Why wellness is a top priority for European home buyers
Physical health, mental wellbeing, and a true connection with nature have emerged as pivotal criteria for Europeans considering property purchases today. From wearable tech like Fitbits and Oura rings to mindfulness trackers, wellbeing has moved from lifestyle accessory to core priority within the global wellness economy—estimated at US $1.8 trillion—and has reshaped demand in European second-home markets.
Buyers now actively seek wellness integrated into their properties in diverse ways. In Ibiza, the appeal lies in yoga retreats, meditation centres, and immersive sound baths. In south of France, lifestyle models include combining traditional sports like tennis and golf with hiking and cycling in scenic landscapes like the Gorges du Verdon. Wellness has risen to the top of the agenda—an evolution accelerated by post‑Covid priorities that include reconnecting with nature.
According to LuxuryForSale.Properties, a new kind of buyer—internationally minded and typically younger—demands more than just aesthetic beauty. They desire a lifestyle that supports wellbeing through facilities such as gym access and community gardens. Wellness is no longer about pampering—it’s about performance, purpose, and balance. Since the pandemic, many buyers have rethought how they want to live, prioritising deeper engagement with their homes and surroundings.
In the french riviera, the mediocre pool is no longer enough. Buyers expect extensive spa facilities, state‑of‑the‑art gyms, sports complexes, equestrian centres, golf courses, and access to beaches and mountains—all forming part of a wellness narrative. In inland areas like Mougins and Valbonne, affordable options are complemented by access to natural sporting options; on the St‑Tropez peninsula, luxury wellness extends to ranch‑style equestrian offerings and beachside calm.
Marbella, Spain, has quietly transformed its reputation from jet‑set leisure to a wellness centre. With around 320 sun‑filled days annually, a favourable micro‑climate, and a calming coastal environment, Marbella now boasts wellness infrastructure like cryotherapy, IV clinics, organic food markets, and mindfulness‑oriented coworking spaces. Notable features include the Marbella Club’s Thalassa Spa, Six Senses Spa at Puente Romano, and the upcoming second SHA Wellness Clinic in the region. Neighborhoods such as Nueva Andalucía and Elviria showcase this cultural shift with plentiful yoga studios and vegan cafés supporting a digital detox lifestyle.
Ibiza has similarly evolved: beyond nightlife, it now embraces spiritual retreat and active outdoor living. Buyers and developers in areas such as San Juan and Portinatx favoured for wellness retreats. Local firms like Six Senses attract wealth into quieter, wellness‑focused areas. Villas with yoga decks, natural interiors, and rustic minimalist styling reflect the island’s shift toward wellbeing‑centred property use.
In summary, wellness is no longer a luxury add‑on—it’s central to the modern European buyer’s vision. These insights by LuxuryForSale.Properties reveal how wellness now drives property design, location value, and the lifestyle expectations of a new generation of homeowners.