Discover the Future of Medical Spas: Inside Canyon Ranch’s $500 Million Texas Resort

The wellness industry is booming, valued at around $6.3 trillion, but there’s a major gap in what it offers women. Historically, women’s health issues have been underfunded and largely ignored. For a long time, women were seldom included in clinical trials. As recently as 2020, just 5% of global health research funding went to women’s health.

Experts from organizations like the Global Wellness Institute acknowledge a missed opportunity in understanding what women truly want from wellness. Their focus has mainly been on fitness and longevity rather than the specific health needs of women at different life stages.

Canyon Ranch, a leading name in wellness retreats since 1979, is stepping up to fill this gap. They plan to open a new location near Austin, Texas, in September 2026. This facility will be dedicated to women’s wellness, acknowledging that most of their guests are women. CEO Mark Rivers points out that this demographic is often misunderstood by traditional healthcare systems.

While many wellness brands focus on relaxation and beauty, they often overlook the critical health issues that women face, such as menopause and other physiological changes. These topics were once taboo but are gaining attention. High-profile figures like Oprah Winfrey and Naomi Watts are openly discussing menopause, making it a mainstream topic.

Statistics are on the rise too. By 2030, the population of menopausal women is expected to increase by 9%, reaching 1.2 billion. This presents a significant market opportunity estimated at $24.4 billion. Wellness resorts need to cater to this demographic or risk falling behind.

Pioneering wellness retreats like Sha Wellness in Mexico and Kamalaya in Thailand are already offering programs that target women’s health issues. As conversations around these topics grow, similar concerns are becoming relevant for men too.

Anna Bjurstam, head of wellness at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, emphasizes the importance of addressing the gender health gap. She notes that the wellness industry has typically focused more on aesthetics rather than overall well-being. With a rise in awareness, more women seek empowerment and education about their health.

Canyon Ranch is making a notable commitment to this cause. Originally projected to cost around $122 million, their new Austin location is now estimated at $500 million. Moreover, $50 million will be invested in creating Texas’s largest spa, complete with 37 treatment rooms. This bold move signals a shift in the wellness industry toward prioritizing women’s health.

As discussions around women’s wellness gain momentum, it’s clear that the future of health retreats could be transformed.



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