Design Is a ‘Tool to Deliver Wellness in a Passive but Powerful Way,’ Says Developer

Many entrepreneurs who’ve ventured into the wellness game stick to pushing products or opening spas and medical centers that promise to help with physical ailments and stress. Kane Sarhan, 35, a co-founder of The Well, a health brand that integrates Eastern and Western approaches, believes that wellness should be reflected in the way that people live at home every day.

Informed by this idea, he’s behind The Well’s foray into residences, a global venture that will have the company opening developments in Miami, Abu Dhabi and London over the next five years. 

The company’s first residential project will debut in June 2024 in Bay Harbor Islands, a quieter island community near Miami. The residences include 54 condos and 22,0000 square feet of amenities; prices range from $1.8 million for a one-bedroom property to $8 million for a four-bedroom space. 

Meanwhile, The Well has locations in New York, Connecticut and Costa Rica that offer a range of services such as sessions with traditional doctors, acupuncturists, physical therapists and facialists. “You can come in for a treatment, take a yoga class and get a healthy meal, but we wanted to create an environment where wellness is a full-time lifestyle,”Mr. Sarhan said.

The Miami-based Mr. Sarhan spoke to Mansion Global about venturing into residential  and how anyone can embrace healthy living today.   

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Mansion Global: Wellness has different meanings for different people. What does it mean to you?

Kane Sarhan: For me, wellness is highly personal and constantly changing, but at its foundation, it’s about having the time, space and resources to focus on and prioritize my mental, physical and emotional health. Sometimes that means a sweaty workout, a conversation with my therapist or 15 minutes of the morning sun. 

MG: Why did you decide to expand into residential?

KS: Before starting The Well, I was the head of brand of 1 Hotels, which has branded residences. I learned how a home can be reflective of a lifestyle, so my expansion into residences was a natural one. It has allowed me to bring back some of my previous experience with 1 Hotels and reimagine living spaces again. There is nowhere else that we spend more time than at our homes. 

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MG: What are some changes that we can all make in our homes so that they’re healthier environments for us to live in?

KS: Start with simple things—install an under-sink water filtration system to make your drinking water as healthy as possible. Introduce an air purifier to clean the air in your space. Adding plants can be very powerful for this, too. I also think one of the best things you can do to make your home a healthier place to live is to create spaces that make you feel comfortable and allow you to connect with people that you love. If there is anything that the past couple of years has taught me, it is the importance of coming together with others. 

MG: What are some key pillars of The Well’s residences?

KS: There’s the design, meaning materials, lighting, fixtures, appliances, flow and thoughtful amenities. We view design as a tool to deliver wellness in a passive but powerful way. But what really separates us from other real estate developments is our programming that brings wellness to life. This includes workshops with health practitioners, classes, one-on-one services and more. 

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MG: What about the individual residences? 

KS: We have designed everything from a wellness perspective. Some of my favorite things are in our primary bathroom. They have a beautiful circular soaking tub and shower with massaging shower heads. They also have a built-in chilling fridge for cosmetics into the vanity. 

Then there are the meditation gardens on our terraces—just creating a space with plants and the natural beauty of Miami to center yourself is powerful. And we have integrated technology, including LED red-light therapy panels into the primary bedroom so that you can get red-light therapy in your home. 

MG: What amenities will the building have?

KS: There’s a rooftop pool and lounge and The Well club with a fitness facility, bathhouse, lounges and social spaces. We will also have a residence-only tea lounge and a training gym.

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MG: Who is the demographic for a wellness-themed development?

KS: Anyone who is looking to put wellness at the center of their life. That could be a busy young professional, a new family or a retiree who wants to invest in their longevity. 

MG: How do you define luxury?

KS: The combination of quality of life and freedom of time and choice.  

This interview has been edited for length and clarity

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