Weekly Round-Up: Gratitude Edition 🦃
02. It's Giving Thanks...
As we gather to celebrate the season, I want to take a moment to reflect on what I’m truly thankful for: the gift of health and the ability to move our bodies freely, the joy of nourishing ourselves with nutrient-dense meals, and the cherished time spent connecting with friends and family. These are the foundations of wellness—and a reminder of why we do what we do.
This week’s round-up dives into the latest trends and shifts in wellness and real estate, all pointing toward a common goal: creating spaces and experiences that enhance how we live, work, and connect. Let’s explore what’s making waves!
1. Kohler x Remedy Place to Debut Ice Bath Experience at Design Miami
Kohler and Remedy Place are teaming up for an exciting showcase at Design Miami, offering the first look at their luxury cold plunge collaboration. From December 2–6 at The Miami Beach EDITION Hotel, guests can experience the Kohler x Remedy Place Ice Bath, an innovation that combines sleek design with functional wellness features.
The Kohler x Remedy Place Beach Club is more than just an exhibit—it’s a full-fledged social wellness experience. Visitors can participate in guided breathwork and ice bathing sessions for up to four people, complemented by live music, healthy refreshments, and an ambiance designed to foster relaxation and connection. This event highlights the growing appeal of curated wellness events that integrate cutting-edge tools with communal experiences.
2. PureGym Wins Bankruptcy Auction for Blink Fitness Assets
PureGym, the UK’s largest gym operator, has successfully acquired Blink Fitness in a bankruptcy auction, further solidifying its U.S. expansion. Blink Fitness, a low-cost gym chain owned by Equinox, filed for bankruptcy in August 2023 due to $280 million in debt. With this acquisition, PureGym now holds the keys to around 100 Blink Fitness locations across the U.S., providing a significant foothold in the world’s largest fitness market.
PureGym CEO Humphrey Cobbold expressed optimism about the move, stating, “The American fitness market is the largest and most dynamic in the world. We are incredibly excited by the scale of opportunity and the chance to tailor and apply our proven model there.” This marks another chapter in the increasingly competitive budget fitness segment, as PureGym vies for dominance alongside established players like Planet Fitness.
Read more about the acquisition here
3. Soho House Enhances Wellness Offerings for 2025
Soho House is gearing up to elevate its wellness offerings with a series of ambitious enhancements set to debut in 2025. Notable additions include a second pool, three covered padel courts, and two fully equipped Pilates studios at Soho Farmhouse, along with new treatments focused on longevity and holistic health.
The brand will also expand its popular Soho Retreats, which focus on mindfulness and community. Members can look forward to wellness amenity kits in bedrooms, tailored to help them rest and recover while traveling. Infrared saunas, steam rooms, and pools will be at the core of their new amenities, reinforcing Soho House’s commitment to providing spaces that promote both relaxation and connection. This is wellness reimagined for the modern, luxury-focused traveler.
Learn more about these enhancements here
4. Promix Nutrition Acquired by Paine Schwartz Partners
Promix Nutrition, a clean-label protein brand that I personally use and love, has been acquired by private equity firm Paine Schwartz Partners. Known for its commitment to high-quality ingredients, Promix is a favorite among athletes and wellness enthusiasts looking for functional products that deliver results without unnecessary additives.
This acquisition underscores the increasing interest in the functional food space, as private equity continues to invest in brands that resonate with health-conscious consumers. For me, this isn’t just an exciting development—it’s a testament to the power of trusted brands scaling up to meet growing demand.
5. Monday.com Expands Offices with Wellness at the Core
Monday.com, a leader in remote work solutions, is paradoxically expanding its physical office footprint with new hubs in Denver and London. These spaces reflect a commitment to blending wellness with productivity, offering features like wellness rooms, flexible layouts, and green spaces that prioritize employee well-being.
In an era where hybrid work dominates, Monday.com’s approach highlights the value of creating “destination offices” that foster collaboration and innovation. By designing spaces where people want to work, the company is redefining the role of the office as a driver of creativity and connection.
6. Hotel Guests Favor Grab-and-Go Meals Over Buffets
Health and sustainability are reshaping hotel breakfast trends, with grab-and-go options taking center stage. Many hotels are incorporating house-made products like freshly baked breads, pressed juices, and kombucha while focusing on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Properties like Salamander Collection are leading the charge with gluten-free dishes, ginger shots, and even regional specialties such as Jamaican ackee and saltfish.
Sustainability is a driving force behind these changes. By partnering with local farms, hotels reduce their environmental impact and support the local economy. Guests are responding positively to these efforts, with many preferring nutrient-dense, on-the-go choices over traditional buffet spreads.
Learn more about the trend here
7. Hotel Renovations Target Wellness and Event Revenue Growth
Hotels are investing in renovations that prioritize wellness and create a sense of place, enhancing the guest experience. Properties like JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa draw inspiration from their surroundings, with designs that reflect local charm while offering modern sophistication.
Wellness enhancements—such as daylight-filled event spaces, meditation rooms, and upgraded spas—are becoming must-haves for attracting both leisure and business travelers. These updates go hand-in-hand with tech innovations like keyless access and virtual concierges, which improve efficiency while creating a seamless guest experience.
8. Anytime Fitness Expands Through Private Equity Backing
Anytime Fitness continues to grow steadily, thanks to private equity firm Rainier Partners and its acquisition of Omega Fitness Holdings. Over the past 12 months, Omega has expanded its Anytime Fitness portfolio from 64 to over 120 gyms, solidifying its presence in key markets like California, Florida, and Wisconsin. Notably, in September 2024, Omega acquired 21 additional gyms in Wisconsin, showcasing strong momentum in its expansion strategy.
The brand’s small footprint (4,000–6,500 square feet) gives it a significant edge over big-box gyms, enabling franchisees to operate profitably with lower overhead costs. “Anytime is better positioned to succeed in small markets than big-box gym brands like Planet Fitness, Crunch Fitness, and LA Fitness, which typically require anywhere from 20,000 to 40,000 square feet to operate,” Rainier vice president Jonathan Lo tells Athletech News.
This trend aligns with broader private equity interest in franchise models that combine operational efficiency with strong consumer demand. With over 5,000 locations worldwide and now bolstered by a merger with Orange Theory Fitness, Anytime Fitness is well-positioned to cement its leadership in the growing market for community-focused gyms.
In Summary - Create a sense of place
This week’s highlights remind us of an important trend shaping wellness real estate: the drive to create a true sense of place. Whether it’s through thoughtfully designed workspaces that prioritize wellness, reimagined hotels that cater to modern travelers, or fitness spaces that fit seamlessly into communities, the goal is clear—craft environments where people genuinely want to be.
As we move forward, let’s continue to celebrate spaces that inspire connection, promote health, and enhance our daily lives. Wishing you a season filled with gratitude, joy, and of course, plenty of wellness.
Quote of the Day
When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love
– Marcus Aurelius