As luxury condo buyers become more intentional about how and where they live, wellness has shifted from a perk to a priority. A recent McKinsey report found that 79 percent of consumers now prioritize wellness, placing it at the center of lifestyle decision-making. In response, developers across the United States are rethinking residential amenities, and one feature has quietly moved into must-have territory.

The cold plunge pool, once reserved for elite spas and performance-focused athletes, is now emerging as a defining marker of high-end residential living. Known for benefits that include reduced inflammation, improved circulation, faster muscle recovery, and a natural dopamine-driven mood lift, cold plunges align neatly with modern wellness goals. Their rarity in residential buildings, due to strict temperature control requirements, sanitation standards, and high installation and maintenance costs, only heightens their appeal.

Here are five luxury residential buildings across the U.S. where cold plunge pools are no longer optional, but essential.

Set to open in 2027, PALMA brings a wellness-forward vision to Miami Beach’s North Beach neighborhood. Its Arctic Cold Plunge is maintained at a bracing 39°F and serves as the centerpiece of the building’s dedicated wellness floor. The plunge is paired with a resort-style pool with cabanas, a hot tub, and a state-of-the-art fitness center, creating a holistic approach to recovery and daily vitality.

In a city known for its health-conscious culture, the developer has identified the cold plunge as the amenity most resonating with today’s buyers. At PALMA Miami Beach Residences, it is less a novelty and more a lifestyle anchor.

Rising along the East River, One Manhattan Square offers a LEED-certified residential experience anchored by a full-scale spa environment. Residents have access to a traditional hammam, a Turkish bath, and a cold plunge pool kept between 55 and 58°F.

The controlled chill offers an ideal counterpoint to workouts or long city days, reinforcing the building’s emphasis on restorative living within a dense urban setting.

At The Linden in Austin, wellness comes with a view. Located on the 10th floor, the amenity deck pairs a world-class lap pool with a dedicated cold plunge pool overlooking Downtown Austin.

The combination speaks to the city’s active culture, offering residents a seamless transition between exercise, recovery, and skyline-level relaxation.

In North Scottsdale, Manor integrates its cold plunge into a resort-style spa setting. Positioned next to the sauna and overlooking the pool deck, the plunge provides a refreshing contrast that feels particularly intentional in a desert climate.

Here, the cold plunge functions as both a physical reset and a quiet luxury, reinforcing Manor’s focus on elevated wellness in an understated, design-led environment.

The Juniper’s approach to wellness is immersive. Within its modernist spa, residents will find a cold plunge connected directly to a salt room and meditation space. This integrated design encourages a slower, more intentional recovery ritual rather than a quick dip.

In Midtown Atlanta, The Juniper positions the cold plunge as part of a broader mental and physical wellness ecosystem, aligning with a growing demand for spaces that support balance rather than excess.