Imagine stepping into your home gym not as a chore, but as a sun-drenched Mediterranean escape—where sleek cardio machines whisper of ancient cliffs, and every touch feels like warm earth underfoot. That’s the pure delight Technogym unleashes with Sand Stone, their radiant new collection debuting at Salone del Mobile 2026 in Milano. Amid the electric buzz of Fuori Salone’s off-site spectacles—think pop-up installations blending art, nature, and high design—this launch isn’t just a product drop; it’s a love letter to wellness as an art form.
photo: @Technogym Presents Sand Stone, the New Collection for Wellness Luxury Living
The Nutshell: Nature-Meets-High-Performance Luxury
In essence, Sand Stone is Technogym‘s bold new “design language”—a sophisticated finish and material palette transforming their Artis (pro-level cardio, strength, and Pilates gear) and Personal (home elegance by Antonio Citterio) lines. Drawing from Mediterranean sandstone, it fuses speckled stone effects (infused with natural mica and recycled bits for that eco-glow), warm titanium accents, tactile clay surfaces, and beech/ash wood inserts. The result? Wellness equipment that melts into your interiors, turning workouts into sensorial rituals for posh homes, boutique hotels, and elite clubs. Fully plugged into Technogym’s Digital Ecosystem, it tailors sessions to your whims, goals, and vibes—personalization at its most indulgent.
Picture this: An Artis treadmill in a sleek Milan penthouse, its stone-veined body echoing the marble floors, or a Personal bench in a Santorini villa, its clay grip inviting sweat-free flows. It’s wellness that belongs, not invades.
photo: @Technogym Presents Sand Stone, the New Collection for Wellness Luxury Living
Harmony with 2026’s Hottest Trends
Salone 2026 pulses with biophilic bliss—design that pulls nature indoors to soothe our post-pandemic souls—and Sand Stone dances right in step. This season’s mantra? Tactile authenticity: Think earthy palettes from brands like Minotti’s stone-infused tiles or Patricia Urquiola’s textured weaves at Fuori Salone pop-ups. Technogym amplifies it with sustainable swagger; those mica-speckled surfaces aren’t just pretty—they’re innovative, recycled, and oh-so-touchable, aligning with the zero-waste luxury wave seen in Cassina’s reclaimed wood loungers.
Then there’s the “continuous environment” trend: No more gym silos. Sand Stone blurs lines between equipment and architecture, syncing with wood, stone, and premium finishes for immersive spaces. Echoing Versace Home’s metallic-stone fusions or B&B Italia’s organic metallics, it elevates wellness to cultural status—perfect for hospitality hotspots like Aman resorts, where design doubles as therapy. And sustainability? It’s baked in, mirroring the season’s circular economy push, from recycled leathers at Salone to Fuori’s upcycled art pavilions.
photo: @Technogym Presents Sand Stone, the New Collection for Wellness Luxury Living
Why It Sparks Joy for Luxury Lovers
This isn’t gear; it’s a mood-lifter. Architects and tastemakers will adore Sand Stone as a “power tool” for bespoke realms—elevating a Capri yacht gym or London wellness suite into Instagram poetry. For you, the discerning reader, it’s the ultimate flex: Performance that performs with your lifestyle, wrapping high-tech training in joyful, nature-kissed luxury.
Few direct fitness equipment rivals matched Technogym’s high-profile Sand Stone launch at Salone del Mobile 2026 (April 21-26 in Milan), but luxury wellness brands made waves in the space.
Key Launch: PENT. Fitness
PENT., a premium fitness equipment maker, premiered major products at the event, including new cardio machines (like the ALESSIA™ motorized treadmill), a Pilates collection, and strength systems. Their stand emphasized refined, essential luxury designs for high-end gyms, mirroring Technogym’s home/hospitality focus during Milan Design Week
Technogym’s Sand Stone proves wellness can be wildly beautiful. Who’s ready to redesign their sweat sanctuary?
The era of the purely utilitarian home gym is over. An emerging and aspirational design trend—the wellness room—is redefining residential real estate, positioning the home not just as a place to live, but as a dedicated, therapeutic sanctuary for mind and body. This shift reflects a growing commitment among homeowners to integrate the luxurious rituals of high-end spas into their daily lives.
The driving force behind the wellness room is the demand for thermal and water therapies at home. What was once the exclusive domain of luxury health clubs is now becoming a covetous feature in residential design, accelerated by the pandemic’s focus on at-home health. Designers and architects are seeing clients dedicate spare rooms, basements, and even large primary bathroom extensions to restorative hydrotherapy baths, saunas, and cold plunges. As design specialist Patricia Toering notes, clients are moving “beyond saunas” to integrate cold plunge, aromatherapy, and light therapy into their personal spaces.
This is not merely an aesthetic trend; it’s driven by concrete health benefits associated with thermal rituals.
The cycle of heat (vasodilation) and cold (vasoconstriction) stimulates blood flow, boosting circulation for Cardiovascular and Circulatory Health. Sweating in a sauna supports the lymphatic system for Detoxification and Recovery; for active individuals, alternating hot and cold is essential for reducing inflammation and accelerating post-exercise recovery. For Mental Well-being, immersing the body in warm water activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to reduce cortisol levels and promote deep relaxation and restorative sleep. Furthermore, landmark studies have associated frequent sauna use with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality, making the sauna the cornerstone of the wellness room and a focus for Longevity.
A wellness room can be a sprawling, thousand-square-foot hybrid spa, or it can be a tranquil, compact corner. Regardless of size, the design must prioritize sensory experience and intentionality.
The sauna is the essential feature, and premium brands are focusing on design and thermal efficiency. While infrared saunas are popular for compact spaces, traditional saunas are often chosen for dedicated wellness rooms due to their ability to provide higher temperatures, superior heat distribution, and custom humidity options. Top-tier units emphasize thoughtful engineering, such as under-bench heating to maximize seating space and two inches of mineral wool insulation with double-paned glass for optimal heat retention and efficiency.
Beyond the traditional bath, designers are integrating features for full Water Rituals, including cold plunge pools used immediately after the sauna for physiological benefits, restorative hydrotherapy baths for deep soaking, and emotional showers that incorporate advanced features like chromotherapy, aromatherapy, and specialized water jets to create a multi-sensory experience.
To be a true sanctuary, the wellness room must focus on Sensory Design and Atmosphere to calm the mind. This means replacing harsh overhead lighting with dimmable, indirect, ambient lighting, and prioritizing natural, organic materials like warm woods and stone to promote a grounded, tactile feel (biophilic design). Sound should be managed with a high-quality sound system for music or meditation, and the color palette should opt for soft, calming neutrals. Finally, air quality should be managed with purifiers and diffusers for intentional aromatherapy.
The design challenge lies in creating this haven within a residential footprint, but the principles can be applied to much smaller areas. As Ms. Toering advises, the first step is to Start with Intent: ask what you would use every day, because a five-minute moment of peace is more valuable than a gym you only use once a week. You can Repurpose Smartly, transforming spare bedrooms, dens, or even large closets into dedicated meditation or yoga spaces, utilizing compact options like infrared sauna domes.
Even if you can’t install a sauna, you can Go Beyond the Walls to transform your existing bathroom into a spa retreat by adding a high-quality aromatherapy diffuser, specialized shower heads, a towel warmer, and focusing on clutter-free surfaces and natural materials.
Reopening of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya, a jewel in the heart of a tropical jungle.
@Maroma, A @Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya/ @LVMH luxury group
As the world gradually awakens to the allure of immersive travel experiences, a jewel nestled in the heart of a tropical jungle emerges as the epitome of opulent reconnection with nature. The much-awaited reopening of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya, signals not only the rebirth of a luxury retreat but also a harmonious fusion of biophilic design and holistic wellness. This oasis invites travelers to embark on a journey where Mayan traditions, Mexican craftsmanship, and the first Guerlain Spa in Latin America unite in symphonic elegance.
Gentle waves lapping against the pristine shorelines and the whispering melodies of a verdant jungle create the backdrop for Maroma’s reimagined embrace of nature’s wonders.
Maroma’s transformation into a sanctuary that resonates with the essence of its surroundings is the result of meticulous craftsmanship and design. Collaborating with the world-renowned design studio Tara Bernerd & Partners, the hotel becomes a living canvas of Mexican heritage. Each of the 72 rooms, suites, and villas showcases a harmonious interplay of local materials, traditional patterns, and artisanal craftsmanship.
Gazing upon the intricate details, it becomes evident that Maroma is more than just a luxury hotel; it is an ode to the rich tapestry of Mexico’s culture. Delicate hand-painted tiles by ceramicist José Noé Suro grace the guestrooms, while Henequen Textiles contribute rugs woven from a hemplike material, infusing the spaces with authenticity. This celebration of indigenous artistry extends to the gastronomic experiences offered within the hotel’s embrace.
@Maroma, A @Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya/
@Maroma, A @Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya/
Four distinct dining destinations invite guests on a culinary journey that celebrates regional flavors. Woodend by Curtis Stone, a gastronomic restaurant born from a partnership with Michelin-star Australian chef Curtis Stone, marries sea and jungle inspirations. Local ingredients dictate the seasonal menu, offering a symphony of flavors celebrating the Yucatán Peninsula. Casa Mayor, guided by Executive Chef Daniel Camacho, explores the diverse culinary heritage of Mexico. Bambuco and Freddy’s Bar enhance the dining narrative by seamlessly blending with the lush natural surroundings.
Yet, Maroma’s allure reaches beyond its culinary offerings and artful design. The hotel continues its association with Guerlain, unveiling the Maroma Spa by Guerlain – the first in Latin America. Nestled within a biophilic space, this spa becomes a sacred realm of rejuvenation and wellness. Rooted in the healing energies of nature and Mayan traditions, the spa introduces guests to the Bee Healing Ritual, a homage to the revered Melipona bee and a reflection of Guerlain’s Abeille Royale collection. A testament to the marriage of luxury and sustainability, Maroma’s commitment to the environment and the local community is woven into its very fabric.
As the doors of Maroma swing open once more, the heart of the Riviera Maya beats with renewed vigor. This oasis stands not only as a testament to luxurious retreats but as a profound connection to the essence of Mexico, an embodiment of the tranquil symphony orchestrated by the natural world.
One-of-a-kind resort neighbouring the Four Seasons’ beloved Punta Mita property brings guests closer to nature physically and spiritually.
Naviva is now showcasing the wonders of Mexico – from embarking on a shamanic sound journey to finding a new level of focus while spearfishing. The new retreat is reinforcing everything that we love about this idyllic destination while offering an entirely new experience.
Through the lens of biophilic design and biomimicry – in which the natural world is the driving influence for design solutions – the natural beauty of Mexico was the key source of inspiration when A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico was conceptualized with Luxury Frontiers, an award-winning design firm and pioneer in the alternative lodging sector. All building forms, interior designs, and guest experiences tie back to a natural phenomenon, creating a resort concept that is fully derived from nature.
With just 15 luxury tents surrounded by 48 forested acres (19 hectares) on the edge of a private peninsula, Naviva is an adult-only sanctuary that harnesses nature to create an environment that fosters community, personal growth and appreciation for local heritage. Naviva awakens the intrinsic bond that humans have with nature through biophilic design – an architectural approach that immerses people in their natural surroundings. The transformative journey begins as soon as guests arrive, meeting their personal guide on a cocoon-inspired bamboo bridge overlooking a dramatic forest ravine.
@Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico resort
@Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico resort
Naviva blurs the border between the natural and manmade worlds with 15 luxury tents that are designed to be at one with the surrounding jungle. Spacious indoor and outdoor areas invite the verdant sights and sounds of Riviera Nayarit’s unique flora and fauna. An open-air living room and separate bedroom flow to a private plunge pool and expansive outdoor living area, where a hammock, firepit and outdoor shower offer forest-framed refuge. Inside, textures and fabrics reflect natural patterns found in the environment. Oversized bathrooms house deep soaking tubs and skylit showers that reveal uninterrupted visual connections to the outdoors.
The team collaborated with Mexican artists, craftspeople, and manufacturers throughout the design and construction process, not only to support local businesses but also to create spaces with an authentic connection to Mexico’s culture. Highlights include custom furniture from Taracea and Baufaktory; artwork from Emma Boomkamp; reclaimed wooden games from Rasttro; and textiles from Anora Casa.
Naviva’s location creates the feeling of being disconnected in a faraway destination, when in reality it is only a short flight away from the US and Canada to Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) and then just 45 minutes drive to the private peninsula of Punta Mita.
All-encompassing Naviva stays start at USD 3,950 per night and include all meals, snacks and drinks including specialty meals prepared to enjoy throughout the property, one 60-minute spa treatment per guest, daily practices and rituals, and Unscripted Naviva experiences.
@Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico resort
Naviva features a series of intimate wellness spaces including two spa pods tucked away in the forest, a House of Heat temazcal, a cliffside terrace, an open-air gym and nature trails.
Each area promotes human connection to nature by grounding guests in tangible and intangible aspects of the environment.
Guests are welcomed directly into their private spa pod to fully use the space how they wish. Inspired by the seed of the local Ceiba tree, each cocoon-like spa structure offers a sense of safety that invites shifts in internal energy. Between transformative spa rituals, guests can spend time in each spa pod’s personal garden, outdoor shower or timber soaking tub.
The House of Heat invites guests on a personalized temazcal journey guided by a dedicated curandero to produce a mind-body awakening. Guests can choose from several focus areas, such as gratitude or devotion, to drive their customized experience. The House of Heat includes a ceremonial fire pit with seating inspired by traditional Mayan stools, a pre- and post-ceremony gathering space and an outdoor shower area.
Naviva guests will also discover wellbeing experiences rooted in the environment at Risco Terrace, where yoga practices include powerful vinyasas and restorative flows, and the outdoor Mar Gym overlooking the Pacific, where strength training workouts incorporate existing formations such as boulders and trees. Guests can find rest and rejuvenation at the Resort’s Selva Pool nestled in the jungle or at La Solana Beach, a private 575-foot (175-metre) expanse of Pacific beachfront.
@Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico resort
@Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico resort
Central to the Resort’s fluid and informal style, every Naviva stay includes all meals, snacks and beverages – including many premium wines and spirits – whenever a guest may wish.
Guests can choose to enjoy fresh seafood at Copal Cocina, graze on light bites inspired by local harvest at Selva Pool or enjoy a personalized menu on the deck of their private luxury tent. Exciting dining experiences abound, from impromptu molcajete lessons to chef-prepared dinners in the forest. In-tent dining is also available around the clock.
At the heart of Naviva, Copal Cocina welcomes guests to an open-air kitchen and living room where they may meet a local coffee roaster, pop a bottle of Mexican wine with a sommelier or join Chef Sofia Barrera behind the open-fire grill. With no more than 30 guests at any given time, Copal Cocina offers unique dining experiences that integrate uncommon ingredients and flexible daily offerings that can be adjusted to each guest’s preferences. Local purveyors – including farmers and fishermen – periodically visit the kitchen, allowing guests to develop a deeper connection to the local community.
@Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico resort
Naviva’s authentic connection to nature is rooted in its thoughtful conception, which began with the rehabilitation of the land on which it now resides.
The development team carefully surveyed the land to build around existing trees and preserve the peninsula’s lush vegetation, hand-placing tents into the existing environment to minimize disruption to the surrounding forest. Select trees were relocated or salvaged for hand-carved timber hooks placed in each luxury tent, and natural stone found onsite was repurposed for benches. The team also took significant measures to protect animal life by creating new paths that mimic the colours of soil and rocks and using specific lighting types to limit light pollution.
Throughout the property, the design team utilized light-on-earth, low-impact construction materials such as reclaimed wood, local stone, copper, bamboo and concrete. In addition, natural ventilation made possible by the region’s prevailing winds limits air conditioning to only the most essential spaces.
As an advocate for sustainable water sourcing, Naviva partnered with SOURCE Water to bottle all drinking water onsite using hydropanel technology that extracts clean, pollutant-free water from the air.
@Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico resort
@Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico resort
@Biosphera Genesis project by @Aktivhaus-Nexlogic Group
The only housing module in the world to integrate Biophilic Design.
Biosphera Genesis project by Aktivhaus-Nexlogic Group is the fourth generation of the self-sufficient regenerative biophilic housing module which has already won the Energy Globe Award, the most coveted sustainability prize in the world.
Aktivhaus-Nexlogic Group specialises in the development of housing modules using the most advanced technologies in the world focusing on human well-being and reducing the environmental impact of the building construction processes.
As a result of twelve years of research and scientific experimentation in collaboration with numerous organisations, universities, and companies, Biosphera Genesis is a 40 square meter actual self-sufficient container of life – an itinerant living unit that can be transported by road. Biosphera Genesis, which was inaugurated on 8 September 2021 in Venice on the island of San Servolo, is the only housing module in the world to integrate Biophilic Design, an architectural design feature aimed at creating a favourable environment for human health. It is a “passive” house that produces eight times the energy consumed and consumes 95% less energy than a traditional home. It was built using environmentally friendly materials and adheres to the Minimum Environmental Criteria (MEC).
@Biosphera Genesis project by @Aktivhaus-Nexlogic Group
Biosphera Genesis is the first sensory growth chamber dedicated to the hotel industry, designed to combat stress. Inside of it, the visual, tactile and olfactory atmospheres found in nature are recreated through immersive experiences, demonstrating how it is possible to create an environment that positively affects our five senses. From the use of technologies that recreate the same conditions of light, temperature and colours between indoors and outdoors respecting the circadian rhythm, to the use of a virtual reality that reproduces sounds and scenarios existing in nature thanks to special headphones. Finally, the presence of Swiss pine wood, as an olfactory stimulator, helps the body to relax and to slow down the heartbeat.
Combining these elements is the starting point for creating environments capable of improving human health and lifestyle. Biosphera’s future is a protocol that will be used to design hotels, schools, buildings of any kind and function.
Mirko Taglietti, CEO of Aktivhaus and creator of the Biosphera Project, said: ” Our main goal is to build and renew new-generation buildings that put humans, their senses, needs, physiology, health, and well-being at the center of the architectural and constructive project. Buildings capable of regenerating its inhabitants’ minds and energy.”
The collaboration between MINI Italy and Aktivhaus began in 2018 and it was renewed this month with the presentation of the fourth generation of the Biosphera Project: Genesis.
@Aktivhaus-Nexlogic Group
Biosphera Genesis was present at MINI’s BIG LOVE Days in Varano de’ Melegari from 2-3 October 2021. A MINI Cooper SE accompanied the housing unit during its international launch at the Venice Biennale in 2021 as part of the Venice Innovation Design. The vehicle represents MINI’s response to the rising demand for sustainable and efficient mobility and demonstrated the benefits of being able to recharge the battery from the energy produced in excess by Biosphera Genesis.
@Biosphera Genesis project by @Aktivhaus-Nexlogic Group
@Biosphera Genesis project by @Aktivhaus-Nexlogic Group
