The Luxury Design Summit Miami is not just another industry gathering. It is a trailblazing platform where the worlds of architecture, design, and luxury converge, setting new benchmarks for innovation and creativity. And the latest – Wellbeing Beyond Wellness: Exclusive Real Estate Reimagined – definitely stood out. Spearheaded by Roberto Cuneo, founder of Medelhan, and curated by Design Courier magazine, the episode took attendees on a journey to redefine well-being in the context of design, exploring how this concept is reshaping the industry’s future.

Wellness 1.0. – Redefining a Paradigm

Design is never just about buildings; it is about people. Every space we inhabit shapes our habits, emotions, and cultures. This philosophy finds its perfect partner in the evolving concept of wellness – a holistic pursuit that transcends physical health to encompass emotional, social, and environmental harmony. According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness is “an active pursuit of lifestyles and choices that lead to holistic health.” For architecture and design, this means crafting spaces that resonate with the soul, incorporating harmony, sustainability, and experiential richness. Today’s luxury is no longer about ostentation but about creating sanctuaries of peace where stress dissipates, giving way to rejuvenation and positivity.

In real estate and residential design, wellness has emerged as a cornerstone. The modern luxury home is no longer just an elegant structure; it is a retreat designed to enhance every aspect of well-being. Features like custom-designed interiors, eco-friendly materials, and open, nature-connected spaces have become non-negotiables. From lush meditation gardens to private yoga studios and energy-efficient appliances, today’s affluent buyers prioritize features that contribute to holistic living. Similarly, in the hospitality sector, wellness has become a defining element. Resorts, spas, and hotels now deliver meticulously curated wellness experiences, offering everything from thermal baths to mindfulness retreats. For these businesses, wellness is not a perk. It is an expectation.

Wellness 2.0. – Miami as a beacon of Luxury and Wellness

As a global symbol of opulence, Miami is perfectly positioned to lead the wellness movement in real estate. The city’s dynamic real estate market is increasingly shaped by wellness-centric trends. From private saunas and massage rooms to meditation gardens and sustainable, LEED-certified buildings, Miami is reimagining what it means to live luxuriously. Fitness spaces, walkable neighborhoods, and socially connected communities are driving a new narrative where wellness takes center stage.

Juliette Poussot, an award-winning Design Director at Gensler, delivered compelling insights into the transformative power of wellness-focused design in Miami. Gensler’s research has distilled modern well-being into four essential components: walkability and access to nature, recreation and leisure, fitness and physical activity, and social connectivity. These principles come to life in projects like the Marriott International Global Headquarters and Chicago’s reimagined Post Office, where rooftop meadows, boxing rings, and coworking spaces redefine workplaces as holistic environments blending work, play, and relaxation.

Poussot emphasized that wellness in design goes beyond a checklist: it is a philosophy where materials, colors, textures, and even acoustics work in harmony to nurture well-being. Biophilic design and hospitality-infused workspaces, such as the Marriott project in downtown Bethesda, Maryland, illustrate how natural elements and thoughtful amenities can enhance both mental and emotional health.

Wellness 3.0. – Sustainability and Authenticity

Today’s affluent clientele demands not just wellness but sustainability. Eco-conscious buyers seek properties that align with their values, from solar panels and energy-efficient appliances to responsibly sourced materials. This shift underscores a broader cultural transformation, where true luxury is rooted in responsibility and care for the planet.

The wellness real estate market, currently valued at $400 billion, is projected to more than double to $900 billion within three years. This staggering growth reflects a fundamental shift in how we perceive and value our surroundings. But with growth comes responsibility. As Poussot noted, the success of wellness design lies in its authenticity. It is not enough to market spaces as “wellness-oriented.” Developers and designers must embed genuine care for physical, emotional, and social well-being into every decision.

In a world where stress and disconnection are rampant, spaces that prioritize well-being are not just desirable – they are essential. From Miami’s luxury homes to cutting-edge office developments, the integration of wellness is reshaping our understanding of what it means to live and thrive. As designers like Juliette Poussot continue to push the boundaries, one thing is clear: the future of real estate isn’t just about where we live, but how we live.