship in the Middle East, called Therme Dubai – Islands in the Sky. The destination is set to open in the UAE in 2028. Designed by renowned architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Therme Dubai will be located in Zabeel Park, beside the Royal

Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts is set to launch its “most significant wellbeing offering” to date on 14 March with the unveiling of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, the brand’s new ultra-luxury five-star Dubai resort. Commanding a prime location on the Dubai peninsula, adjacent to the group’s iconic Burj Al Arab property, the destination will feature a large 3,500sq m spa spread over three floors – one of which will be dedicated

Fitness and leisure facilities in Sheerness, UK, are being upgraded as part of a regeneration project, Sheerness Revival, funded by the UK government. Swale Borough Council has appointed Alliance Leisure to manage this flagship project that will breathe new life into the town. The Beachfields site, which is situated near the town centre, waterfront and train station will be reimagined as a hub for leisure, health and community engagement. Sheppey

An excavation of the lost ancient city of Pompeii in Naples, Italy, has unearthed a well-preserved private thermal spa dating back almost 2,000 years. Pompeii, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, was once a thriving Roman city before it was engulfed by volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted on 24 August AD 79. The site is now an archaeological park and has been gradually excavated since the 16th century.

Planning permission has been granted for Rayners Penn, a multi-million-pound project set to convert a historic English country property and former school in Buckinghamshire into a luxury hotel and spa destination. The initiative will involve the careful restoration of Rayners Estate, a 19th-century property set in the scenic village of Penn. Originally built for sir Philip Rose – solicitor to former UK prime minister Benjamin Disraeli – the Victorian estate

The Global Wellness Institute’s (GWI) Wellness Architecture and Design Initiative (WADI) has released an in-depth white paper exploring the principles, strategies and economic, physiological and environmental benefits of incorporating wellness into the built environment. Titled Pathways to Wellness Architecture and Design, the comprehensive 174-page publication aims to guide investors, developers, architects and stakeholders in adopting holistic, evidence-based design practices that positively impact individuals, communities and the planet. “Planning, designing and

A major new 15,000sq ft destination spa has launched in Los Cabos, Mexico, as part of Four Seasons' latest opening in Cabo’s Golden Corridor. Called Tierra Mar Spa, the ocean-side facility at Four Seasons Resort & Residences at Cabo San Lucas is designed to offer an indoor-outdoor wellness oasis set against the backdrop of Baja’s dry desert landscapes. Its design concept draws inspiration from the long Baja coastline while its

The social wellness club movement that has taken the US East Coast by storm looks set to reshape London’s wellness scene in early 2025. ARC, an all-new urban wellness brand, is due to launch in January, bringing a fresh concept that blends connection, community and evidence-based wellness practices to the UK. The brand’s flagship location will open in London’s bustling Canary Wharf business district, specifically chosen so that ARC can

This December, Guerlain’s spa at Cheval Blanc St-Barth has celebrated its 10th anniversary and unveiled the results of a comprehensive design refresh. Nestled in the 61-key resort’s tropical gardens, the spa features five Gharieni-equipped treatment rooms – including a VIP double suite, an outdoor relaxation pavilion and a tropical terrace. The facility has been completely reimagined by Guerlain with the input of renowned architect Isabelle Stanislas. The refreshed interiors draw

The Sacred River Spa at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan has embarked on a new chapter after receiving a major renovation and expansion project. The riverside retreat in Ubud, Indonesia, has been relaunched with enhanced facilities, brand-new amenities and an elevated treatment offering. Honouring traditions Nestled amid rich tropical jungle foliage, the 4,970sq m facility has been refreshed with a concept inspired by the ancient Balinese philosophy of Niskala,

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Miami-based private investment company Yntegra Group to realise a brand new private island resort on Exuma, an archipelago of 365 islands in the Bahamas. Launching in 2028, Rosewood Exuma will be situated on a 124-acre private island referred to as East Sampson Cay. The tropical retreat will feature 33 beachfront suites and a signature Rosewood Asaya spa designed to immerse guests in Bahamian

David Lloyd Clubs launched its latest site at Bury St Edmunds, UK, yesterday (3 December,) which has been under construction since last year. Facilities include a 100+ station gym featuring an Intuitive Strength Circuit; heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools; tennis, padel, badminton and pickleball courts; group exercise studios with the full range of signature David Lloyd Clubs’ classes, including Blaze, Spirit, Ign1te, Battlebox and Rebels. There is also a

Global wellbeing organisation Therme Group has acquired Therme Erding – a vast 145,000sq ft wellbeing destination located near Munich in Germany. Recognised as one of Europe’s largest thermal wellbeing complexes, Therme Erding features a 40-pool bathing oasis, 35 steam baths and saunas and 28 indoor and outdoor slides. Founded by architect and entrepreneur Josef Wund in 1999, the facility has become a cornerstone of the European wellness industry. The acquisition

Corinthia Hotels has announced the opening of its newest urban property, Corinthia Brussels, in the historic centre of the Belgian capital. Housed in a meticulously restored 100-year-old Belle Époque landmark, the hotel is now preparing to unveil its 1,200sq m subterranean spa on 16 December. The Sisley-branded urban wellness facility will be home to seven private treatment rooms and be defined by elegant yet understated marble interiors complemented with gold

Luxury London health club operator, Third Space, launches its 13th club – and fourth this year – on Monday (9 December) at Richmond Upon Thames. This tops off an exciting year, following the launch of new clubs in Wood Wharf, Battersea and Clapham Junction. The growth will continue into 2025, with further openings planned. Colin Waggett, CEO of Third Space says: “The opening of Third Space Richmond is a significant

Dubai-based luxury hotel operator Jumeirah has announced a new partnership with Thanda Group, marking its first venture into Africa. Thanda Group, renowned for its high-end, privately owned hospitality experiences in Africa, has partnered with Jumeirah to rebrand two of its existing properties as Jumeirah Thanda Island and Jumeirah Thanda Safari. Situated in the protected Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve in Tanzania, Jumeirah Thanda Island comprises an immersive, exclusive-use villa, while Jumeirah

Center Parcs is pursuing plans to develop its first-ever holiday village in Scotland. The proposed project will feature 700 lodges, a luxury spa and extensive leisure facilities, with a projected investment of £350-400 million (US$443-507 million, €418-480 million), pending planning approval. Located in the Scottish Borders, north of Hawick and south of Selkirk, the site is approximately a 90-minute drive from both Edinburgh and Newcastle and two hours from Glasgow.

A luxury Canadian day spa nestled in a 600-acre protected forest reserve in Quebec has recently been elevated with a new two-floor wellness facility, designed to inspire relaxation and reconnection with nature. Since launching in Bromont in 2005, Balnea Spa + Thermal Reserve has positioned itself as a wellness retreat in nature committed to immersing guests in the beauty of its surroundings. The centrepiece of the new facility is a

Reservations are now open for stays at Shebara – a hyper-luxury resort and nature-inspired spa opening in Saudi Arabia this month as part of the ambitious Red Sea regenerative tourism project. The launch will mark the debut destination wholly owned and operated by project developer Red Sea Global (RSG) and the fourth to open within The Red Sea development. Shebara’s concept combines luxury, sustainability and innovation and its architecture is

The multi-million revamp of McFit continues, with the completion of its first new-look studio in Munich Laim, which will soon be followed by three more in the city. “The modernisation offensive in Munich is an important step for the McFit brand and a strong signal for the future,” says Stephan Pallmann, director brand and customer management RSG Group. “We are certain that the fresh look and new ideas will offer

Spelthorne Borough Council has opened the doors to a world-leading leisure centre built to Passivhaus standards. Spelthorne Borough Council is expecting the new Eclipse Leisure Centre to use between 60 and 70 per cent less energy than a typical modern leisure centre and will be a major step forward in helping the Council become carbon neutral. Located in Staines-upon-Thames, the facility includes a 25 metre main pool, learner pool, splash

Luxury fragrance, beauty and spa brand Guerlain is gearing up to open its first spa in the Seychelles at Cheval Blanc’s new 52-key beachfront retreat, launching 1 December. This will mark Guerlain’s 29th spa worldwide and continue its partnership with Cheval Blanc, luxury goods conglomerate LVMH’s ultra-premium hotel brand managed by LVMH Hotel Management. Guerlain already powers wellness offerings in Cheval Blanc’s locations in Saint Tropez, St. Barts, the Maldives

Aire Ancient Baths has selected New York City’s Upper East Side neighbourhood for its latest bathhouse, marking its second destination in the city and ninth location worldwide. Known for revitalising historical buildings into luxurious bathing havens, Aire offers an immersive bathhouse experience inspired by ancient Roman, Greek and Ottoman traditions. Each location features the brand’s signature candle-lit ambience, is infused with orange-blossom scents and offers access to a range of

Luxury Japanese hospitality brand Hoshino Resorts is set to make its mark in the US wellness market with a new hot springs development in New York state's historic spa village of Sharon Springs. Scheduled to open in 2028, the 40-key property will blend the tradition of Japanese ryokan inn-style accommodations with onsen bathing facilities powered by Sharon Springs' mineral-rich hot springs. It will be located approximately a 3.5-hour drive from

The final countdown is now on for the launch of the UK's first public floating sauna, set to make a splash on 23 November at Liverpool's Princes Dock. Called WYLD Sauna, the Nordic-inspired contrast bathing experience will offer residents, visitors and commuters a serene escape in the heart of the northern UK city. The project was founded by outdoor swimming and sauna enthusiasts inspired by the growing trend of floating

Plans have been announced to introduce the first five-star private members wellness club in Northern England, located on a historic 1,000-acre estate in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire. The proposed project, based in an area of outstanding natural beauty 45 minutes north of Manchester, is being spearheaded by entrepreneurs and estate owners Amber and Guy Hindley. The duo are on a personal venture to transform part of their privately-owned 400-year-old Gisburne

The Bahrain Surf Park – Club Hawaii Experience, is set to be the first surf park in the MENA region powered by Wavegarden Cove Technology. Expected to position Bahrain as a leading destination for surfers, The Bahrain Surf club will be developed through a partnership between Edamah (Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company), GFH Financial Group and engineering company Wavegarden. Located within Bilaj Al Jazayer development – a 1.3 million square