Singapore's next landmark attraction is shaping up to be a massive wellness destination that brings together thermal bathing, water-based recreation, fitness, nature and health-focused experiences under one roof.
Known as Therme Singapore, the S$1 billion (US$773.6 million) project recently broke ground at Marina South and is scheduled to open in 2030. Developed by European wellness specialist Therme Group, it is expected to attract around two million visitors annually and become the company's gateway into Asia.
Therme Singapore will occupy a waterfront site between Marina Barrage and Gardens by the Bay. It is set to add a new wellness dimension to Marina Bay's visitor offering, complementing the precinct's mix of nature, entertainment and lifestyle experiences.
Here's what we know so far.
It will be massive
Therme Singapore is not being positioned as a conventional spa destination. The development will span more than 66,890sqm – equivalent to roughly nine football fields – across seven levels.
Located on a four-hectare waterfront site near Marina Barrage and Gardens by the Bay, the attraction will house more than 20 pools and water attractions alongside over 70 wellness treatment rooms.
When it opens, it is expected to become one of the largest wellness-focused attractions in the region and Singapore's first dedicated wellness destination of this scale.
Who are the Therme Group?
Since planting its first major flagship in 2016, Therme Group has been operating wellness destinations in Germany and Romania.
Besides Singapore, the group is also looking to expand to Canada, the US, the UK, Dubai and South Korea.
The Therme wellness offering is conceptualised based on communal bathing traditions such as the Romanian thermae, Turkish hammams and Japanese onsen.
Related: A new oasis by the bay is coming to Singapore
Three core zones: Play, Relax and Restore
While detailed layouts have yet to be released, Therme's existing destinations provide a good indication of what visitors can expect.
The attraction is expected to revolve around three main experience zones: Play, Relax and Restore.
Play: family-friendly water park
The Play zone is designed to appeal to families and recreational visitors.
Plans announced so far point to a variety of water-based attractions, including slides, pools and interactive experiences aimed at visitors seeking entertainment rather than traditional spa treatments.
Reportedly, there will be 18 water slides adding up to a total 1.8km in length.
Artist impression of water slides in a family-friendly play area. Photo Credit: Singapore Tourism Board; Therme Singapore
Relax: thermal bathing and hydrotherapy
At the heart of the project will be the Relax zone, centred on thermal bathing and hydrotherapy experiences.
Visitors can expect mineral pools, quiet water spaces, hydromassage beds and infrared therapy.
Thermal bathing is a defining feature of Therme's European properties and is expected to be one of the attraction's signature offerings in Singapore.
Restore: deeper wellness and recovery
The Restore zone will focus on rejuvenation and health-oriented experiences.
Plans include saunas, steam baths, cold plunge pools, massage facilities and a broad range of wellness treatments.
Nature elements
Renderings released so far show tropical planting woven throughout the complex.
Therme Singapore is expected to house more than 200,000 plants across over 200 species within the facility, including orchids and native Southeast Asian varieties.
The attraction will also be integrated with surrounding public spaces and waterfront areas at Marina South, extending the visitor experience beyond the building itself.
A coastal park spanning almost 4ha will be created to connect Therme Singapore to Marina Barrage. This park will be home to over 350,000 plants with 200 plant species, including orchids, and more than 650 trees and palms.
Culture, food and beverage
The development is also expected to incorporate cultural programming, art installations and technology-enabled wellness experiences alongside food and beverage offerings.
Food and beverage options will occupy some 7,990sqm of space, with several areas complemented by sea views.