Inside Manly’s Booming Wellness Precinct: A New Wave of Health and Healing Rolls In
From zero-gravity pods to surfer pilates, Manly is fast becoming Sydney’s premier wellness hub — with a wave of innovative health and lifestyle businesses setting up shop by the sea.
A Wellness Movement by the Beach
Manly’s transformation into a vibrant health and wellness precinct is well underway. Across the CBD, new operators are combining high-tech recovery therapies with holistic wellness experiences, all taking advantage of the suburb’s coastal lifestyle, active community, and strong local economy.
Outlets now range from alternative therapies — like flotation pods, infrared saunas and cold plunges — to more traditional practices including yoga, pilates and steam rooms. There’s even a pilates class designed specifically for surfers.
High-Tech Recovery Meets Relaxation
Among the standout venues is RCVRI on Belgrave Street — a high-performance recovery and wellness studio featuring hyperbaric chambers, compression devices, and hot and cold plunge pools designed to “activate the body’s natural healing powers.” Their zero-gravity flotation pods help clients release stress and refresh the mind through guided breathing and meditation techniques.
Co-owned by former Australian Wallabies captain Michael Hooper, RCVRI is attracting both elite athletes and everyday locals seeking better health and balance. “RCVRI, especially on the mental side, can kickstart you out of feeling sluggish towards feeling good,” Hooper said. “It’s great that people are seeing there’s a benefit far beyond the physical.”
A Leasing Surge in the Wellness Sector
Commercial leasing specialist Patrick Kelleher of Pine Property says Manly’s wellness boom is no coincidence. “We’ve completed a number of major deals recently for health and wellness operators — from boutique fitness studios to allied health clinics,” he said.
“With such an outdoors, health-conscious and affluent community already here, it’s no surprise these businesses are choosing to establish themselves in Manly. It’s a strong signal of how the sector is growing and how well the area is positioned to support it.”
Sauna Culture Comes to The Corso
The latest development approval before Northern Beaches Council further reinforces the trend — a new bath house on The Corso, featuring saunas, steam rooms, and ice baths.
XtraClubs, already established in Bondi Junction and Green Square, will bring its “European sauna heritage” concept to Manly. Co-founder Anthony Simonetta said the DA has been approved, with opening expected in March 2026.
“Manly became very close to our hearts after we ran ice bath events by the beach back in 2023,” Simonetta said. “We met so many people deeply engaged in their wellness, so we knew we had to create a space that made sauna, ice bath and steam room facilities accessible to everyone.”
The new XtraClubs site will include a 35-seat traditional Finnish sauna, three infrared saunas, six ice baths (ranging from 3°C to 10°C), and a steam room — open daily from 6am to 11pm.
Fitness with a Local Twist
Beyond recovery, Manly’s wellness culture extends into movement and fitness. MVMT Studio on Whistler Street offers dynamic pilates classes, including sessions tailored for surfers as well as “mum, dad and bubs” strength programs. Over on Sydney Road, Rumble Boxing brings a new energy with its hybrid boxing and strength workouts set to high-energy beats in a moody, club-style setting.
The Future of Wellness in Manly
From boutique fitness to biohacking recovery spaces, Manly’s growing wellness precinct is reshaping the local business landscape — proving that health, lifestyle, and location can thrive together.
As this new wave of wellness operators move in, one thing’s clear: Manly’s not just a destination to live or visit — it’s becoming the place to reset, recover, and reconnect.
