The Global Wellness Industry Is Now Worth $6.3 Trillion, Making It Bigger Than The Sports & Pharmaceutical Industries.

The global wellness industry was worth $6.32 trillion in 2023, according to a new report from the Global Wellness Institute, a leading industry group. That’s 25% larger than it was in 2019, making it bigger than the sports and pharmaceutical industries.

“Growth was even stronger than we predicted,” says Katherine Johnson, one of the authors of the Global Wellness Economy Monitor. She added that the wellness industry was boosted by the focus on health and well-being as a result of the pandemic. Research from the nonprofit argues that trends such as an aging population, chronic disease and an increased focus on mental health are helping drive growth.

This staggering figure is partly due to the GWI’s broad definition of wellness. For its purposes, wellness is “the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.” The report tracks spending across 11 sectors, including tourism, real estate and public health endeavors.

The largest of the 11 sectors is personal care and beauty, which the report values at $1.21 trillion alone. The next two largest categories are healthy eating, nutrition and weight loss, which totals $1.09 trillion, and physical activity, which is $1.06 trillion.

Wellness real estate has shown substantial growth, becoming an appealing investment with both health benefits and significant property value impacts. Properties located near wellness amenities or integrated with wellness-focused facilities, like gyms, meditation rooms, and recovery centers, see a boost in value and demand. According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), wellness real estate has surged with an 18.1% annual growth rate, and properties integrated with wellness facilities can increase in value by up to 25% on average. This trend is driven by a rising global focus on well-being, as real estate investors and developers recognise that wellness features can lead to higher returns by appealing to consumers’ lifestyle priorities

“Businesses and investors and consumers and people who build offices across the board are starting to recognise that if we want to shape people’s wellness, we have to shape the environments that they’re in,” says Yeung. “There is very solid evidence that the physical environments and social environments that we live in are fundamental to our health.”

Companies like Cavcorp are increasingly focusing on the wellness real estate market. The brand, which started off as a residential developer, has just released and almost sold-out of their wellness-lifestyle sky-homes, with home prices starting at $5.7million.

There are also new ventures such as Total Fusion Platinum in Newstead, and the Estate, led by Sam Nazarian and Tony Robbins, which is planning 15 hotels and residences and 10 longevity centers by 2030; the first is set to open in Los Angeles next year. Both companies are capitalising on the growing consumer desires for longevity and medical wellness.

Hospitality companies are getting increasingly competitive with offerings as the wellness tourism trend—valued at $830 billion according to the report— grows in popularity with consumers prove more willing to shell out for these experiences.

Siro, a new hotel brand owned by luxury company Kerzner, opened its first wellness-focused hotel in Dubai earlier this year. Everything from the workout equipment and snacks in the suites to the 1,000-square-foot fitness floor are dedicated to health and well-being. Another Siro is set to open in Montenegro next year.

When the Emory hotel opened in London earlier this year, it dedicated four floors and 21,500 square feet of space to the wellness club Surrenne, with membership at more than £10,000 ($20,000) a year.

Additional GWI categories in the report include public health, prevention and personalized medicine, a $781 billion category, along with traditional and complementary medicine, a $553 billion segment. There’s also the $233 billion mental wellness market.

The smallest categories are spas as $137 billion, thermal and mineral springs like Japan’s onsens at $63 billion and workplace wellness (think programs aimed at boosting employees’ health and well-being, such as fitness and educational classes) at $51.8 billion. The report notes that the figures don’t total up as there is overlap between categories. but doesn’t specify the exact difference.

“Once wellness starts to permeate your personal or consumer values, it starts shaping your purchasing decisions and just becomes a bigger and bigger share of your out-of-pocket spending,” says the GWI’s Johnson. The report predicts that as the sectors continue to recover from the pandemic, the wellness economy could reach nearly $6.8 trillion by the end of 2024.

Night Feast Returns To The New Farm Powerhouse This Week!

Prepare to feast, because the vibrant, multisensory food and art spectacular that is Night Feast is returing to Brisbane Powerhouse this week, bringing with it a whole new line up of dazzling art installations, tempting pop-up bars and of course, incredible street eats from some of Brisbane’s best restaurants, eateries and chefs. 

After launching in 2023, the first two editions of the immersive art and feasting experience were a huge hit, with scores of hungry visitors filling the Brisbane Powerhouse forecourt and surrounding park every Wednesday to Sunday night. Starting 16 October through to 10 November. 

Just like previous events, the 2024 spring edition will once again serve up a host of stalls helmed by some of Brisbane’s best chefs. A few crowd favourites will be making a return, including Donna ChangGerard’s BistroSouthside, Lek’s Thai, Ngon, Bugsters, Mary Mae’s, Hoy Pinoy and Wonderbao, however there will be some newbies to sample too. Byblos, Cartel Del TacoAllonda, and Calida will be dishing up all new eats to try, so there’s plenty of reasons to head back.  

Even better, this season Gelato Messina will also be in attendance with three exclusive treats. First up there’s the Cherry On Top—achoc brownie, peanut crumble, milk choc peanut fudge gelato and vanilla chantilly with shaved chocolate and a cherry on top. If that’s not enough to get you salivating, there’s also the Cake Face, with dulce de lech crémeux, vanilla poundcake, and vanilla gelato swirled with dulce de leche topped with vanilla chantilly and sprinkles, or the Mango Cheesecake, a pot of lemon cheesecake mousse, cheesecake crumble, mango sorbet swirled with baked cheesecake gelato, Italian meringue kisses and mango salsa.

Over 125,000 people attended the inaugral Night Feast Brisbane, and if you were there, you’ll know that there is limited parking, so getting there by bus, ferry or even scooter is your best option. We also recommend visiting early on a weeknight if you can, when the crowds and queues will be at least a little smaller.

Brisbane Powerhouse CEO and Artistic Director, Kate Gould, says Night Feast offers even more depth and exciting new layers this year with the addition of new restaurants and chefs, as well as Melt Festival, transforming both the event and the precinct. “Night Feast showcases our culinary artists but is also a celebration of creativity in all its forms. With the addition of Melt Festival from 23 October, it will be an exhilarating month of festival activity in Brisbane,” she said.

The Details 

When: Wednesday-Friday 4.30pm-9pm and Saturday and Sunday 3pm-9pm, 16 October to 10 November

Where: Brisbane Powerhouse, 118 Lamington Street, New Farm Find out more here

BAKER D. CHIRICO NEWSTEAD OPENS TOMORROW, 5TH OCTOBER!

The highly anticipated Brisbane flagship by internationally acclaimed baker Daniel Chirico officially opens its doors at Long Island Brisbane tomorrow, October 5th.

Designed in collaboration with March Studio, the production bakery, shopfront, and café draws inspiration from the intricate weaves of a traditional bread basket, with striking terrazzo stone flooring as a nod to Chirico’s Italian heritage.

Officially opening 8am tomorrow, guests can choose from takeaway or dine-in options, enjoying artisanal creations influenced by French, German, and Italian baking traditions, all while overlooking the tranquil reflection fountain ponds and Long Island Piazza.

Entrance Via Long Island Piazza, or Gasworks Lane.

The Calile Brisbane crowned the No.1 hotel in Australia & Oceania

Holding on to its title as the best hotel in Australia and in all of Oceania was The Calile hotel in Brisbane – beating out luxury competitors in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Bangkok and London.

The World’s 50 Best Hotels list — pulled together with an expert panel of journalists, travellers and educators by The World’s 50 Best Hotels Academy — has officially revealed Australia’s best hotel.

The Calile Hotel in Brisbane took out 25th on the overall ladder while holding its place as the best hotel in the country.

The Calile Hotel co-owner Catherine Malouf said the team is “humbled” following the win.

“To have been selected two years in a row marks a significant affirmation of The Calile’s place on the global hotel industry stage,” Ms Malouf said.

“This is a win for our team, our collaborators, our loyal guests and a win for Brisbane as a destination, and we are humbled to again represent Australia and be recognised as leading in the Oceania region.”

Hotel general manager Chris Kemlo also said being included on the list for a second year in a row “reaffirms (the hotel’s) ongoing commitment to providing the best possible guest experience”.

“This achievement is a testament to our dedicated team, whose unwavering commitment to excellence and exceptional service drives us to continually exceed our guests’ expectations,” Mr Kemlo said.

The Capella in Bangkok took out first place in the list, followed by Passalacqua in Lake Como in Italy, Rosewood in Hong Kong, Cheval Blanc in Paris and The Upper House in Hong Kong.

Predicted rate cuts poised to ignite Australia’s property boom

The ASX’s RBA Target Rate Tracker, is predicting up to four interest rate cuts starting in February next year – a potential game-changer that could put the property boom back on track and offer relief to Australian families.

The anticipated rate cuts are based on forecasted declines in US interest rates, which would strengthen the Australian dollar against the Greenback. This currency shift would put the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) in a better position to lower the cash rate. ANZ economist Madeline Dunk believes that the RBA Target Rate Tracker prediction is realistic, given the current economic climate.

“We anticipate three 25 basis point cuts in total, with two occurring in the first half of the year and one in the final quarter of 2025,” Dunk said. This series of cuts could potentially reduce the cash rate to 3.6% by the end of next year.

Dunk believes these rate cuts will bolster household confidence and stimulate demand for housing.

“Affordability remains a significant concern for households seeking to enter the property market,” she explained.

“As our ANZ-CoreLogic Affordability Report highlights, the time required to save for a deposit is currently at an all-time high.” Rate cuts will bolster borrowing capacities, so for those who have deposits saved, their ability to borrow a higher amount will be enabled.

“I don’t think that specific cities will suffer due to an interest rate cut. I think all ships benefit from a rising tide. I note that there are markets within markets, though,” says Bakos. “We will likely see builders and developers targeting sites and renovation projects again. Heightening material costs have been a challenge for this category of buyer, but the toughest challenge has been holding costs with higher interest rates.”

The prediction of rate cuts has also sparked renewed interest in the housing market. Bakos says she has already seen an increase in inquiries from potential buyers. “People are starting to feel more confident about buying a property now that there is a possibility of lower interest rates,” she said.

Despite the uncertainty, the prediction of rate cuts has provided a much-needed boost to the spirits of many Australian families. If the RBA does cut rates next year, it could offer a significant financial lifeline for struggling homeowners.

Black Hide Steak & Seafood Opens at Queens Wharf.

Brisbane’s Queens Wharf will add another restaurant to its offering today with the launch of a steakhouse from one of the state’s most renowned hospitality families.

The Gambaro clan will open Black Hide Steak & Seafood at the much-hyped $3.6b CBD precinct, serving up premium steaks from Queensland’s Stanbroke Beef, alongside some of the best seafood in the country.

Co-owner John Gambaro said the venue, perched on The Terrace of the William St development, will mark a new, more modern direction for the family’s award-winning restaurant, which previously sat in the now-closed Treasury Casino.

“The relaxed atmosphere and the casual feeling that you have here where you can sit down and dine all day, I think it ticks the boxes of a whole generational change for us,” Mr Gambaro said.

Much of that change will also come from the menu, with the family dramatically paring back the offering, creating a much more contemporary list of dishes running from freshly shucked oysters and grilled scallops to lobster linguine and Angus and wagyu steaks, with most of the seafood live and cooked to order.

It will complement the restaurant’s glamorous coastal-inspired fit-out, which will boast 150 seats indoors and a further 100 outside under retractable roofs.

The 550sq m space will also star a private dining room with its own separate entrance, plus a cocktail lounge and bar serving a specially curated drinks list with bottles of wine ranging from the affordable to the extravagant, in excess of $10,000.

The restaurant, which promises to deliver the family’s renowned hospitality that has made them famous for more than 50 years, will be the first non-Star Entertainment-owned eatery to commence operating at the precinct.

“I think this complex is something Brisbane needed, it’s going to put us (as a city) on the map and we can’t wait for everyone else to open up,” Mr Gambaro said.

Black Hide Steak & Seafood will be joined shortly by other new restaurants such as Luc Lac from Brisbane’s acclaimed Ghanem Group, and Dark Shepherd and Pompette from the locally owned Tassis Group.

The Sunday Mail Transurban Bridge to Brisbane 2024 is This Sunday


Expanded capacity & over 35,000 participants expected, the Brisbane Showgrounds finishing village will make this Sunday’s community fun run one of the biggest in the event’s 28-year history.

“The Bridge to Brisbane really is unique in the way it brings our community together and showcases our city in such a positive light,” The Sunday Mail editor Melanie Pilling said. “To sell out again shows how popular the event remains after nearly 30 years.

“And everyone can take part in this event, regardless of your ability or aspiration, that’s the beauty of it.”

There will be a number of road closures around the city and event course next Sunday morning.

The Gateway Bridge southbound will be closed until 9.30am. Transurban will make the Clem7 southbound and Airportlink M7 southbound toll free between 5am and 9.30am to improve traffic flow during the event.

The 10km course will start at Murrarie, taking participants over the Gateway Bridge and along Kingsford Smith Drive where the 5km course starts.

Organiser Rebecca Harwood, from Event Services Management Australia, said: “Running is certainly very trendy and Bridge to Brisbane is a must-do event every year.

“A lot of planning has gone into the participant experience at the event, with so many different acts and entertainment points along the way. Everything from bands, DJs, Brazilian drummers through to opera.

“New for this year, we will have a race cam just after the 5km mark where you can see yourself running past.

“The Finish Village will be action packed. Participants will cross the finish line, grab their medal then head into the Finish Village to enjoy free fruit, Cocobella Hydrate sampling, The Sunday Mail’s free kids’ zone with rides, Transurban face painting and crazy hair station and more.”

Fundraising for Queensland charities is also a key driver of the Bridge to Brisbane, with close to $600,000 raised so far.

The Pyjama Foundation is among those, raising $4000 to date for children in foster care.

Bridge to Brisbane ambassador and Pyjama Angel Sami Rose said she couldn’t wait to be involved again.

“I’m running again because last year was genuinely so much fun – training for it, pushing myself to see how fast I could complete it, and also the great vibes from the community on the day,” she said.

“I’ve only been running for a little over a year and I’ve found so much love for it through watching myself improve, setting goals and keeping promises to myself, and Brisbane is also just such a beautiful place to run, with so many parks and running tracks.

“I chose the Pyjama Foundation as my charity again this year because they do such important work helping little ones in foster care receive the companionship and skill development they need to really thrive.”

Queen’s Wharf & The Star Precinct Officially Open, ushering in a transformative era for tourism and entertainment in Queensland

One of Australia’s most anticipated developments that’s been in the works for nearly a decade, the $3.6bn project is finally open. The tiered opening includes Queensland’s newest 5-star resort, The Star Brisbane, along with the queen’s Wharf leisure and entertainment precinct, covering 12ha in Brisbane City.

The Star Brisbane CEO, Daniel Finch, said the highly anticipated opening was a landmark moment.

“Today is a historic occasion not just for Brisbane, but all of Australia. Our incredible team of nearly 3,000 dedicated individuals have poured heart and soul into creating a resort that will redefine entertainment and hospitality standards in our city,” Finch said.

“We are thrilled to welcome everyone to experience the magic and momentum of The Star Brisbane, a destination that has been years in the making and is set to elevate our city onto the global stage.”

At the center of this weekends openings is the 340-room The Star Grand luxury hotel, fully booked for opening weekend, along with a host of 50-plus culinary and entertainment experiences, including the 100m-high Sky Deck – ideal for viewing the Riverfire spectacular, part of the Brisbane Festival.

The first collection of dining and entertainment options will also open throughout today, such as Luke Nguyen’s reimagined Fat Noodle, Japanese restaurant Sokyo, Cicada Blue rooftop cocktail bar, Sports Bar and the LiveWire music venue.

Anthony Ryan, CEO of the Brisbane Economic Development Agency, added, “The Queen’s Wharf precinct is a game-changer that will transform Brisbane’s skyline and supercharge the region’s AU$10.6 billion visitor economy.

“In addition to new world-class hotels, event venues and a stunning riverside precinct, this landmark development will further catapult Brisbane’s reputation on the world stage as a must-do destination. Brisbane’s global popularity as a city to live, work, visit and invest is taking the world by storm. The addition of Queen’s Wharf just adds another compelling reason why Brisbane is the new hero of Queensland tourism.”

Northshore Vision 2050: A Legacy Plan Transforming Brisbane Beyond the Olympic Games

Brisbane is on the brink of a transformative journey with the unveiling of Northshore Vision 2050!

This ambitious masterplan is set to redefine our city’s future, turning under-utilised industrial land into a vibrant precinct that will leave a lasting legacy beyond the Brisbane 2032 Games. Imagine a world-class 60,000-seat stadium, a stunning riverfront promenade, and a thriving hub of business, culture, and recreation – all connected by lush green spaces and elevated walkways.

This visionary project, crafted by the Brisbane Design Alliance, isn’t just about the Games; it’s about creating a sustainable, dynamic, and inclusive urban space that reflects the rich history and bright future of Brisbane. From 12,000 new homes to innovation zones, cultural venues, and even a green pedestrian bridge linking to Bulimba, Northshore Vision 2050 is set to become the heart of Brisbane’s growth and global appeal.

As we look ahead to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, Northshore Vision 2050 promises to showcase our city’s natural beauty and vibrant culture to the world, setting a new standard for urban living.

JAMES ST FOOD + WINE TRAIL 2024 IS BACK THIS SUNDAY

The James Street Food & Wine Trail is returning this weekend, running on Saturday 27 July, and the huge Market Day on Sunday 28 July, which closes down James Street from McLachlan to Arthur Street to transform the precinct into a huge urban picnic, filled with endless things to eat and drink.

This year’s Market Day line up has the highest number of participating food and bar venues to date, with new and iconic James Street venues like ēmmē, Sushi Room, James & Antler and Agnes Bakery  joining regulars like Gerard’s, Harveys and Hellenika out on the street. Between 10am and 5pm on Sunday 28 July, head on down to eat your way through bites like rooftop honey pork belly from Lobby Bar, wagyu skewers from ESSA, soft shell crab bao from Same Same and Agnes Bakery’s famous doughnut holes

With food in one hand, you’ll want a drink in the other, and there’ll be plenty of pop-up bars ready to supply one. Knock back Japanese-inspired cocktails from Sushi Room, palomas and tea highballs from The Nixon Room or charred pineapple mojitos from Sixes and Sevens, just to name a few. There’ll also be a live music stage and DJs scattered throughout the precinct and, as always, entry will be totally free.

Gelato Messina has of course come up with a limited edition treat for the special occasion, as they always do.  Introducing their Cinnie Bunstein—a doughnut gelato packed with cinnamon buns, peanut praline, baked cheesecake and brown sugar caramel that will be on offer all weekend. They’ll also be pulling out all the stops for Market Day, serving up Scoff It Down, a waffle cone filled with cheesecake gelato, chunks of baked cheesecake and biscoff spread; and the Only Crunch, Coco Pops-inspired gelato with milo fudge, marshmallows and coco pops covered in milk chocolate.

On the Saturday leading up to Market Day, some of James St’s residents will also offer one-off menu pairings, set menus and tastings, with Jocelyn’s Provisions, Cru Bar + Cellar, ESSA, ēmmē, King Arthur and The Lobby Bar serving up everything from loaded traditional lamingtons to four-course champagne lunches. 

You can browse the program for Trail Days and Market Day and plan your James Street Food & Wine Trail here

The Details

When: Saturday 27 July and Sunday 28 July
Where: James Street, Fortitude Valley 
Find out more here.

Andrew McConnell’s famed Melbourne restaurant, Supernormal, opens in Brisbane next week on the Queen Street’s Riverfront

Following much anticipation since the initial announcement in 2022, Andrew McConnell and Jo McGann’s Supernormal will open in Brisbane on Tuesday, 23 July. As Brisbane’s dining scene continues to flourish, the Melbourne import pulls on the cuisines of international cities including Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul and Hong Kong, all while celebrating the climate, produce and people of South East Queensland.

The move is the first interstate expansion for McConnell’s Trader House group (Cumulus Inc, Cutler & Co, Supernormal, Meatsmith, Marion Wine Bar, Gimlet, Apollo Inn and a slew of other high-profile Melbourne venues). And while Supernormal’s sibling venue Bar Miette – a Euro-inspired all-day diner with everything from Scandi breakfasts to Gildas and seriously strong Martinis – opened several weeks ago, Supernormal is the opening that gourmands in the Sunshine State have been most eagerly awaiting.

Both venues have been designed by ACME, who were in charge of the design behind Total Fusion Platinum and previously worked with McConnell and McGann on the interiors for Melbourne’s Apollo Inn and Gimlet.

Unlike Melbourne’s paired-back neon-lit and contrasting white surrounds, Supernormal Brisbane has taken on a more tropical brief, with warm tones, rattan details, green terrazzo and timber.

“It feels like the right evolution for Supernormal. Whilst the design sets the two restaurants apart, there is a DNA that runs through them that is grounded in the food, the service, the drinks and the sense of location,”  McConnell said in a statement.

Located on the riverside level, the grand dwelling has views to the Story Bridge, with both indoor and riverside dining for up to 150 guests, plus an upstairs private dining area for up to 50.

The menu is structured much like Melbourne’s — think whitebait and bug fritter;  whole steamed coral trout with brown butter and lime dashi; delicate spanner crab tossed through hand-rolled noodle salad with sesame; and rump cap with green peppercorn sauce. While many of the dishes are new, there are also a couple of signatures Supernormal fans will be familiar with, such as handpicked lobster on brioche rolls; golden fried vegetable dumplings with a crisp lattice; and scallop roasted in an ultra-umami kelp butter.

Supernormal is set to open on Tuesday 23 July 2024. Bookings are now open via the Supernormal Brisbane website.

Queen’s Wharf project to use Brisbane Festival as launch pad for first openings in August

Brisbane’s multi-billion dollar Queen’s Wharf precinct has named August 29 as the date for the first of its multi-stage openings with the long-awaited The Star Brisbane.

Nearly nine years after it was formally announced and two years past its original projecting finishing point, The Star Brisbane has announced it is finally opening at least some of its doors, with a series of restaurants, bars and public spaces launching through late August and September, starting from August 29.  

“We are thrilled to be commencing our phased opening to coincide with Brisbane’s biggest party, Brisbane Festival,” said The Star Brisbane Chief Executive Officer Daniel Finch.

“Fittingly, public spaces will be among the first areas to be opened and that includes the viewing platform on Sky Deck, Miller Park, and of course the Neville Bonner Bridge linking Queen’s Wharf to South Bank.

Finch said the 1440 seat Event Centre wolud be opening its calendar “from early September” and the 340 room Star Grand hotel would have “bookings to open very soon”.

Announced dining and leisure openings include the LiveWire live entertainment  venue, celebrity chef Luke Nguyen’s Fat Noodle, Japanese restaurant Sokyo, cocktail bar Cherry and a sprawling Sports Bar. Restaurants in the Sky Deck and The Terrace areas are reportedly under final fit outs and will open progressively through the remainder of 2024.

The main Casino floor and premium gaming rooms will also be part of the initial openings.

Areas to open progressively from August into September and throughout the remainder of 2024 as part of the first phase of a multi-staged opening include:
• Public Areas: 7.5 hectares of public space including Neville Bonner Bridge, upgraded Bicentennial Bikeway, Miller Park, Sky Deck viewing platform, Leisure Deck on Level Seven
• Newly created green space The Landing to open after Riverfire
• Sky Deck: Trio of restaurants will open progressively during first phase
• The Star Grand: 340 hotel rooms including four penthouses, three swimming pools, Sokyo restaurant (Japanese)
• Event Centre: 1,440 seat ballroom with pre-function bar, outdoor terrace and views to the Story Bridge
• The Terrace Dining, Level Four: restaurants will open progressively during first phase
• Level Five & Six: LiveWire, Sports Bar, Fat Noodle (South-East Asian), Food Quarter, Cherry, Main Casino Floor and Premium Gaming Rooms
• Leisure Deck: Gymnasium, more food & beverage outlets

Areas to open as progressively as part of the next phase of a multi-staged opening will include:
• Dorsett and Rosewood hotel tower
• Velo Café end of trip facility
• Luxury Retail destinations
• The Terrace Dining, Level Four: Ice-creamery, Asian dining and more geographical themed dining
• Heritage buildings: Activated with experiences, retail and food & beverage

The Queen’s Wharf project – delivered by the Destination Brisbane Consortium, a joint venture between The Star Entertainment Group and Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium – hopes to be a revitalising agent for the Brisbane CBD and night-time economy.