Spa News
European company wants Dallas to sign off on massive wellness spa

Therme Group
A German company that specializes in thermal baths is hoping to open a massive facility in Dallas: Therme Group, a global leader in wellbeing destinations, is planning to build the first Therme in the U.S. on a patch of land on South Riverfront Boulevard near the Trinity River.
The company still needs to get its plan approved by the City of Dallas.
The facility would span hundreds of thousands of square feet, featuring thermal baths, saunas, wet rooms, thermal and mineral pools, waterslides, swim-up bars, and relaxation beds, not to mention additional bells and whistles that include immersive art, "a wide variety of restaurants," and an abundance of plants and trees.
A press release describes the various scenarios such a facility would provide: splash session with kids, drinks at the pool bar with friends, or a solo rotation through thermal pools and saunas. Here's a heady claim: "From family fun to deep relaxation, every visit will promote physical, social, and mental health while fostering a sense of collective wellbeing."
There are currently six Therme facilities: Bucharest, Romania; Erding (Germany); Bad Vilbel, Frankfurt (Germany); Dubai; Incheon, South Korea; and Ontario Place in Canada.
Therme Group CEO Robert Hanea says in a statement that these six facilities give the company expertise in wellbeing, and they're confident that Dallas is the perfect place to introduce their concept. They've already created a website for Dallas, and have hosted some freebie trips to contractor types. They've also retained Allyn, the politically connected PR agency go-to for slick groups and projects like the Trinity Toll Road and the Dallas Zoo.
They just need to get their plan approved by the City of Dallas.
The release states that the Trinity River, with its natural beauty, breathtaking views of the skyline, and proximity to the Dallas Water Commons and the Cedars neighborhood, is a unique and perfectly suited location for a wellbeing destination.
A FAQ sheet says that entry will start at $50, "which is competitive with other leisure and recreation offerings in the area"; that 92 percent of the water in the pools will be recycled; that they'll use their wastewater to water plants; and that less than 1 percent of their business will take place during rush hour, so therefore, no impact on traffic.
They're not saying they're asking for money or incentives. Only that the project is expected to generate more than $1.8 billion over the first 30 years.
They just need to get an approval from the Dallas City Council.