Integrating Psychedelics, Biohacking, and the Wow Factor in Your Spa and Hotel Business
We had the fantastic opportunity to attend the highly anticipated World Spa & Wellness Convention 2023, where we got a peek into the latest and greatest trends in the industry. The convention was a hub of amazing, warm hearted people, organised by the wellness leader, Jean-Guy de Gabriac , and we’ve got the scoop on three of the most interesting highlights. Are you ready to be wowed? Let’s dive right in!
- The Future of Psychedelics in Spa & Wellness
Get ready to have your mind expanded because we heard from three individuals who are actively working with psychedelics, including Daan Keiman, Buddhist & co-founder of Communitas, and Heather A Lee, one of the first certified psychedelic assisted psychotherapists & founder of Medicine Woman Retreats. This trend has already been noted by the Global Wellness Institute, but hearing first-hand from these experts was truly enlightening.
The main message that came through loud and clear was that when it comes to psychedelics, it’s absolutely essential to have trained experts leading the way. Results can be unpredictable, and while there are incredible benefits to be had, some experiences can be challenging.
While we can expect to see more and more wellness providers incorporating psychedelics into their offerings (Spa PR client, Dr. Bronner’s in the US has even expanded their mental healthcare benefits to include ketamine-assisted therapy!), it’s important to note that these substances are not for everyone. Sarah Johnson, head of spa at Rudding Park, shared that they’ve been using CBD products in their spa for the past four years, which is a great entry point for those looking to dip their toes into the world of wellness-enhancing substances. However, she also emphasized the importance of checking the quality of the CBD you use and continuing to educate consumers on these exciting new trends.
- The Demand for a Wow Guest Experience to increase TREVPAR
Prepare to be wowed! According to Michael Newcombe, VP of Wellness & Spa Global for Four Seasons, the ultimate guest experience is everything. And in a world full of predictable sameness, he insists that hotels need to make waves to stand out from the crowd. So, what’s the secret? Step out of your comfort zone and do things differently! Because it’s the memorable moments, not just the bookings, that keep customers coming back for more.
Speaking of standing out, both Four Seasons and Rosewood Hotel Group are raising the bar by creating exclusive floors of Wellness Suites. Emmanuel Arroyo, Senior Corporate Director of Wellness at Rosewood, shared how their in-room fitness equipment and sensory experiences, like bath menus and aromatherapy shower pods, are helping to increase their TREVPAR. And with a dedicated floor of these suites, it’s easier for the hotel to communicate their offerings and charge a higher rate. It’s no wonder their occupancy grew by 12% year on year!
But it’s not just major investments that can wow their guests. Spa PR client, Gemma Barratt, Group Spa Director of Daniel Thwaites, found success by simply adding a beautiful candle to their spa packages. By effectively communicating this WOW offering through spa dedicated PR and social media, they were able to significantly boost their TREVPAR. So, the lesson here is that whether you’re a high-end resort or a cosy boutique hotel, never underestimate the power of the WOW factor!
- Revolutionizing Wellness: Salutogenesis and Biohacking
We were privileged to hear from key note speaker, Dr George Gaitanos, Chief Operating and Scientific Officer of the Chenot Group, who gave us his insights on how to integrate health and wellness. With over 50 years of experience and 50,000 clients, Chenot Group is an innovative leader when it comes to wellness. Dr Gaitanos emphasized the importance of stressors on the body and how their Chenot Method helps guests reset their wellness. At Chenot they’ve invested in some incredible technology and therapies including an anti-gravity training treadmill that makes you feel like a teenager again! Plus, they’ve incorporated Far-infrared therapy into their bed linen for muscle aches and better sleep.
What’s more, Sven Huckenbeck, spa director of Das König Ludwig in Bavaria, spoke about their wellness concept based on Salutogenesis. This approach is all about focusing on what makes people healthy, not just what makes them sick. It’s about having a strong sense of coherence – feeling like your life makes sense and that you can handle whatever comes your way. This helps you cope with stress and stay healthy. It’s a game-changing approach to wellness that we can all benefit from.