How would you like your guests to be positively addicted to staying at your hotel? That's what can happen if you surround them with the fragrance of pure, natural essential oils which affect the fastest, most direct sense into the brain - the sense of smell. Up-market retailers have known this forever. When I was publicity and feature events director of Bloomingdales, I always knew what they were promoting by the fragrance that permeated the main floor all the way down to the subway entrance. Sandalwood would be the Indian promotion, Chanel perfumes, unmistakably Paris. Aromatherapy was, and I guess still is, Bloomie's secret weapon. It can easily be yours. READ MORE

Global Wellness Day (GWD) is an international, noncommercial initiative aimed at improving well-being across the world. Today, there are 3,000 locations in 100 countries organizing GWD celebrations worldwide. This article is part 2 of a 2-part series. Part-1 featured Belgin Aksoy, Founder of GWD. As a new Ambassador to Global Wellness Day, I was motivated to write a series about GWD for several reasons. 1) To create awareness and excitement about wellness as a lifestyle and as a business strategy 2) To promote wellness to the hotel industry 3) To share insights from hospitality professionals that have direct involvement with Global Wellness Day in order to encourage greater participation 4) To provide several first-hand accounts about GWD that could be helpful in spurring support from other sectors. READ MORE

In an era of where the words personal, experiential, adventure, extreme and destination are often heard - at least among those of us in the business of hotels - it is clear consumers are seeking uniqueness in their travels, whether they are for business or pleasure. Hoteliers are wisely taking this to heart and responding to these demands. One way owners and operators are strategically meeting guests' needs is by tapping into and elevating the experience of a once luxury-only amenity: the spa. The focus makes logical sense. READ MORE

A recent study revealed that ads bombarding the online community are offensive and editorial provides a more relaxing environment to absorb news. Gen X to Baby Boomers, according to the research, strongly objects to being hit constantly by brands online and in social media, to which they are constantly connected. The take away from this comprehensive investigation was that "Advertising on such sites is causing them to either cut back their use of such platforms, or even stop using them altogether," according to the report. Shocking and dismaying news indeed for those of us in marketing. The results of this study are fascinating and revealing. READ MORE

French Thermal Spas can inspire modern wellness and spa industries worldwide. They are turning around an industry that was in terminal decline. Their vision is of "a new thermalism" that will develop thermal solutions to solve the public health problems of today. The mega health problems they target include ageing-related conditions, addictions, allergies, stress, obesity related, and effective, but non-medicated, solutions for common pains. The new thermalism expands its appeal by diversifying from the rigidly therapeutic offer into the more flexible “thermoludic” (thermal and leisure). A major research project is generating the evidence to convince consumers and insurers. READ MORE