Perth is rapidly establishing itself as a national leader in the wellness industry, with locals demonstrating a fierce appetite for the latest health trends, often travelling across the city and investing significant sums in their pursuit of wellbeing.
From Clinical to Mainstream: The New Wellness Wave
Therapeutic practices once reserved for clinical settings or elite athletes are now being embraced by everyday Australians. Treatments like magnesium pools, ice fountains, and LED light therapy are attracting a broad audience, moving far beyond their original niche.
Riding this wave of popularity is Merse Wellness Spa, the latest business to tap into Perth's thriving wellness scene. The spa opened its doors in Osborne Park in early November 2025, and the founders' decision to launch in Perth has already yielded remarkable results.
Founders Julia Tilli and Bianca Marshall reported that memberships were completely sold out even before the official opening. "We actually sold out of memberships before we opened our doors, which was a little bit surreal," Ms Marshall said. "It was amazing, but it just shows how much of a demand there is for this in Perth."
Australian Wellness Economy on the Rise
This local success story is reflected in national data. The Global Wellness Economy: Australia report, released in August, confirms a surging industry. From 2019 to 2023, the country's wellness economy grew at an impressive annual rate of 7.5 per cent.
This growth propelled Australia from the 13th to the 10th largest wellness economy globally. On average, Australians are now spending $7431 per year within the wellness sector. In 2023 alone, a staggering more than $2.4 billion was spent specifically on spa experiences.
Ms Tilli noted that the appeal of their new spa extends beyond the local area, with members showing a willingness to travel for the unique experience. "A majority are in near suburbs, but there’s quite a few members who are travelling because they absolutely love the concept and they are willing to travel 30 minutes to recover here," she explained.
Innovative Treatments Driving Demand
The owners attribute much of their early success to the unique and cutting-edge treatments they offer.
The ice fountain, a centrepiece of the spa, was inspired by Ms Marshall's visit to Lake Como in Italy. The device produces shaved ice that patrons rub over their bodies for cold therapy, offering an alternative to a full cold plunge. Ms Tilli believes this is a first for Australia, stating, "We had to do a lot of research into how the ice fountain operates... to make sure it wouldn't melt in the bath house, which is quite a humid environment."
Ms Marshall added that the fountain is ideal for "people who are not wanting to immerse their bodies into a body of water and also people with heart conditions."
Another major draw is the hot magnesium pool. While Australians have long used magnesium in supplements and creams, soaking in a magnesium pool is a novel way to absorb the mineral, which is renowned for soothing muscles, aiding recovery, and improving sleep.
Furthermore, LED light therapy is experiencing a renaissance in the wellness world. Originally used in medical and beautician clinics post-surgery, its significant health benefits have led to its incorporation into general wellness routines. Red light therapy, a form of photobiomodulation, is used to stimulate and enhance the body's innate healing abilities.
The explosive growth of Merse Wellness Spa and the broader Australian market signals a profound shift, positioning Perth and the nation as a whole as a burgeoning hotspot for innovative health and recovery solutions.
