An increasing number of hotels are responding to growing global demand for health and wellness and are catering to the physical and psychological needs of guests while promising enhanced wellbeing - benefits that visitors can take home when the holiday is over. A far cry from more traditional vacations spent lounging on a beach or poolside chair. Westin hotels, for example, recently launched a Well-Being Movement and even Las Vegas's MGM Hotel has Stay-Well rooms. This article focuses on this trend and spotlights certain hotels around the world and the specific services they are providing for the growing number of health-conscious visitors. READ MORE

Is anyone else nervous leaving their mobile phone behind, in a locker, all by itself, TURNED OFF, when having a spa treatment? I know I should not be, but I am. Spa goers have traditionally visited with the intent to disconnect, to unplug if you will. At Hard Rock our goal for the Rock Spa experience is meant to plug you in, amp you up and maybe even turn you on. We began our re-tool from this perceptive. Times have changed and many spa operators have not evolved as technology and hospitality brands have. To this end we went about seeking to discover a new way forward to enliven the senses, instill wellbeing and infuse the spirit of rock and roll into our newly envisioned experience. Our objective was stated to energize and excite - we want guests to leave our bespoke treatments ready to hit the dance floor and show the rest of the band how it's done. Rock Spa is where Zen meets Zeppelin. READ MORE

When you think of “wellness,” what comes to mind? A “healthy” hotel room? A holistic spa treatment? Vegan offerings on your restaurant menu? A morning yoga class? The word “wellness” is ubiquitous. Marketers are spreading “wellness” as thick as organic hummus on a vast array of consumer products, services and experiences. But has this word lost its impact, and heaven forbid—its cachet for the traveler? Is wellness…”over”? READ MORE

According to the International SPA Association (ISPA) 2013 U.S. Spa Industry study conducted by PwC, 72 percent of American hotel and resort spas in 2012 offered 30-minute treatments. This figure shows how hotels are rapidly equipping themselves to cater to the spa needs of business guests. Business travelers are typified by little time and higher-than-average levels of stress - and spas need to adapt to their demands for short, simple, efficient and results-oriented treatments. Spa guests traveling on business are looking to find a balance they can squeeze into short breaks between meetings, presentations and travel time, and spas everywhere must learn to be flexible, customizable, succinct, connected, knowledgeable and memorable in order to attract and retain this increasingly important market. READ MORE

In today's fast-paced, overscheduled and hyper-stressed world, it's not easy to find the time to slow down. In the past, activities like a quiet visit to a coffee shop or well-deserved appointment at the spa allowed you to quiet the mind. Not so anymore. The traditional spa experience may not even allow the separation needed to slow down the pace. At day spas everywhere these days, guests are seen carrying their cell phones and iPads and even continuing to use them during their treatments. With this frenetic pace, people are not slowing down enough to ask important spiritual questions: Why am I here? How can I contribute to what is needed in this world? How can I find peace? And one thing is for certain, you aren't going to find the answers to those questions at Starbucks or on your smart phone. READ MORE

If possible while reading this article, sit with your bare feet directly on the Earth's surface - concrete, dirt, gravel or grass. You will experience what you are reading about, how contact with the Earth's natural healing energy, electrical field, restores your body's natural electrical field. The positive shift you feel is the beginning of process in which your body becomes recharged from the multitude of Earth's electrons when direct contact is made. This is Earthing, a simple, safe and natural healing process that reduces inflammation, improves sleep and energizes the body. READ MORE

We are in the Age of Wellness. The archaic cultures of waste and over-consumption, have given way to a healthier and more holistic mainstream ideology. Corporate social responsibility, sustainability, going-green, and locally grown are just a few phrases that define this era. Virtually every business sector has taken a stance on wellness including automotive, finance and energy. Finally tourism has joined this growing trend. READ MORE

As the wellness movement expands hotels are scrambling to offer a healthy environment to their health and fitness focused guests. Owners and general managers realized years ago that the spa is more than an amenity, but now the market is driving them to further develop their spa and fitness components. The challenge is to combine spa and fitness to create an authentic wellness experience that is true to their hotel brand. READ MORE

ELLE Magazine's first-ever ELLE Spa, is recognized among the best new spas by Conde Nast Traveler. ELLE is not only an all-inclusive spa, it is also a wellness center equipped with plush amenities, incredible ocean views and offer therapeutic healing massages and body treatments. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Eden Roc Miami Beach's gardens and ocean, the 30,000 square foot space boasts design and decor inspired by the Mediterranean coastline as well as Miami local artist Paloma Teppa's Plant the Future walls and figurines which lead to the ultimate whimsical spa escape. All who visit are invited to enjoy the custom do-it-yourself scrub bad, an oceanfront fitness center, aqua therapy with Finnish Sauna, Eucalyptus Steam, Hot & Cold Plunges, an expansive relaxation lounge area which includes a fireplace and outdoor spa terrace bar area. READ MORE

With the concept of wellness tourism continuing to infiltrate the ideals of travel, it is revolutionizing the psyche and re-creating tourism as we know it and the Wellness industry right along with it. As our society has increased its fascination, interest and necessity for complementary and alternative therapies, where the paradigm shift in healthcare has been slow and combative, the spa industry has exploded. READ MORE

Since opening in December 2012, The Alpina Gstaad has worked to position itself as a leading spa destination. This year, the luxury hotel - the newest to open in 100 years in the Swiss Alpine village - is expanding its approach and focusing on a special area of wellness. The hotel's management wants its guests to leave The Alpina Gstaad feeling better both mentally and physically than when they arrived. This summer, from June 6 to September 25, two special programs- Mindful Leadership and Sophrology - led by two experts in these fields, will focus on recalibrating guests' minds and bodies to promote a complete immersion into healthy and mindful living. READ MORE

We start hearing the message even as young children, "Think positive”! When entering into school, or a sport, or a contest, our parents continuously tell us, “think for the best!” Unfortunately as we get older life gets in the way and we cannot always hold such words true. Many times it's easier to point out the negative then realize or even try to obtain the good in every situation. If you adopt an attitude that starts off seeing the best possible outcome, you teach your mind to expect success, growth and favorable results. READ MORE

In today's culture it is easy to become far removed from Earth's natural elements. With a fast-paced society and high tech gadgets, we tend to make time for everyone and everything but ourselves which causes an increased risk for illness and a more stressful lifestyle. With the expansion of the wellness movement in hotels and spas, earthing emerges as one of the new spa trends. READ MORE

Even when a property has a built-in amenity like a prolific hot springs that pumps over three million gallons of water a day, creating a successful health and wellness program doesn't just happen. In 2008, with the opening of the Spa of the Rockies at Glenwood Hot Springs, the Colorado resort fully embraced its roots as a center for natural health and well-being. Since then, “helping our guests feel better,” is a company motto that is embraced property-wide, at the pool, spa and lodge. Two services in particular, the Zents™ Scent Journey and the new Spa of the Rockies foot ritual are prime examples of how complimentary add-ons are engaging health and wellness consumers and increasing the bottom line. READ MORE

What makes a hotel or spa experience special? What sets a property apart, attracts guests and inspires loyalty? Increased awareness of the benefits of clean and green living means that more and more consumers are seeking the organic label -on the food they eat, on the clothing they wear and on the bedding and bath linens they choose. And these aware, informed consumers expect the same high standards (or even higher) at a hotel or spa as those they set for their own homes. READ MORE

Today's hotel spa can be either a great profit centre or an essential amenity that is just another cost centre. Either one is fine. The key is in understanding what role your spa plays for your hotel, then finding the right help to bring that spa to life and ensure that the finished product fits with the overall objective. READ MORE

Traditionally, spas have been retreats for adults to relax and revitalize, far away from children. But with the rise of wellness in spas, another trend has taken rise - incorporating children and teens into a complete family wellness experience. Teens, children, and even tots are now going along for the 'spa-ride,' creating a unique activity for families to do together. With the rise of spas broadly associating with wellness, the total approach and commitment to improving one's health, far more families want to get there spa-on together. Today, whole families are enjoying the spa together, and more spas are finding creative ways to welcome the entire clan. READ MORE

For centuries, Native Americans, early European explorers, and visitors from around the world have flocked to natural hot springs to bathe in the healing waters. "Taking the waters" through a soak or a sip, was believed to cure almost any ailment. But over time, the popularity of this practice lost its resilience…until now. In both Europe and Japan, hot spring therapy has been an accepted and popular treatment for musculoskeletal problems for some time now, believed to help those with high blood pressure, eczema and a variety of other complaints. The recent resurgence of wellness resorts and destination spas is bringing these ancient healing bathing rituals back in vogue here in the United States. READ MORE

Wellness is in - digital detoxes, spirituality concierges and vegan restaurants are trending in the hospitality and travel industries because of a growing segment of travelers either seeking to maintain a healthy lifestyle on the road or looking to improve their wellness through retreats and education. Some resorts have gone above merely draping their brand in wellness terminology and instead have integrated these health-conscious components into their design and programming. Evolving with the wellness movement means adapting to the rising demand for physical fitness centers, beauty treatments, weight management regimes, relaxation and stress relief, and health-related education while traveling. READ MORE

The spa industry delivers a menu of services ranging from natural and organic products to procedures that promise immediate results but may be inherently unhealthy. Does it matter? The answer depends upon a spa's positioning. Over the past decade, "wellness" has become the buzzword in many spas and appealing to many spa-goers. Prognosticators have dubbed wellness the next trillion-dollar industry. But not every product and process on the wellness bandwagon is healthy. This article examines the meaning of the word and provides a guideline to help the operator determine what services align with one's brand, guest expectations, and financial projections. READ MORE