Feeding A Healthy Habit

Hotels worldwide are launching initiatives to boost nutrition, improve fitness and ensure more restful sleep

- Kate Farr & Rachel Read

Time was when business travel was synonymous with unhealthy habits – heavy room service meals, uninviting fitness centers and all-too-easy access to the hotel bar – leaving departing guests in considerably worse shape than at check-in. But with a marked increase in the concept of “wellness travel,” hotels across the world are stepping up to offer a wide range of tailor-made, health-conscious services, innovative initiatives and amenities designed to boost nutrition, improve fitness and ensure a better quality of sleep – all within the comfort of your own room.

WHY WELLNESS?

Is this new-found preoccupation with health and wellness just another passing fad? According to Gaynor Reid, vice president of communications and CSR Asia Pacific for Accorhotels, “Wellness tourism grew by around 9 percent in 2017 – 50 percent faster than overall global tourism – so we know there is a growing demand from our guests for wellness offerings.”

Driving this upswing in health-consciousness Reid says, “People are more aware of the impact of diet and exercise on longevity and mental health. The bottom line is that health and wellness is no longer a trend; it has become a reality.”

Sean Hunt, Marriott International’s area vice-president for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, agrees. “I think we’re seeing hotel guests – both business and leisure travelers – prioritizing wellness because they’re realizing that maintaining their routine and healthy lifestyle on the road helps them feel better both during and after their stay,” he explains. “In today’s world, looking and feeling good is seen as a luxury.”

WORKING IT OUT