The UK wellness market is the fifth largest in the world, according to the Global Wellness Institute, whose 2024 summit took place in St Andrews at the end of the year. There, more than 500 wellness professionals got together to assess the industry, predict trends and identify growth areas.

The spa sector in particular appears to have almost returned to pre-pandemic levels of growth, and it seems consumers are sitting up and taking notice.

Here at Homes & Interiors Scotland, we’ve long understood the positive impact that good design can have on our mental health.

We’ve written about the life-enhancing changes made to homes in these very pages, about the desire to escape the city in search of more space, about knocking through a wall to put in a window, just to feel the sun streaming in.

In this issue, we’ve dug deep to analyse the ways in which we can improve how we live, how we can be healthier, calmer and stronger, giving you some suggestions to boost your own well-being.

Our wellness-focused design special presents a wealth of great ideas for both you and your home.

Elsewhere, this first issue of the new year is packed with stories of people changing their lives: Mil and Jolene’s tale of how their independent sleepwear brand came to life, Alexis and Saro’s award-winning rural relocation and our round-up of Scottish retreats, activities and fancy places to add to your saved list.

And don’t forget our annual Design Directory that comes with this magazine for when you’re pondering some changes of your own.

It doesn’t really matter if it’s a new kitchen or a new gym class; if it makes you feel better, the change is worth it.