Singapore's Marina South to Get Asia's First Large-Scale Wellness Attraction by 2030

Singapore is set to welcome Asia's first large-scale wellness destination, Therme Singapore, in the Marina South area, with construction officially commencing on June 19, 2026. The S$1 billion project, developed by Austria-based Therme Group, is expected to open by 2030 and will create approximately 400 new jobs, including specialist roles such as Aufgussmeister (steam ritual masters).

Spanning over 720,000 square feet—equivalent to about nine football fields—the seven-story complex will feature more than 20 indoor and outdoor water facilities, 18 water slides totaling about 1.8 kilometers in length, over 70 treatment and wellness rooms, and a dining area of about 86,000 square feet. Once fully operational, the attraction is projected to receive around 2 million visitors annually.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Singapore's Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu, highlighted that the project will be Singapore's first dedicated wellness attraction, bolstering the nation's position as a hub for tourism, wellness, and urban innovation in Asia. She noted that the global wellness economy was valued at US$6.8 trillion in 2024 and is expected to grow to approximately US$9.8 trillion by 2029. Under the Tourism 2040 strategy, wellness tourism is a key growth area aimed at attracting visitors who stay longer and seek deeper engagement with Singapore's offerings.

Therme Group CEO Robert Hanea described the project as a long-term capital investment that will generate opportunities across operations, hospitality, dining, technology, event planning, and management. The facility is designed to integrate various standalone wellness services—such as thermal baths, saunas, water slides, and dining—into a one-stop, resort-like experience, with an average visitor stay of five hours. To address regional cultural considerations, the park will include quieter, more private spaces for conservative guests, and Therme plans community outreach to familiarize Singaporeans with the concept.

Despite challenges such as high land and labor costs in Singapore, Therme will incorporate automation, including robotic arms for luggage storage, while preserving high-touch roles like front-desk staff. The project aims to position wellness as an accessible part of daily life, not just a luxury for occasional vacations.