In this episode of PlotLines, Britni Ackrivo sits down with Danny Dulkin, President of Consulting and Development at LIVunLtd, to explore how wellness has evolved from a nice-to-have fitness room into a core driver of real estate value. With more than 15 years in the fitness and wellness industry, Danny explains why today’s most competitive properties are no longer thinking in terms of “gyms,” but instead fully integrated wellness experiences.
The conversation examines how demand for wellness amenities has accelerated across multifamily, office, hospitality, and private clubs, especially since the pandemic. Tenants and residents are increasingly looking for spaces that support a healthier lifestyle, pushing developers to think beyond traditional fitness centers and toward recovery, mental wellness, outdoor environments, and biophilic design.
Danny emphasizes that effective wellness strategy starts early. When brought into a project from the beginning, his team can help shape everything from layout and programming to materials, acoustics, storage, and long-term operating costs. He also highlights common and costly mistakes, especially in luxury residential buildings, where overlooked issues like acoustics can have a major impact on both resident experience and ROI.
The episode also reframes who wellness amenities are really for. Recovery-focused features such as massage chairs, hydro massage beds, and thermal amenities can engage a much broader audience than traditional gym equipment alone.
Looking ahead, Danny points to continued growth in strength training, recovery offerings, and AI-enabled tools that help operators track usage and personalize programming. His takeaway is clear: wellness is no longer just an amenity. It is an expectation.
