Singapore aims to lead Asia’s wellness race with US$770 million complex

As Singapore bets on becoming Asia’s leading wellness destination, tourism experts say the city state must prove that its attractions can draw international visitors in a region replete with spas, retreats and hot springs. A S$1 billion (US$770 million) waterfront complex scheduled to open in 2030 is expected to be a major driver of the country’s wellness sector. European developer Therme Group is slated to start work on the project in the third quarter, after being awarded the tender in November. The seven-storey complex, next to Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay, will house more than 20 pools and 70 wellness treatment rooms. When completed, it is expected to attract 1 million tourists and 1 million residents in Singapore annually. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of Therme Singapore on Friday, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said the attraction would strengthen Singapore’s position as a regional hub for tourism, wellness and urban innovation. She noted that Asia was projected to lead the world in travel and tourism growth over the next decade. “Singapore is well placed to capture this opportunity. By developing distinctive, high-quality attractions and continually refreshing our tourism experiences, we can strengthen our appeal to the growing pool of travellers,” Fu said. Therme Group’s investment would also create job opportunities for Singaporeans in engineering, operations, hospitality and wellness, she added. Robert Hanea, CEO of Therme Group, said Singapore was a “natural home” for the group’s vision because of its commitment to urban planning, and would serve as a “gateway for regional growth”. But analysts said the success of Therme would depend on affordability and whether it could be a key reason for international visitors to extend their stay in Singapore. K Thirumaran, an associate professor at James Cook University in Singapore, said Therme could be a “distinctive addition” to the region and benefit from being a first mover offering a wide range of facilities. He said pricing would be critical to maintaining visitors’ interest, adding that the operator should not aim to recover its investment in Singapore within a short span of time. Therme should also borrow ideas from its flagship attraction in Romania, which had sustained interest among locals, he added. “At this stage, little is known about the building’s design in terms of energy-saving features or the use of robotics and automation in operations and services. If these elements are included, operating costs could be reduced, allowing savings to be passed on through lower visitor ticket prices,” Thirumaran said. Mah Bow Tan, chairman of Therme Singapore, said in a recent interview with The Straits Times that tickets to the attraction would be “more than affordable”. “We live such a stressful, fast-paced life; we need something that helps us to destress,” Mah said. Yoga instructor Roxanne Kow-Goh said she hoped the facility would become a one-stop destination for her favourite wellness experiences, including thermal baths and sauna sessions. Its offerings would allow visitors to gain exposure to wellness experiences many might not be familiar with, she added. The 41-year-old Singaporean viewed wellness as “less of a luxury and more of a necessity”. “It is an investment in longevity. Not just simply living longer, but remaining healthy, active and able to enjoy life for as long as possible.” Growing wellness economy Arianne New, a 25-year-old Singaporean project manager, said she would check out what Therme Singapore could offer to fit into her wellness-focused lifestyle. New said she spent a considerable amount on her wellness, including Pilates classes, monthly sound baths and annual trips to Budapest’s thermal spa baths in winter. “Wellness and mental well-being are very important for both my personal life and work. I can achieve much more and make better decisions with a calm mind,” she added. According to a report by non-profit Global Wellness Institute released earlier this month, Singapore’s wellness economy rose to US$23.2 billion in 2024, ranking 37th globally. It ranked 12th in wellness spending per capita at US$3,845, more than eight times the regional average in Asia. Jane Wang, an assistant professor at the National University of Singapore, said demand for wellness offerings would be resilient despite the rising cost of living and economic pressures. “Wellness spending carries a dual justification: It is simultaneously an indulgence and a health investment in the self. This makes it easier to rationalise even under budget scrutiny,” she said. Singapore had to ensure that it lived up to its reputation as a safe, clean and high-premium destination and could continue to attract affluent tourists, Wang said. Chang Tou Chuang, professor in tourism geography at the National University of Singapore, said the city state’s wellness industry also had to ensure a strong local clientele base as future economic headwinds might lead to international travellers opting for wellness spots elsewhere in the region. Noting Singapore’s largely urban environment, Chang said countries such as Indonesia and Thailand were endowed with sprawling natural landscapes and hot springs. “The natural sceneries give these countries immediate top-of-the-mind geographical imaginations as wellness destinations,” he said. Thirumaran said Singapore should incorporate and develop traditional health practices from other Asian countries, such as acupuncture and Indonesian herbal treatment jamu, to strengthen its position as a regional wellness hub. “Destinations such as India and Thailand are recognised for ashrams, meditation, and health tourism. However, none offer a large-scale complex that combines diverse wellness and health services under one roof,” he said. Singapore had to capitalise on its role as a “melting pot and meeting place of Asian knowledge and traditions”, Chang said. “If we can match this with hi-tech medical knowledge and sophisticated well-being treatments, we might have a way forward.”

Singapore aims to lead Asia’s wellness race with US$770 million complex

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The Therme wellness hub is set to draw 2 million visitors annually as competition heats up in the regional tourism sector

The Therme wellness hub is set to draw 2 million visitors annually as competition heats up in the regional tourism sector