Key Takeaways
- Wellness amenities like cedar saunas and steam showers are becoming baseline expectations for some STR guests.
- Nature-immersive design and layered wellness features drive stronger nightly rates and longer average stays.
- Investors targeting Tennessee, the Carolinas, Georgia, or coastal Alabama should budget wellness upgrades at acquisition.
An increasing number of travelers are looking for spa-like amenities in a short-term rental when they’re choosing where to book.
Soaking tubs, cedar saunas, and steam showers are no longer luxury add-ons for some premium guests.
In some parts of the Southeast, they’re becoming the baseline expectation for a fast-growing segment of travelers who book trips around wellness, according to a guide published by The Pinnacle List.
For years, vacation rental amenities followed a familiar formula — a hot tub, a fire pit, and a small game room if the budget allowed.
Now, guests are looking for something different.
A growing number of vacation rentals are being designed around wellness, offering spaces intended to help travelers slow down, unplug and recharge.
Think cedar saunas tucked into mountain cabins, outdoor soaking tubs overlooking lakes, yoga decks surrounded by trees, and quiet reading nooks tucked into quaint spaces.
The trend is showing up in destinations throughout Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Michigan, where operators are increasingly blending traditional vacation amenities with wellness-focused experiences.
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A short-term rental host in Georgia reported a notable increase in booking activity, heightened guest interaction, and strong social engagement driven by the uniqueness of the experience after it started offering a boat, “Spacruzzi,” as a featured guest amenity to be used year-round as a one-of-a-kind experience at their luxury lakefront rental.
“We’ve been significantly busier than competing properties on the lake, and Spacruzzi has absolutely been part of the reason,” said Veronica of Lake Forest Shores: A Four-Season Lake Oconee Destination, per the local outlet, “Carroll County News.” “Guests rave about it. It’s become one of the most memorable parts of the stay and something people actively talk about in reviews and inquiries.”
Veronica’s team first considered offering Spacruzzi as a paid add-on, but ultimately made it complimentary after seeing how quickly it helped drive bookings and engagement for her STR.
“The Spacruzzi became less about charging a rental fee and more about driving occupancy,” Veronica explained. “It pulls guests in. People see it and immediately want to experience it.”
“We’re seeing a shift where guests are no longer just booking accommodations — they’re booking experiences,” said Alex Kanwetz, founder of Spacruzzi. “Properties that offer unique wellness and social experiences stand out immediately in online listings and social media. That attention directly converts into bookings.”
More travelers want an extension of their everyday routines on vacation
According to The Pinnacle List, today’s travelers are seeking stays that feel like an extension of their everyday routines rather than an escape from them. That means properties designed around better sleep, outdoor movement, mindfulness and recovery.
The amenities are changing, too.
Many properties are also emphasizing natural surroundings, with walking trails, waterfront access, and mountain views becoming part of the experience.
The shift reflects a broader evolution in travel preferences. Rather than packing every hour with activities, some travelers are prioritizing slower itineraries built around rest and wellbeing.
Five years ago, a hot tub might have been enough to stand out.
Today, guests increasingly want a place that helps them feel better when they leave than when they arrived.
