Thermal wellbeing organisation Therme Group has outlined plans to introduce urban wellbeing centres to five US cities, including New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

The organisation has appointed Robert Hammond as president and chief strategy officer for its Therme North America branch to manage its US expansion plans.

Hammond will be responsible for overseeing the development of the Therme product and programming for the wellbeing company’s US expansion.

Hammond joins Therme after serving for over two decades as co-founder and executive director of Friends of the High Line, where he led the transformation of an abandoned elevated railway line in Manhattan, New York, into an iconic urban park.

His role is slated to begin in April 2022.

In the past two years, Therme has revealed plans to open locations in Germany, the UK and its first resort in North America in Toronto, Canada.

In addition, the organisation is currently developing a £250m (US$333m, €274.3m) 28-acre wellbeing resort in Manchester, on track to open in 2023.

Guided by the principle of wellbeing for all, each Therme centre is conceived to offer affordable holistic services and recreational spaces for customers of all ages.

Visitors can experience group thermal bathing and meditation, family-friendly water-based attractions, biophilic design, personalised treatments and immersive and experiential art programs.

They are designed to offer guests a healthy, active space to recover, restore and reconnect with themselves and each other, surrounded by warm water, nature and cultural amenities.

“Access to nature and relaxation are the keys to mental wellbeing and physical health,” says Hammond.

“As someone who understands firsthand the healing power of nature and the importance of mindfulness, I believe everyone needs a place where they can comfortably and affordably reconnect with themselves, nature, and the environment around them.

“My entire career I have been inspired by the power of innovative urban design, wellness, nature, art and community-building, and Therme is an exciting opportunity to bring these passions together in multiple cities across North America.”

"The High Line experience is unlike any other in the world, just as the experiences at Therme are unlike anything else,” said Dr Robert Hanea, chair and CEO of Therme.

“Robert’s vision to transform an abandoned elevated rail track into a vital piece of civic infrastructure that integrates botanical gardens, community space and venues for experiential art is precisely why we are thrilled to have him join us in bringing Therme to people across North America.”