About DFL
Creating spa & wellness solutions.
Design for Leisure specializes in the design of award-winning hydrothermal spa and wellness environments. Headquartered in London (UK) and Austin, TX (USA) the company has been creating high-end, turnkey wet spa areas for both luxury homes and professional wellness projects for over three decades. Clients include well-known hospitality and spa brands, such as Accor, Disney, Canyon Ranch, Caesars Palace, Four Seasons and Six Senses, as well as well-known architect groups, including Foster and Partners, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, Bjark Ingels Group, Michael Graves and Thomas Heatherwick.
The DFL Difference
1991
Design for Leisure (DFL) founded in London by Don Genders. DFL’s first large-scale project, Holmes Place Health Club, Kensington opened in 1993, followed by Virgin Active Health Clubs and The London Mandarin Oriental.
500,000+
Square footage of hydrothermal areas that Design for Leisure has designed over the 30 years the company has been operating in the UK and the USA.
FOUR
Continents (and dozens of countries!) where Design for Leisure has designed and/or built unforgettable—yet culturally relevant—hydrothermal journeys.
2003
After more than a decade of creating spa areas for hotels in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, DFL was tapped by luxury wellness leader Canyon Ranch to build its Miami spa, followed by Aquavana at The Venetian (Las Vegas).
COUNTLESS
Hydrothermal cabins and experiences: Finnish Sauna, Infrared, Steam Room, Hamam, Relaxation, Hydrotherapy Pools, Snow Rooms, Experience Showers, Plunge Pools and more.
CULTURE
People around the world have harnessed the cleansing and healing powers of water and heat for thousands of years, including the unique health benefits that hot/cold contrast therapy offers.
AWARDS
DFL has designed and created countless award-winning hydrothermal projects, including Faena Saxony Hotel and Spa, Four Seasons, Nizuc Hotel and Spa, Canyon Ranch, and many more.
5 Stars
DFL is committed to delivering 5-star, European-crafted wellness journeys that seamlessly merge the health benefits of ancient bathing practices with modern design, materials and technology.
EXPERIENCE
DFL’s expertise in the latest design trends and the best materials and equipment to use in areas that are exposed to extreme temperatures and water makes us the trusted partner for many of the world’s leading wellness and luxury destination brands.
Our Leadership Team
Don Genders
Founder & CEO
Don has been creating spa and wellness solutions for over three decades. He is well-known for his commitment to crafting 5-star, wellness journeys that seamlessly merge the health benefits of ancient bathing practices with modern design, materials and technology. Don is a frequent speaker on hydrothermal building and architecture and is also Chair of the Global Wellness Institute's Hydrothermal Initiative.
Matthew Williamson
Chief Operating Officer
Matthew oversees company operations and activities, including design contracts and project installations, in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. One of the first U.S. projects Matthew worked on was the award-winning Canyon Ranch Aquavana Spa at The Venetian in Las Vegas; other notable projects include CIVANA in Carefree, AZ, Faena Hotel & Spa, Miami Beach and Nizuc Resort & Spa in the Mexican Caribbean.
