StarrCast: From Banker to Hot Springs Visionary: David Dronet Doubles Down on Wellness Real Estate

From Banker to Hot Springs Visionary: David Dronet Doubles Down on Wellness Real Estate

Jun 24, 2026

What does it take to transform a historic hot springs property into a thriving wellness destination?

In this episode of StarrCast, Lisa Starr sits down with David Dronet, Founder and CEO of Olympus Real Estate Group, to explore the intersection of wellness real estate, thermal wellness, hospitality, and destination development. David shares his remarkable journey from banking and real estate development into senior living and ultimately the restoration and expansion of two of the most significant hot springs resorts in the United States: The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and Murrieta Hot Springs Resort in California.

Together, they discuss what investors look for in wellness properties, why thermal bathing is gaining momentum, and how hot springs, hydrotherapy, and evidence-based wellness experiences are reshaping the future of hospitality.

What You'll Learn

• How David transitioned from banking and real estate development into wellness hospitality

• What makes a wellness real estate project financially viable and operationally successful

• Why thermal wellness, hydrotherapy, and hot springs are experiencing renewed consumer demand

• The challenges and opportunities of developing geothermal wellness destinations

• How guest insights, wellness programming, and operational excellence drive long-term success

Episode Highlights

03:02 – Why David left traditional banking to pursue entrepreneurship
06:09 – How a personal family experience led him into senior living development
10:11 – The unexpected path that led to acquiring The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs
18:03 – Recognizing unmet demand and expanding a wellness destination
23:40 – The role of geothermal pools, contrast therapy, and hydrotherapy experiences
27:05 – Bringing evidence-based wellness into thermal bathing experiences
30:44 – Reviving Murrieta Hot Springs and restoring a historic health resort
37:01 – The complexities of geothermal resources and thermal wellness development

Meet the Guest

David Dronet is the Founder and CEO of Olympus Real Estate Group. With a background in banking, real estate development, senior housing, and hospitality, he has become a leading voice in wellness real estate and thermal wellness destination development. Under his leadership, The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs and Murrieta Hot Springs Resort have become two of the most prominent hot springs and hydrotherapy destinations in the United States.

Tools, Frameworks, and Strategies Mentioned

• Thermal Wellness
• Hydrotherapy
• Contrast Therapy
• Geothermal Resource Management
• Wellness Destination Development
• Guest-Centered Hospitality Design
• Evidence-Based Wellness Programming
• Wellness Real Estate Investment Strategy

Closing Insight

As wellness continues to move from a luxury amenity to a lifestyle priority, destinations built around natural healing resources, authentic experiences, and evidence-based wellness practices are positioned for long-term growth.

If you're interested in the future of wellness real estate, thermal bathing, hospitality innovation, and destination wellness, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Subscribe to StarrCast for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of spa, wellness, hospitality, and healthy living.

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