New research from the Global Wellness Institute reveals that wellness real estate is now one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global wellness economy, reshaping hotels, residences, and communities across North America.
The idea of wellness is no longer limited to spas, fitness studios, or vacation retreats. Increasingly, wellness is becoming part of the very places where people live, work, travel, and gather.
According to new research from the nonprofit Global Wellness Institute (GWI), wellness real estate has become one of the fastest-growing sectors within the global wellness economy, growing from approximately $225 billion in 2019 to more than $548 billion in 2024. The sector is forecast to surpass $1 trillion globally by 2029.
For travelers and wellness-minded consumers across North America, the shift is already becoming visible. Luxury resorts are expanding wellness-focused accommodations, residential communities are prioritizing healthier living environments, and developers are increasingly designing spaces that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
What once may have been considered luxury amenities, such as advanced air and water filtration, circadian lighting, thermal wellness experiences, meditation spaces, recovery lounges, and nature-integrated design, are quickly becoming part of mainstream hospitality and residential development.
The Global Wellness Institute’s updated report, Build Well to Live Well: The Future, suggests that wellness real estate is evolving far beyond high-end fitness centers or spa-inspired branding. Instead, developers are increasingly focusing on how built environments can positively influence sleep, stress reduction, social connection, movement, mental well-being, and long-term health.
North America continues to play a leading role in the movement. Wellness-focused hotels, residential towers, mixed-use communities, and retreat-style developments are expanding throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico, reflecting growing consumer demand for healthier and more restorative living environments.
The trend is particularly evident within hospitality and wellness travel. Today’s travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that help them recharge physically and emotionally, whether through thermal wellness circuits, nature-based design, longevity programming, recovery therapies, or spaces intentionally designed to reduce stress and encourage balance.
The broader wellness economy itself continues to surge. GWI’s latest research estimates the global wellness economy reached $6.8 trillion in 2024 and is projected to approach $10 trillion by 2029.
For the spa and wellness industry, the rise of wellness real estate signals an important evolution. Wellness is no longer simply something people do during a treatment or vacation. It is increasingly integrated into everyday life through architecture, design, hospitality, and community planning.
As the boundaries between wellness travel, hospitality, healthcare, and real estate continue to blur, the future of wellness may be defined not only by where people go to relax, but by how the places around them help support healthier, more connected lives.
