By Dr. Prem Jagyasi | Global Wellness Leader & Medical Tourism Strategist
In my 75-country journey as a wellness tourism consultant and keynote speaker, I’ve often asked a simple but profound question: Who are we truly designing wellness for?
More often than not, wellness spaces—from high-end spas to yoga retreats—are built for the able-bodied, the neurotypical, the youthful, and the affluent. But real wellness, as I often emphasize in my retreats and masterclasses, is not a luxury—it’s a universal right. And that right begins with inclusive design.
The Problem: Beautiful Spaces That Exclude
Statistics reveal a disheartening reality: 1 in 6 people globally live with some form of disability, yet more than 70% of wellness destinations lack full accessibility. Seniors, differently-abled individuals, neurodivergent guests, and those with chronic conditions are routinely overlooked—not out of intent, but from design inertia.
We see architecture as structure. But in wellness, architecture is therapy. It’s either a barrier or a bridge to healing.
My Philosophy: Wellness is Not a Pyramid, It’s a Circle
I often share this metaphor in my talks: Wellness isn’t a pyramid where only the elite reach the top. It’s a circle that expands to include everyone.
Inclusive wellness design must go beyond ramps and railings. It’s about creating emotional, sensory, and psychological accessibility. It’s about spaces that feel safe, sound calming, and flow intuitively—for a blind traveler, an autistic child, or an aging grandmother.
The A.R.E.A. Framework
To help wellness spaces transition into inclusive sanctuaries, I developed the A.R.E.A. Framework—a practical tool for developers, architects, and wellness entrepreneurs:
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Accessibility: Physical, digital, sensory, and emotional entry points.
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Responsiveness: Adaptive layouts and features that respond to diverse needs.
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Equity: Serving all races, genders, ages, bodies, and neurotypes equally.
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Aesthetics: Designing for dignity—not just decor.
This isn’t just ethical; it’s strategic. Research shows inclusive design increases overall engagement by up to 35% and reduces retrofitting costs by 22%. It’s time we stop seeing accessibility as compliance—and start seeing it as a competitive advantage.
Designing Futures, Not Just Spaces
At our retreats in Nepal or while advising destination resorts, I always encourage clients to ask: What message does your building send to someone in a wheelchair? Or someone with PTSD?
The answers often lead to powerful transformations. From silent gardens for sensory relief to Braille-guided spa menus, the shift is real. We’ve helped destinations reimagine wellness not as a polished offering—but as a healing ecosystem.
Closing Thought
Inclusive wellness architecture is not a trend. It’s a tectonic shift in how we define care, healing, and human dignity.
Let’s stop designing for perfection. Let’s start designing for all.
