Key facts
- The pursuit of longevity and 'looksmaxxing' is driving a trend of converting home spaces into wellness areas.
- Saunas, cold plunges, and red-light therapy rooms are becoming new luxury markers in homes.
- The cost of home wellness amenities is decreasing, with some setups costing under $8,000.
- Zillow listings show a 33% increase in mentions of 'wellness' and a 22% rise in 'spa-inspired' bathrooms.
- Market intelligence firms project significant growth in the US sauna and cold plunge markets.
- Luxury condo developers are dedicating entire floors to wellness amenities and health-optimization features.
The desire for improved health and appearance is transforming American homes, with spare rooms and garages increasingly being converted into high-tech wellness spaces. This trend, fueled by obsessions with longevity and 'looksmaxxing,' sees amenities like infrared saunas, cold plunges, and red-light therapy rooms replacing traditional leisure spaces such as man caves or home theaters.
While the wealthy are investing heavily in these advanced wellness features, the market is also becoming more accessible. A two-person infrared sauna can cost less than $5,000, and some couples have created 'wellness huts' with saunas and cold plunges for under $8,000, a cost comparable to kitchen renovations. This shift is reflected in real estate listings, with Zillow reporting a 33% increase in the use of the term 'wellness' and a 22% rise in 'spa-inspired' bathrooms over the past year.
Market intelligence firms project substantial growth in the sauna and cold plunge sectors, indicating a sustained demand. Luxury condo developers are responding by dedicating significant square footage to wellness amenities, including hot-and-cold spa circuits, yoga studios, and even robotic massages. Projects like HQ Residences Miami and House of Wellness in Miami are catering to health-conscious buyers, with units ranging from $400,000 to over $2.2 million, and offering personalized health assessments as a resident perk.