The wellness tourism industry is slowly and smartly beginning to recover, and ready to welcome clients with new procedures and protocols in place to keep both guests and staff healthy. To keep pace with guests’ demands plus remain ahead-of-the-curve, hospitality operators have been working to introduce new and timely offerings while keeping up with an evolving industry. As wellness takes on new meaning in our post-COVID-19 world, here, in random order, is a round-up of what’s new with seven of our Wellness Tourism Association members:
1. Working at “Home” Meets Wellness Retreat
With so many of us are working from home, it may be time to embrace the concept that “working from home” can actually mean you can “work from anywhere.” The timing is ideal for Hilton Head Health’s recently introduced package called WorkWell.
Available in 2-, 4-, and 8-week increments, the package is designed especially for those who can now work remotely while continuing to maintain, or perhaps even kickstart, a wellness regime. Comprised of fitness classes, lectures and cooking demos the programs include specific “work hour” gaps scheduled throughout the day so professionals have designated times to check e-mails, schedule calls, and get the work done. For privacy and convenience, guestrooms on Hilton Head Health’s, South Carolina campus will also be available to pre-reserve, and work spaces in private villas will be set up prior to each guest’s arrival. For more information, visit hhhealth.com/wellness-programs/workwell.
2. Wellness Staycations Take to the Outdoors
Designed to harness the healing power of nature while maintaining a respect for physical distancing, Eupepsia Wellness Resort in Virginia has expanded its outdoor facilities to include a second open-air yoga studio overlooking the pond, creek-side treatment cabanas, and outdoor hydrotherapy pools, plus have added facilities for alfresco dining. In addition to these new outdoor facilities, their personalized wellness programs feature outdoor activities including nature walks, hiking, cycling on the Appalachian Trail, Jefferson National Forest and Big Walker Mountain (where the panoramic view takes in five neighboring states). Combine all that and Eupepsia presents an ideal option for any guest within a day’s driving distance who may be looking for wellness staycation with the perceived safety and security of the great outdoors. For more information, visit eupepsia.com/special-offer.
3. New Pathway Packages Address New Motivations
Canyon Ranch used the Covid-19 hiatus to work on new offerings geared to the changing mindsets and motivations of wellness seekers. The brand’s new Pathway Packages—available at both Tucson and Lenox locations—are in response to an elevated demand for finding purpose and meaning in life.
Guiding guests on Pathway themes including Optimal Health Exploration, Personal Discovery, Lifestyle Reset, Reconnect with Joy, and Transition Purposefully, these programs are available in 3-, 5- and 7-night packages and, depending on the package and length of stay, include up to 10 curated services and activities aimed at the guest’s specific goals. Designed by wellness experts, programs begin with a structured baseline of services while leaving room to customize according to each guest’s personal needs and preferences. For more information, visit canyonranch.com/tucson/experiences.
4. All-Inclusive Fall Retreats for Nature Lovers
Situated in the heart of Banff National Park, in the Canadian Rockies, and with sweeping views of Canada’s most famous lake, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has introduced six new all-inclusive, 2- and 4-night wellness retreats beginning October 18 through to November 13. The retreat themes focus on mindfulness, meditation, yoga and Cold Water Therapy and include accommodations, three healthy meals daily, multiple classes led by yoga and mindfulness instructors and guided outings. To allow for physical distancing, each retreat is limited to a maximum capacity of just 15 participants. All retreats also allow for personal time to explore local trails or for simple rest and relaxation. For more information, visit lakelouisewellness.com.
5. A Menu of Touchless Spa Services
In adapting to today’s physically distancing world, and in partnership with top health and wellness brands, Carillon Miami Wellness Resort has created a brand new menu of touchless wellness services. Yes, you read that correctly. Touchless. Technology-based services including the Breathe + Detox Suite Halo Infrared Therapy to improve respiratory health, the VibraGenix for a cellular no-sweat workout, and the Prism Light Pod, which accelerates the body’s natural healing process helping reduce chronic pain and improving skin-conditions, address the mind, body and spirit without physical human touch.
Until further notice, Carillon’s 70,000 sq.ft. spa is open only on weekends. For more information, visit carillonhotel.com/en/experiences/new-wellness-touchless-services.
6. Immune Boosting Program to Help Build Resilience
Combining concepts of ancient healing with modern science, Sangha Retreat by the Octave Institute has introduced an Immune Boosting Program designed to evaluate and enhance the strength of the immune defense system, to allow for a new foundation of resilience.
The program, which can be experienced over a three or 6-night stay, assesses the strength of a participant’s physical and mental immunity through highly scientific testing methods across areas of stress, sleep, nutrition, thought patterns, pollution exposure, metabolic functioning and more. The program may include Traditional Chinese Medicine, aromatherapy massage, acupuncture, lymphatic drainage, personal training, Pilates, a customized nutrition plan, and more. All programs at Sangha also include wellness assessments and lifestyle consultations, daily workshops, plus access to extensive hydrothermal facilities. The holistic-focused retreat is located on 47-acres just west of Shanghai in Suzhou, China. For more information, visit sangharetreat.com/your-programs/renew/immunity-boost.
7. Private Tours for Family/Friend “Bubbles”
In response to the growing trend of “traveling with friends and family,” G Adventures has released the Book Your Bubble Collection, a program of 80 tour options that allow travelers to feel safe and comfortable in the company of the people they know. Benefits of the new offering include special incentives and discounts, flexible options to cancel and rebook, and trip leaders who are knowledgeable on the location and its safety recommendations. Book Your Bubble trips include an 8-day 18-to-Thirtysomethings Northern Thailand: Hilltribes & Villages trip, hiking the Inca Trail on an 8-day Inca Discovery trip, and a 7-day Highlights of Portugal trip, or an 8-day Sailing St. Lucia and the Grenadines. Book your Bubble options are also available for “off-the-rack” or customized tours.
For more information, visit gadventures.com/travel-styles/private-travel.
Anne Dimon is the President & CEO of the Wellness Tourism Association wellnesstourismassociation.org and owner/editor of traveltowellnesss.com.
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