Is it safe to say that water-based amenities are having a watershed moment right now? If we’re looking at things purely from a macro point of view, the sheer multitude of bathhouses and ice bath clubs cropping up in Singapore serves as a reliable indicator. Then there is the Sauna Services Market Report 2026 authored by Research and Markets. The world’s largest market research store uncovered that the sauna market will grow from $1.18 billion in 2025 to $1.32 billion in 2026, with a single year alone showcasing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4%. Bearing this in mind, it stands to reason that hotels are now putting a renewed emphasis on their existing spa facilities—from bringing in newfangled equipment to crafting up novel spa treatments. On this front, the Daegu Marriott Hotel is undoubtedly making big strides.
“We have observed that more people are travelling to clear their minds and relax. They want to take a break and let go of daily stresses,” explains JS Cho, General Manager at the Daegu Marriott Hotel. “ A holiday has become a time to do less and see less. Instead, the aim is to rest and recharge.” This, thus, translated into the conception of the establishment’s Urban Wellness Club; a suite of hydrotherapy-related services catered to bathing and fitness pundits.
Body of water
Accessible only to the Daegu Marriott Hotel guests, the Urban Wellness Club is found on the building’s fifth floor and spans several key spaces.
The first of which is a fully kitted-out gym that harbours not only the latest in exercise machinery, but also a variety of classes for every fitness level. Yoga and pilates sessions are mainstays, though it is clear to see that there is a concentrated effort to introduce a wider spectrum in line with the hotel’s new wellness-focused narrative. Rooftop ballet and barre are some recent examples.
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“At the Daegu Marriott Hotel, we’ve found that guests find it vastly important to be able to stay active while also enjoying moments to relax and recharge. So, we’ve specifically designed a wellness routine that is simple and easy to follow,” elucidates Cho. “Guests typically enjoy a workout at the fitness center and indoor pool, then take part in their preferred programs, and relax in the sauna and baths afterward. We find that our baths are especially unique and enjoyable for international guests thanks to our separate cold, warm, and hot plunge baths.”
This was apparent during my stay. After a gruelling mat pilates session, I was escorted to the sauna section; a private sanctum equipped with all the necessities you’d require for contrast therapy. What I did like about it was the relative privacy—despite it being open to all hotel guests, the layout and structure of the room meant that there were quiet nooks and corners to perch at to catch your breath. Each pool is also considerably large, which allows for individuals to spread out and find their own space.
The hot pool felt like a balm for my sore, tight muscles, which was further exacerbated by a long flight and my workout. To ensure I was getting the most out of the baths, I indulged in a full 30-minute session by alternating between the hot and cold pools in five and three minute increments respectively. The results speak for themselves: I slept better than I had all week and also felt significantly more alert the next day.
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To eat well is to live well
Nutrition, too, is something the Daegu Marriott Hotel takes into careful consideration. There are healthful options abound of the three restaurants available on-site: Urban Kitchen, the hotel’s buffet style option; East Gate which focuses on Chinese fare; as well as the Lounge & Bar which specialises in traditional Korean sweets.
And while each restaurant brings with it its own flair and flavour, it is the pastries from Lounge & Bar that felt exceptional. While modern-day creations in the vein of bingsu and scones are available, it is their time-honoured flavours that prove notable such as their signature sweet red bean jelly, yanggaeng. A pitch-perfect, wonderfully sweet note to end your wellness journey? No doubt about it.
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