Jumping on the hospitality wellness wagon
Never before has health and wellness been taken so seriously by the hospitality industry. The latest trends to emerge from recent research explains just why wellness is so key to our industry….and simply put, our daily lives dictate healthier living standards so that we are able to perform at our peak. Staying in a hotel or hospitality establishment shouldn’t take away from that need; it should match or improve on existing standards. So here’s what’s changing…
The best meal of the day
Travellers have become accustomed to free breakfasts as part of their room rate the world over. And whilst it’s usually a free continental breakfast, the point for many is that it’s free. And who doesn’t like something for free, right? Wrong. Whilst loving the ‘free’ concept, the new way of thinking is that if it’s not a healthy option…guests no longer want it – free or not. These days, hotels are stocking up on healthy breakfast options for their patrons – and dodgy white flour, all carb offerings and fat laden pastries are being replaced by wholesome breads, muffins, natural yoghurts, oats, fresh fruits and omelettes. Examples of hotels that follow this trend well include the Holiday Inn Express properties.
Work it out
More hotel brands than ever before are guaranteeing customers decent gym’s in their hotels – in other words, not just a treadmill and a set of dumbbells in a the corner of the room. Gym’s now include cardio machines and mats for things like yoga. And, things like ventilation, lighting and views have improved too. Believe it or not, guests still like to work out on their holidays and business trips – fitness has become a part of our daily lives and work or leisure breaks are no different. If your hotel offers a functional and useful gym facility, you’re already ahead of your competitors.
Relax in the spa
Ah yes…the spa. Budget hotels will struggle with this because it’s undoubtedly a mega trend to have a spa at a hotel these days, so budget hotels will need to think outside of the box. For higher end properties, spas play a huge role in de-cluttering the mind, renewing the senses and restoring the balance to our bodies. And if you’re confused about what we’re talking about…it’s a brief description of the latest spa trends to hit our shores in 2014. From digital detox spas where tablets, cell phones and computers are banned, to extreme fitness options like bootcamps, to wellness retreats with every sensorial whim is pampered…everyone is offering something new and unique at their hotel spas.
So the question is – do you think this is just a phase or a fad that will disappear over time? Or do you think hoteliers can only improve on these offerings and find new ways to fuel the trends? Tell us your thoughts….
