Wellness + Sustainability News | Hospitality Design

1 Hotel Melbourne Debuts Along the Yarra River

Stephanie Chen — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:15:15 +0000

1 Hotels has unveiled its latest sustainable luxury property along Melbourne’s waterfront. It includes 277 guestrooms, 36 suites, and 114 private residences under the 1 Homes brand.

Designed by FK Architecture and One Design Office in collaboration with Starwood Capital Group’s in-house team, the project integrates history, nature, and wellness into the new Seafarers mixed-use development.

Anchoring the property is the heritage-listed Goods Shed No. 5, a late-19th-century building that played a crucial role in Melbourne’s early maritime trade.

The asymmetrical façade nods to the site’s past with lower glazing that echoes the shed’s original panels and upper windows that reflect the rippling surface of the Yarra River. More than 2,000 living plants cascade throughout the hotel, blurring the lines between indoors and out.

In the 1 Hotel Melbourne lobby, natural and reclaimed materials set the tone: a reception desk crafted from fallen trees, furnishings made from salvaged timber, and restored elements from the Goods Shed No. 5 conjure a sense of place and history. The arrival experience is anchored by a dramatic rock wall constructed from split-faced granite, an industrial by-product that echoes Victoria’s coastal geology

Guestrooms and residences at 1 Hotel Melbourne

The hotel’s accommodations feature floor-to-ceiling windows with river or city views. Headboards crafted from reclaimed timber railway bridges, preserved moss-paneled doors, and room numbers etched into salvaged wharf wood nod to the site’s maritime legacy as well.

In addition to the rooms and suites, 1 Hotel Melbourne boasts 114 hotel-branded homes with exclusive services such as chef-catered private dinners and in-residence spa treatments. The 18th floor penthouse—designed by Riverlee founder Clement Lee OAM in collaboration with Fender Katsalidis—provides access to a private outdoor terrace, lounge, library, and dining space with sweeping views of the river and the skyline.

Dining and amenities

Dining options include signature restaurant From Here by Mike, Neighbours grab-and-go café, and Upstairs, a hidden cocktail bar on the first floor—all echoing 1 Hotels’ commitment to hyperlocal and nature-inspired experiences.

The 1,000-square-meter Seafarers Event Space can host up to 900 guests, complemented by flexible meeting rooms, a boardroom, and a river-facing lounge.

Wellness is also central to the guest experience, with amenities such as the Field House Gym, indoor pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi-style spa, and a Bamford Wellness Spa.

From Here by Mike

1 Hotel Melbourne’s commitment to sustainability

Sustainability is woven throughout the property, which is targeting LEED Silver certification. Integrations include lush, biophilic elements; reclaimed materials to advanced air quality systems; and a zero-waste partnership with Foodprint Group. Single-use plastics have also been eliminated in favor of reusable and compostable alternatives.

In addition, nearly 2,000 reclaimed bluestone pavers form pathways throughout the hotel, while restored trusses and timber from local rail bridges and wharfs maintain the site’s industrial character.

“At 1 Hotels, we believe that luxury and sustainability can—and should—go hand in hand,” says Barry Sternlicht, founder of 1 Hotels and chairman of Starwood Hotels. “With 1 Hotel Melbourne, we’ve created a waterfront destination that immerses guests in nature while celebrating the city’s rich legacy and forward-thinking spirit.”

“This hotel isn’t just about where you stay—this is about how you feel, how you connect, and how travel can inspire a deeper commitment to the world around us,” he adds. “The water inspires calm and serenity, which is what our brand is meant to convey: an oasis for travelers to escape the rigors of travel.”

Penthouse Suite

City Reserve Suite

Pool

The post 1 Hotel Melbourne Debuts Along the Yarra River appeared first on Hospitality Design.

JNcQUOI Club Comporta Brings Coastal Luxury to Portugal’s Shore

Stephanie Chen — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:42:22 +0000

Amorim Luxury Group and JNcQUOI have unveiled JNcQUOI Club Comporta, a sprawling 405-acre retreat set along Portugal’s wild Alentejo coastline.

Slated for completion in 2028, the BREEAM-certified destination will redefine immersive living through a fusion of restrained architecture, sustainability, and elevated hospitality.

A natural sanctuary

Envisioned by Vincent Van Duysen—with native landscaping by Vladimir Djurovic—JNcQUOI Club Comporta’s architecture blends abstraction with warmth, marked by pigmented concrete forms, terracotta tile, cork accents, and green roofs that dissolve into the landscape.

“When [founders Paula Amorim and Miguel Guedes De Sousa] approached me, I knew this project was an opportunity to create something truly unique—one driven by deep respect for the land and a vision to craft a sanctuary where design and nature merge effortlessly,” says Van Duysen.

The retreat will offer 64 private villas and 94 freestanding guest pavilions—each designed to dissolve into the native pine forest—as well as 34 hotel pavilions. Each residence embraces a horizontal language of design, with wide openings, rich natural materials, and seamless transitions between indoors and out.

“Every space and detail captures the purity and serenity of its surroundings,” Van Duysen adds, describing the vision as “sensorial, immersive, organic, holistic, pure, and harmonious.”

Lifestyle at JNcQUOI Club Comporta

The property will be anchored by the Clubhouse, a vibrant lifestyle hub with three restaurants, a cigar lounge, two bars, a wine cellar, and a Fashion Clinic retail outpost.

The holistic wellness program will include an athletic club and spa with cryotherapy and high-performance studios, a racket club, and a kids club, while outdoor pursuits range from the family pool to the David McLay Kidd-designed Dunas Golf Course.

Two private access points will lead guests to the Sand Dunes Natural Beach or the JNcQUOI Beach Club, a refined seaside destination that mirrors the architecture’s elemental tone.

The post JNcQUOI Club Comporta Brings Coastal Luxury to Portugal’s Shore appeared first on Hospitality Design.

Wellness Real Estate Market Expected To Top $1 Trillion by 2029

Stephanie Chen — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:00:36 +0000

The wellness real estate market reached $584 billion in 2024, and it’s just getting started. According to the Global Wellness Institute’s newly released Build Well to Live Well: The Future report, the sector is projected to double by 2029, hitting $1.1 trillion.

A rapidly expanding market

Growing at an annual rate of 19.5 percent—nearly four times faster than general global construction—wellness real estate has evolved from luxury-focused amenities to a multidimensional approach that integrates physical, mental, social, and environmental wellbeing.

Today, the market accounts for 3.3 percent of global construction output, outpacing every other segment in the $6.3 trillion wellness economy.

North America leads the global market, comprising 44 percent of the total, with the U.S. alone representing 41 percent. However, some of the fastest-growing regions include Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe, with countries like the UK, Netherlands, Singapore, and Vietnam showing double-digit annual growth.

What’s in the GWI report

GWI’s 160-page report underscores the sector’s transformation, noting five major shifts: the expansion into new real estate classes (such as senior living and student housing); a shift from physical to holistic wellness; movement beyond luxury to affordable housing; the rise of large-scale, master-planned communities; and the convergence of green and human-centered design.

The report also identifies 12 unmet needs and future market opportunities—from climate-adaptive buildings and wellness-centered co-living models to neuroarchitectural design and health-focused urban regeneration—supported by global project examples.

Download the free report here and find the graphs here.

The post Wellness Real Estate Market Expected To Top $1 Trillion by 2029 appeared first on Hospitality Design.

Ballers to Debut Design-Forward Social Sports Club in Philadelphia

Stephanie Chen — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:00:52 +0000

Ballers, a new hospitality-infused social sports venue, will make its debut this July in Philadelphia, introducing an experience-forward take on the racquet sports boom.

Founded by wellness entrepreneurs David Gutstadt and Amanda Potter—alumni of Equinox and Fitler Club—and developed by Good City Studio and Vero Capital, the concept pairs world-class courts with dynamic design, recovery spaces, and elevated dining to create a next-generation third space.

The Philadelphia flagship is the first of several planned locations. Venues in Boston (August 2025) and Miami (early 2026) are set to follow.

A $20 million Series A round led by Sharp Alpha and RHC Group—with support from athletes and celebrities including Andre Agassi, Kim Clijsters, and 76ers owner David Blitzer—underscores the brand’s bold expansion plan, which aims to open 50 locations over the next decade.

A new kind of sports club

Housed inside Philadelphia’s landmark Turbine Hall, the 55,000-square-foot spaces features six pickleball courts, three padel courts, squash, turf, and golf simulators, all beneath soaring 75-foot ceilings.

Designed for both casual players and serious athletes, the venue also includes a full-service restaurant, bar, and lounge areas that are configurable for private events.

The experience extends beyond sport with a luxe wellness lounge outfitted with saunas, cold plunges, and compression therapy. Members can access fitness and recovery zones, premium locker rooms, and curated programming, while non-members are welcome to book courts and enjoy the social amenities.

Forthcoming Ballers locations

Ballers Boston, set to open in August in the Seaport, will introduce the city’s first padel courts alongside seasonal programming (including an ice rink in winter). Miami will launch in early 2026, bringing the brand’s signature combination of sport, style, and social energy to a tropical setting near downtown.

“Having played tennis in college, racquet sports have always been a passion of mine,” says Gutstadt, founder and CEO of Ballers. “So when we saw the opportunity to marry the powerful trend and innovations in urban social sports including pickleball, padel, and golf with our unique expertise in design and community-building, we went all in on Ballers.”

“The incredible response to our Philadelphia pop-up last year showed us that people are craving this connection through sports, and we’re excited to show that when paired with unparalleled hospitality, athletics can go beyond just leagues, lessons, or court time,” he adds.

The post Ballers to Debut Design-Forward Social Sports Club in Philadelphia appeared first on Hospitality Design.

Banyan Tree Escape Launches in the Bali Jungle

Stephanie Chen — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 18:07:59 +0000

Deep in the Balinese jungle, Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape emerges as an adults-only retreat characterized by a no walls, no doors concept.

Dive into the first Banyan Tree Escape

The debut property under the Banyan Tree Escape brand, the 16-villa luxury resort boasts a design that is in tune with its lush setting.

Built using environmentally friendly techniques and enriched by local design elements, the open-plan villas and secluded outdoor spaces boast 180-degree panoramic views of the surrounding jungle.

The resort’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond aesthetics to its zero-waste ethos and farm-to-table culinary philosophy, which is showcased through dining options like the Open Kitchen as well as garden-to-glass outpost, the Botanist Bar.

Additional offerings include the open-air Toja Spa and a range of experiences such as jungle hikes, yoga, and immersive journeys that tour local villages and the region’s coffee highlands.

The post Banyan Tree Escape Launches in the Bali Jungle appeared first on Hospitality Design.

Fahid Island Brings Wellness-Focused Living to Abu Dhabi

Stephanie Chen — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 15:13:57 +0000

Development company Aldar has revealed the masterplan for Fahid Island, a new luxury destination in Abu Dhabi that blends wellness, culture, and coastal living.

Positioned between the entertainment hub of Yas Island and the cultural district of Saadiyat Island, the mixed-use development will offer 2.8 miles of unspoiled beachfront on one side and tranquil mangrove forests on the other.

Residences at Fahid Island

Aldar has enlisted a roster of global design talent—including Japanese architects Kengo Kuma and Koichi Takada, London-based ACME, and Dubai-based NAGA Architects—to craft the island’s residential components. More than 6,000 units are planned, from apartments and townhouses to ultra-luxury villas.

The first release, Fahid Beach Residences, will introduce seven mid-rise buildings (housing 65 units each) defined by architecture that emphasizes privacy and refined beachfront living.

A design that centers wellness

Conceived as a sanctuary for wellbeing, more than 30 percent of the island will be dedicated to natural spaces, including green trails, lush gardens, and Berm Park, which will double as a wellness corridor. The landscaped park will feature shaded rest areas, water stations, fitness zones, and three cycling routes that link to Abu Dhabi’s larger cycle loop.

The island’s vibrant social hub will be its waterfront promenade, home to an eclectic mix of art, dining, and retail experiences. A boutique shopping street, Coral Drive, will include concept stores, galleries, cafés, and a ballet school, alongside curated street furniture and public art.

Aldar is also partnering with a leading global institution to introduce a school on Fahid Island.

Sustainability on Fahid Island

Fahid Island is the world’s first Fitwel-certified island and has received LEED Cities and Communities Platinum pre-certification, with a target for Estidama 3-Pearl rating.

Pedestrian-first design is central to the masterplan, with shaded walkways, bridges connecting the island’s two sides, and a mobility strategy aimed at reducing reliance on vehicles.

The post Fahid Island Brings Wellness-Focused Living to Abu Dhabi appeared first on Hospitality Design.

The River Electric Opens as a Camp Resort in Sonoma County

Stephanie Chen — Wed, 28 May 2025 18:38:29 +0000

The River Electric—a camp resort, swim club, and event venue—has opened in Guerneville, California.

Set on 12 acres of redwood groves and open meadows in the Russian River Valley, the property is the latest concept from the Shelter Co. Family of Brands.

The site includes 40 fully furnished canvas tents arranged throughout a redwood grove, with a central bathhouse offering private and family stalls, as well as dedicated grooming areas. The resort also features a European-style swim club offering day-use access and memberships.

Midcentury meets California boho

Creative director Maggie Wilson collaborated with longtime design partner Jessie Galloway of Jessie Galloway Design and architect Will Spurzem of Boundary Works Design to shape the property’s aesthetic.

Referencing midcentury architecture and summer camp nostalgia, the design incorporates salvaged redwood, steel, and concrete across the welcome center, restaurant, and bathhouse structures. A restrained material palette and recurring indoor-outdoor elements—including round oculus openings and views framed by the forest canopy—enhance the immersive experience.

Eco-resilience at the River Electric

Given the site’s location in a floodplain, the project was built with long-term durability and environmental resilience in mind. Elevated foundations, flood vents, and waterproof infrastructure are paired with bioretention landscaping to mitigate water impact.

The River Electric also includes five distinct event venues, including a sailcloth tent, an amphitheater, and a poolside setting, to accommodate groups of up to 200 for weddings, retreats, and celebrations.

“We’ve had this dream for more than a decade,” shared Kelsey Sheofsky, CEO of Shelter Co. Family of Brands. “Since we started Shelter Co. in 2012, we knew a permanent home was in our future. The River Electric is that place, a cornerstone of Guerneville where people can gather, celebrate, and fall in love with the Russian River Valley, just as we have.”

The post The River Electric Opens as a Camp Resort in Sonoma County appeared first on Hospitality Design.

Holloway Li to Design Tripolers Oasis Hotel in Dunhuang

Stephanie Chen — Tue, 06 May 2025 13:00:15 +0000

London-based studio Holloway Li has been appointed by tourism and hospitality group Tripolers to develop the interior design strategy for its debut boutique spa-hotel amidst the Singing Sand Dunes of Dunhuang, China.

Nestled within a natural oasis along the historic Silk Road, Tripolers Oasis Hotel will draw inspiration from dramatic desert vistas and the nearby UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves.

The resort—positioned in a lush, working vineyard at the edge of the dunes—will feature 15 private villas strategically placed along the edge of the site to maximize privacy and offer views of the surrounding dunes. Two-story suite blocks, boasting roof terraces with uninterrupted vistas, will be situated deeper within the vineyard.

Holloway Li’s design concept aims to create a transformative guest experience that reflects a physical and spiritual journey.

The arrival experience

Upon arrival, guests will enter a serene drop-off area comprising four intimate single-story pavilions housing the reception area, lounge, boutique shop, bar, and refreshment deck. These pavilions will be thoughtfully arranged to symbolize a gesture of embrace to further extend a warm welcome onsite.

A courtyard will feature naturally sculpted stone and a weathered Huyang tree—both shaped by the desert climate—that emphasize the hotel’s philosophy of celebrating nature in its purest form.

An array of amenities

Public spaces—including a restaurant, bar and lounge, chef’s table, and luxurious spa rooms—will be connected by golden sandy courtyards that lead to a tranquil outdoor pool with panoramic views of the Singing Sand Dunes.

A fire-pit area, meanwhile, extends into the desert, to provide a unique setting for private dining or stargazing.

Design details of Tripolers Oasis Hotel

Inspired by wabi-sabi philosophy, the design emphasizes simplicity, imperfection, and the passage of time. Reclaimed materials, for example, will be employed to create spaces that feel both rustic and refined.

Earthy tones and natural materials—like clay, teak, and stone—will add warmth to the interiors, while carefully curated furniture and artwork will celebrate the beauty of local craftsmanship and the rich cultural history of the area.

The design of the guestrooms will be rooted in the local heritage of Dunhuang, influenced by the traditional murals found in the Mogao Caves, where monks, merchants, and travelers have sought rest for centuries. The color schemes are guided by the three primary pigments—Tubai (clary white), Shashi (sandy yellow), and Zhusha (earthy red)—reinforcing a deep connection between the guest experience and the region’s legacy.

“We were stunned by the incredible site for Tripolers Oasis Hotel and the opportunity to create a truly world-class offering,” says Na Li, managing director of Holloway Li. “We are excited to work alongside our long-term local collaborators GAD and Z’scape to bring this breathtaking scheme to life.”

Tripolers Oasis Hotel is slated for completion in 2026.

The post Holloway Li to Design Tripolers Oasis Hotel in Dunhuang appeared first on Hospitality Design.

Banyan Tree Opens Mandai Rainforest Resort in Singapore

Stephanie Chen — Mon, 05 May 2025 13:30:52 +0000

Banyan Tree has officially opened its first resort in Singapore.

Set amidst the lush greenery of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Mandai Rainforest Resort features 338 guestrooms and suites (including 24 treehouses), two signature dining experiences, a rooftop pool with unobstructed views of the Upper Seletar Reservoir, and a Banyan Tree Spa.

A biophilic design

Spanning 11 acres, the resort was designed by WOW Architects with an emphasis on biophilia that blends architecture with its natural surroundings. Mature trees have been preserved onsite, and the resort’s elevated wings allow native wildlife to move freely beneath them.

Upon arrival, guests encounter two towering trees that anchor the property’s commitment to harmonizing with nature. A 40-foot-tall Rain Tree (Samanea saman) takes centerstage with its expansive umbrella-shaped canopy, evoking the serene atmosphere of a rainforest.

Meanwhile, an Indian Beech tree (Millettia pinnata), known for its soil-enriching properties and ability to nurture local biodiversity, stands on the other side of the entrance, symbolizing balance and sustainability.

Mandai Rainforest Resort’s lobby enhances this connection with the environment via bespoke furniture crafted from upcycled wood and organic-inspired lighting features that create a warm and welcoming ambiance.

Accommodations at Mandai Rainforest Resort

The resort comprises 24 elevated treehouses and a five-story main building with 314 rooms and suites.

The treehouses, resembling seed pods, offer a private retreat that hovers above the ground and boasts its own patio. The main building, which rises vertically through the forest layers, provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding rainforest, gardens, and nearby reservoir.

Meanwhile, the interior design concept pays homage to the rainforest’s complexity. Artwork illustrates the forest’s distinct layers—from the forest floor to the emergent canopy. Antique lithographs of native wildlife—including the lesser mousedeer, white-collared kingfisher, and grey-headed fish eagle— celebrate Singapore’s unique biodiversity.

A commitment to sustainability

Sustainability is a guiding principle throughout the resort. Rooms feature windows that fully open for natural ventilation as well as temperature regulation that mimics the rainforest’s cool atmosphere.

An interactive display is installed in each room to track energy usage, while rainwater harvesting systems provide water for flushing.

These efforts have earned the property Singapore’s first Green Mark Platinum recognition as a Super Low Energy (SLE) resort.

Additional amenities

The resort’s 300-seat Meranti Ballroom draws inspiration from the mysteries of the forest floor, with a design centered on the Bridal Veil Stinkhorn, a tropical mushroom with a striking hexagonal motif.

Furthermore, the Banyan Tree Spa features three treatment pods inspired by the Sunda pangolin, with exteriors that mimic the pangolin’s protective scales.

The post Banyan Tree Opens Mandai Rainforest Resort in Singapore appeared first on Hospitality Design.

Paras Yash Kothari Hospital Reimagines Healthcare

Stephanie Chen — Mon, 05 May 2025 13:00:04 +0000

On the banks of the Ganges river in New Kanpur, Paras Yash Kothari Hospital has transformed a neglected building into a vibrant, patient-centric oasis.

Designed by CDA and operated by Paras Health, this 430-bed tertiary care facility addresses a critical need for specialized healthcare in one of India’s most populous regions.

A functional design

The hospital’s design centers on functional efficiency through an adaptive reinterpretation of the Breitfuss Model, grouping programmatically similar departments to minimize walking distances and ease staff movement.

The nine-story facility establishes intuitive zoning with emergency, ambulatory, and surgical care departments on the lower floors, inpatient spaces on the upper floors, and a service deck in between.

Healing spaces

At its core, a vast central courtyard brings natural light into the atrium, offering visitors and patients a tranquil, welcoming environment.

Patient rooms feature spacious windows to promote healing by welcoming natural light and views inside. In an effort to move away from traditional multi-bed wards, modular single rooms provide privacy and enhanced infection control.

Public areas are adorned with natural materials like locally sourced granite and tile, while healing gardens and accessible outdoor spaces encourage movement, cultural connection, and mental relaxation.

Designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, the hospital uses insulated glass units on its façades to reduce heat gain, with over 20 percent of energy needs met through solar power.

The post Paras Yash Kothari Hospital Reimagines Healthcare appeared first on Hospitality Design.