By Maura Keller | Photo by Rosebrook Pools
Homeowners are redefining wellness at home, transforming pockets of their residences into personalized sanctuaries designed for restoration, recovery and year-round recreation.
Wellness amenities are evolving far beyond the traditional home gym or whirlpool tub — today’s most sought-after spaces blend spa-level functionality with sophisticated design, creating environments that feel intentional, immersive and restorative.
The Custom Spa
According to Jon Doomis, partner at Doomis Custom Builders, homeowners are moving away from prefabricated wellness products in favor of fully customized spa environments.
“When it comes to hot tubs and saunas, homeowners are going beyond the limitations of traditional drop-in hot tubs and prefabricated sauna kits,” Doomis says. “Today’s custom spas and saunas offer an entirely different experience.”
Infrared saunas are frequently integrated into home gyms or spacious primary bathrooms, allowing for seamless transitions between heat therapy, showers and relaxation spaces.
Cold plunges have also entered the luxury mainstream home spa space. Lynsey Ori, operations manager at Rosebrook Pools, says homeowners are increasingly educated about the recovery and inflammatory benefits associated with cold therapy.
“We have absolutely seen a significant shift toward the ‘home sanctuary’ model,” Ori says. “The standout trend is the surge in cold plunge installations.”
Rather than utilitarian tubs, homeowners are opting for cold plunge tubs finished in cedar, stainless steel or stone to convey a more stylish and restorative vibe.
Spa Bathrooms and Recovery Spaces
Bathrooms are evolving into immersive wellness retreats, with steam showers experiencing renewed demand as oversized shower designs become more common.
“Steam showers are making a major comeback in modern bathroom design,” Doomis says. “Bigger showers tend to feel cold and drafty.” Steam systems warm the entire enclosure while creating a therapeutic, spa-like environment.
Integrated spas are also replacing standalone hot tubs in many high-end outdoor spa projects, creating a more seamless visual experience across the outdoor living space.
Workout Havens
Home gyms are also becoming more versatile. Instead of dedicating entire rooms to equipment, homeowners are creating open layouts that accommodate yoga, stretching, mobility work and strength training within the same space.
“We’ve found that the most functional home gym layouts follow a simple principle: equipment on the perimeter, open space in the center,” Doomis says.
Increasingly, these spaces are paired with adjacent saunas, massage areas or quiet lounges designed specifically for decompression and mental restoration.
Pools Designed for Wellness
Pool design is becoming more wellness oriented as well.
According to Ori, homeowners are moving away from traditional deep-end pools in favor of more versatile sport pools designed for recreation, exercise and entertaining.
“We are seeing a definitive move away from traditional diving pools,” Ori says. “Instead, people are opting for sport pools.” Typically ranging from 3½ to 5 feet deep, these pools are ideal for lap swimming, resistance exercise, water sports and social gatherings.
Year-round usability is also becoming increasingly important.
Doomis says some homeowners are choosing to keep pools open through Midwestern winters by installing additional heaters and climate-controlled equipment rooms.
“One client prefers the cold air while swimming in his 95-degree pool,” Doomis says.
Just for Fun
Homeowners are also weaving in recreation activities and amenities to boost wellness — and have fun — at home. While pickleball courts continue gaining popularity, Doomis says golf simulators remain one of the most-requested additions in custom homes.
“People are finding ways to make it work, no matter what space they’re starting with,” Doomis says.
Ultimately, today’s wellness trends are less about isolated amenities and more about creating homes that support restoration, movement and everyday wellbeing in a highly personalized way.
