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The real estate development industry is experiencing a pivotal moment - one driven not by short-term trends or market cycles, but by a fundamental shift in how people want to live.
By Carly Cottam, Director, MOTIV
The real estate development industry is experiencing a pivotal moment - one driven not by short-term trends or market cycles, but by a fundamental shift in how people want to live.
According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness-focused real estate is projected to surpass $1.1 trillion by 2029. This makes it one of the fastest-growing sectors within the global wellness economy - and the implications for developers, architects, and place makers are profound.
What We’re Seeing on the Ground
At MOTIV, we’re witnessing this transformation play out across multiple projects, with developers rethinking what modern residential living should look and feel like.
Gone are the days where a pool and a gym ticked the ‘amenity’ box. Today, we’re seeing a push toward integrated wellness ecosystems - think infrared saunas, cold plunge zones, yoga sanctuaries, on-demand concierge wellness services, circadian-aligned lighting, aromatherapy lobbies, soundproof meditation pods, and even dedicated wellness concierges.
These are no longer fringe concepts or reserved for six-star resorts. They’re becoming the new benchmark for premium residential developments, and more importantly, they’re backed by real consumer demand.
Why Wellness Matters More Than Ever
The reason this movement is gaining such momentum is because it reflects a growing body of research: 80-90% of health outcomes are linked to how we live, not just how we eat or how often we go to the doctor.
Buyers and renters alike are increasingly aware of the profound impact their homes and neighbourhoods have on their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. A recent study found that 73% of homeowners and renters will now consider health and wellness features as a deciding factor in their next home.
In short: wellness is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It’s a driver of value, liveability, and long-term demand.
Amenity Is Evolving - And So Must We
Across our projects, we’re working closely with developers to create amenity spaces that transcend function and deliver true sensory experience. These include:
- Private wellness suites and bathhouses in lieu of traditional communal gyms
- Outdoor recovery decks designed for sunlight exposure and breathwork
- Green spaces and biophilic design that bring nature back into dense urban living
- Private club-style lounges and libraries that foster mindfulness and connection
- Smart air purification, acoustics, and lighting to optimise circadian rhythm
And crucially, these amenities aren’t just being built - they’re being programmed. We’re seeing the rise of curated wellness programming: sound healing sessions, breathwork classes, nutrition consults, even guided forest bathing experiences - all within residential environments.
This Is More Than a Trend - It’s a New Baseline
What was once seen as a niche or luxury feature is now a baseline expectation in premium residential real estate. More than that, it’s a commercial strategy. Developments with meaningful wellness integration consistently demonstrate stronger buyer interest, greater price elasticity, and faster sales velocity.
At a time when consumers are more conscious, more discerning, and more value-driven than ever, the winning projects will be those that go beyond traditional luxury and deliver experiences that support everyday well-being.
Final Thought: Designing for Life, Not Just Living
As we look toward the future, the opportunity for developers is clear: stop building just for the eye. Start building for the mind, body, and soul.
Wellness isn’t a passing wave - it’s the new foundation of desirable living. The developers who understand this, and embed it authentically, will shape the most resilient and sought-after communities of the next decade.
Global Icons of Wellness Design
1. Six Senses Residences - The Palm, Dubai
Why it stands out:
This is a leading example of branded residences where luxury hospitality meets immersive wellbeing.
- Wellness integration: Full access to Six Senses Spa, longevity centre, meditation pods, biohacking technologies, and sustainability-led design.
- Design features: Water elements, natural textures, calming palettes, and quiet zones woven through architecture.
- Why it matters: The Six Senses brand is synonymous with wellness, and this project takes that promise into permanent living, tapping into health-conscious UHNW buyers seeking year-round rejuvenation.
2. 1 Hotel & Homes - South Beach, Miami
Why it stands out:
Built with sustainability and wellbeing at the core, this development combines eco-conscious luxury with real lifestyle transformation.
- Wellness integration: In-room air and water filtration, hemp-blend mattresses, on-site wellness concierge, gym + yoga studio + on-demand plant-based room service.
- Biophilic design: Reclaimed wood, native greenery, and materials that support thermal comfort.
- Why it matters: A pioneering model of how branded residences can deliver wellness in a low-impact, high-luxury format.
