Onboard wellbeing has moved from niche luxury to core investment in high-end yacht design. Recent industry data show wellness spaces such as spas and gyms are now a must-have for superyachts, reflecting the travel market’s growing appetite for health-focused experiences at sea.
According to yacht-industry reports, wellness amenities are undergoing major expansion. One design studio noted a 67-metre yacht dedicated a full 98 m² “wellness deck” that includes a full gym, steam room and spa lounge.
Market research shows the yacht spa installation segment reached an estimated USD 1.32 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.8 % through 2033. Onboard gym and spa areas are no longer tucked into hidden quarters: they are front-and-centre design features offering panoramic views, daylight and direct sea access.
The charters of tomorrow emphasise wellness as much as destination. A Mediterranean charter client might move from deckside yoga to hydrotherapy, then paddleboard to a hidden cove, all in one day. In that mindset, some travellers opt to take boat trips in Milos where the calm sea, minimal traffic and customisable maritime routes form the perfect backdrop to an oriented voyage.
From a business perspective, charter fleets and yacht builders are responding in kind. Equipment specialists report high demand for multi-functional gym sheds with EMs technology, smart mirrors and recovery tech that convert the wellness area into a data-rich zone. Builders also highlight that wellness areas now occupy prime real estate on board, competing with large saloon areas or guest cabins.
For charter destinations and operators, the trend signals a repositioning. Locations that offer seamless sea access, tranquil anchorages and space for wellness-led itineraries gain an advantage. Regions less burdened by high-density marinas or heavy tourist flow become desirable.
Kamnaki Maria, Reservation Manager at DanEri Yachts, offers a focused insight:
“Wellness is now part of the charter promise. Guests ask first about exercise and recovery spaces, then about layout. When travellers pick boat trips in Milos and ask for swim-runs or sunrise yoga on deck, they are building a wellness voyage—not just a leisure cruise.”
