In today’s luxury market, wellness and relaxation are no longer opulent add-ons — they are driving forces reshaping the real estate landscape. Just two years ago, the global wellness real estate sector surged to $438 billion, and it’s projected to nearly double, reaching $912 billion by 2028, according to the Global Wellness Institute. This remarkable expansion reflects a cultural shift: more than ever, buyers prioritize homes designed to restore and rejuvenate.
At the core of this transformation is the ascent of spa-inspired living. Homebuyers now desire luxury features that evoke a resort-like atmosphere. Think: steam showers and saunas that echo world-class resorts, soaking tubs that frame tranquil garden views, icy plunge pools that invigorate, meditation courtyards that guide the mind inward and seamless indoor-outdoor extensions that blur the line between home and retreat.
“More buyers are seeking homes that feel like a retreat because they desire comfort, relaxation and a sense of escape from everyday stress in their living environment,” reflects global advisor Peter G. Laughlin. “They want a home that supports longevity, as well as mental and physical well-being.”
That longing for a luxury refuge is shared across the market. “Today’s buyers are seeking more than just a place to live — they want a sanctuary,” says global advisor Kim Simeone Tessitore. “Busy schedules, demanding careers and the desire for balance have fueled a growing interest in homes that provide calm, privacy and an escape from the outside world. A retreat-like residence fulfills that need, allowing homeowners to feel as though they’ve escaped to a private resort, even as they remain close to the conveniences of daily living.”
In Southwest Florida, wellness-driven design increasingly influences both lifestyle and long-term value. Naples global advisor Frank Pezutti notes, “Wellness and healthy living increasingly play a role for my Naples customers. Features like private walking paths, outdoor kitchens, expansive pool decks and dedicated yoga or fitness rooms are no longer rare luxuries — they’re becoming essentials for buyers who want a true retreat experience.”
The trend has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic. North Carolina global advisor Ben Bowen observes, “After COVID, people began putting more value in their physical and mental wellness, and they also began wanting to do this without being in public areas for health reasons. What better way to enjoy your downtime than to have your own private oasis at your home.” This shift is also mirrored in the data, with Zillow finding that the share of for-sale listings highlighting wellness-oriented amenities jumped 16% year-over-year, according to Business Insider.
As wellness becomes inseparable from luxury, homes are no longer defined solely by their architecture or location, but by the experiences they create within. A spa-inspired residence offers more than beauty; it provides restoration, privacy and the promise of daily renewal. From North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains to Florida's Gulf Coast, these exclusively curated listings embody this redefined vision of living, where every detail is designed to restore, inspire and elevate the art of living well.
66 North Deerhaven Lane, Asheville, North Carolina 28803 | Listed by Alec Cantley
Set on more than five private acres in a gated enclave, Deerhaven Gardens is more than an estate; it’s a private spa retreat tucked into the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. Encompassing over 13,000 square feet, this sanctuary is designed to restore and rejuvenate with a dedicated wellness wing featuring a gym, steam room, sauna and a full spa suite complete with massage, pedicure and manicure stations. Seamless NanaWall doors invite the outdoors in, framing panoramic mountain vistas that enhance the sense of calm and renewal. The 50-foot infinity-edge pool and spa serve as the centerpiece of the outdoor experience, complemented by cascading waterfalls, wooded trails and lush award-winning gardens that inspire serenity at every turn.
2926 Crane Road, Waxhaw, North Carolina 28173 | Listed by Ben Bowen
Owned by NBA all-star legend Washing Wizards Antawn Jamison, this one-of-one legacy estate is where luxury, privacy and stillness meet. Set on 30 sprawling acres and designed for greatness, the 12,624-square-foot property boasts a regulation, lighted basketball court, a professional gym with sauna and steam room and a spa-like primary suite that serves as the ultimate private retreat. The expansive living areas flow seamlessly from the chef’s kitchen to the soaring great rooms and intimate gathering spaces, while a private theater offers leisure and entertainment. Outdoors, find mental clarity in rolling lawns, a peaceful pond, wooded seclusion and a resort-style pool with hot tub and cabana that create a haven of rejuvenation.
2619 Bayshore Boulevard #200, Tampa, Florida 33629 | Listed by Janet Moore
Elevated along Tampa Bay’s sought-after Bayshore Boulevard, Residence 200 at The Sanctuary is a bespoke, full-floor private garden estate that redefines high-rise living, with privacy, nature and concierge-level service. Spanning 5,264 square feet, the residence blends understated elegance with seamless indoor-outdoor living through walls of glass and two private terraces. The primary suite serves as a serene hideaway with water views and a spa-inspired bath, while a flexible fourth room offers the perfect space for a home office or wellness studio. One of its most extraordinary features is the 5,000-square-foot private garden terrace — the largest of any condominium in Tampa — where fruit-bearing fig, mango, citrus and avocado trees mingle with a chef’s herb garden, tranquil koi pond and fully equipped outdoor kitchen. Residents of The Sanctuary also enjoy curated amenities, including a heated pool, private cabanas, a state-of-the-art fitness studio and a peaceful spa, creating an undeniable pampered lifestyle.
355 Colony Drive, Naples, Florida 34108 | Listed by Frank Pezutti
Poised within the exclusive Bay Colony Shores, this 6,300-square-foot lakefront estate is designed as a private sanctuary where wellness and luxury intertwine. Masterfully built by Stock Custom Homes and transformed by Marc-Michaels Interior Design, the calming interior features soothing finishes, open layouts and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living. The owner’s suite offers a spa-like experience with an oversized walk-in shower, Brizo rain head, body sprays and a free-standing soaking tub. Designed for a resort lifestyle, the expansive pool deck beckons with a saltwater pool, spa, sun shelf and relaxing water features, while a dedicated yoga and fitness room encourages daily wellness. An outdoor chef’s kitchen makes preparing fresh, clean meals effortless, and the community offers private walking paths, a tennis club and a beach club for relaxation and recreation.
1543 Eastbrook Drive, Sarasota, Florida 34231 | Listed by Peter G. Laughlin
Situated on a half-acre along a spring-fed lake, 1543 Eastbrook Drive is a private Sarasota sanctuary where wellness and tranquility define daily living. Spanning nearly 4,800 square feet, the residence is designed to evoke the feeling of a personal retreat. The primary suite opens directly to the pool terrace, where a heated, screened-in pool and outdoor jacuzzi invite daily indulgence. A covered front porch and gazebo provide quiet retreats for meditation or yoga, while multiple en-suite bedrooms ensure comfort and privacy. Additionally, a separate studio apartment and versatile bonus areas nurture hobbies, creativity and restorative pursuits, all while maintaining a sense of calm and privacy.
"Our listing at 1542 Eastbrook Drive is a very private, personal sanctuary. The outdoor jacuzzi is just outside the primary suite — it's the kind of indulgence reserved for luxury resorts. It also has multiple spaces designed to nurture hobbies and bring vitality to daily life." Peter G. Laughlin
6137 Grosvenor Shore Drive, Windermere, Florida 34786 | Listed by Mick Night and Kim Simeone Tessitore
Nestled along the serene shores of Lake Tibet, this 9,571-square-foot modern Mediterranean masterpiece reimagines lakefront living as both a grand statement and a private retreat. Set on 2.2 lush acres in the exclusive guard-gated community of Keene’s Pointe, the estate blends elegance and resort-style amenities with restorative tranquility. The owner’s suite is a sanctuary in itself, with a sitting room, fireplace, wet bar, spa-inspired bath and a covered balcony that frames breathtaking views of the Butler Chain of Lakes. Expansive interiors give way to an outdoor oasis where a saltwater pool with lazy river, grotto, spa, sun shelf and dramatic water and fire features create a setting rivaling the world’s finest resorts, and a private boathouse with dual lifts and a floating dock ensures seamless lake enjoyment.
