Health and wellness are no longer optional for today’s meetings and events
Health and wellness are always top of mind for employees, even when traveling. Today’s meeting attendees expect wellness options to be integrated into their agendas. Whether through dedicated time for personal wellness activities or incorporating group wellness sessions into the meeting or conference itself, attendees expect options. When planners address these health and wellness needs and incorporate wellness-centric options, they boost meeting attendees’ health while enhancing attendee satisfaction and productivity.
Welcoming with wellness
Surprising attendees with wellness items in their hotel rooms is an excellent way to start their event experience on a positive note, as thoughtful touches can help attendees feel appreciated and promote a sense of well-being from the start. Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, Ariz., can work with planners to customize in-room surprises, such as wellness shots, energy boosters, and other relaxation items. “Depending on where your attendees are flying in from, they may be a little jet-lagged,” says Vincent de Croock, director of sales and marketing for the resort. “We can do all kinds of wellness shots and energy boosters to put in rooms, along with sleep masks to help them rest easier and get a good night’s sleep. Integrating these wellness surprises sets the tone for a health-focused event and encourages attendees to unwind and recharge, enhancing their overall experience.”
Stretch & breathe
Yoga breaks are ideal for incorporating into meetings. The practice provides attendees with a chance to recharge both physically and mentally. Yoga sessions help alleviate stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being, leading to increased productivity and engagement during the meeting. Integrating yoga into the meeting agenda also offers a balanced approach to a traditionally sedentary schedule, promoting movement and mindfulness. This holistic approach caters to the attendees’ wellness needs and fosters a more positive and conducive environment for successful meetings.
Marriott’s Sky Rock Sedona in Sedona, Ariz., strives to offer a holistic approach to hospitality, including daily complimentary yoga and meditation. “It is hosted every morning, seven days a week, usually outside on one of our decks because we are blessed with good weather,” says Maureen Huffman, general manager of Sky Rock Sedona. “Guests can drift in and out, making it very flexible for guests to participate before they head to their meeting.”
Situated in the Arizona desert at the base of the McDowell Mountains, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch houses a studio equipped for hosting Pilates or yoga, and the property collaborates with local yoga studios for yoga classes on its outdoor lawn as well, says de Croock. “That is always very popular with groups. We have done normal yoga, full-moon yoga, and even goat yoga. We work with each group to help ensure it is set up for each group’s specific needs and wants.”
Another unique yoga opportunity takes place at Caesars Palace Las Vegas. The property held a goat yoga activation at its Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis, says Kelly Gleeson Smith, vice president of sales for Caesars Entertainment. “Our client, The Chartis Group, created a morning activation for their attendees,” she says. “There was a high level of attendee engagement and enjoyment, and the iconic Caesars Palace pool gave it an incredible backdrop and provided an easily accessible location. It was a great start to their day and delighted their attendees, not to mention creating a feeling of FOMO (fear of missing out).”
For groups of up to 40, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino in Incline Village, Nev., offers a new Mindfulness Immersion activity. Taking place in a softly lit room illuminated by a projection of the northern lights, guests relax on yoga mats while ambient music is played along with a mindful message. Guests are then guided through multiple rounds of intentional breath work, followed by calming sounds from an ocean drum. The 45-minute session ends with guided meditation for deep relaxation.
Pamper the way to wellness
Incorporating spa time into the event agenda is an ideal way for planners to promote health and wellness among attendees. Offering a selection of rejuvenating treatments, from massages to facials, spas provide a sanctuary for relaxation and stress relief. Including dedicated spa breaks or optional spa sessions in the schedule allows participants to recharge, enhancing their focus and productivity for the remainder of the event. This thoughtful approach not only underscores a commitment to attendees’ well-being but also adds a touch of luxury and care to make the event memorable.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch houses the award-winning Spa Avania, the first spa experience choreographed to the science of time. With a fitness room, 19 treatment rooms, and a studio for hosting things like Pilates and yoga, the resort offers a range of options—for individual guests before or after a long day of meetings or as a group activity.
Similarly, Shashi Hotel Mountain View in Mountain View, Calif., offers a salt-wall sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi for guests to unwind. “These are more geared toward individuals, but we can block them off for groups, which always works out very well,” notes Joseph Curran, corporate director of sales and marketing for the property.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino recently debuted Club Shhh, a new exclusive spa experience for groups. The after-hours spa experience offers private access to the property’s award-winning Stillwater Spa with two unique programs, “Chillax” and “Feeling the Vibe.” The “Chillax” experience offers groups time to enjoy the spa facilities, whether relaxing by the fireplace in the serene spa relaxation area, enjoying the luxurious steam showers, or unwinding in the heated pool or whirlpool. Groups can also arrange customized experiences, such as DIY spa treatments, like face masks and scrubs, with the “Chillax” option. “Feeling the Vibe” transforms the spa into a chic nightclub with mocktails and cocktails, appetizers, and even a s’mores bar.
Focus on the food
Incorporating health and wellness into meetings goes well beyond physical activities; it also encompasses the food served. Traditional meeting fare often includes high-calorie, low-nutrient options, which can lead to sluggishness and decreased productivity. Planners can elevate the meeting experience by offering healthier alternatives, as nutrient-dense snacks and balanced meals can sustain energy levels and promote mental clarity, ensuring attendees remain focused and engaged. Recognizing thoughtful food choices can enhance the overall wellness and success of a meeting, Caesars Entertainment introduced a new catering menu emphasizing wellness. “One great offering we are excited about is zero-proof botanical drinks that planners can incorporate into their menu choices,” Gleeson Smith says. “In addition to wellness now being offered at our Las Vegas properties, I am very proud we are expanding the menu offerings so our clients at our Reno and Tahoe (Nev.) locations also will be able to use these activations and options as part of their agendas.”
In addition to serving nutritious and wholesome meals, integrating interactive cooking sessions into the meeting agenda adds a unique and enriching experience for attendees. The Quail Lodge in Carmel Valley, Calif., offers a generally health-conscious culinary experience, including culinary activities promoting healthy eating habits and empowering attendees to make better-informed dietary decisions after the event concludes. “We have a group coming in soon and they will be doing a cooking class with our chefs,” notes Shane Orser, director of sales and marketing for the lodge. “The focus of the class is health-related, teaching attendees how to substitute ingredients to make a dish more heart-healthy or with fewer calories. It is a fun, hands-on experience that is a practical skill-building activity and fosters camaraderie among the group.”
Shashi Hotel Mountain View offers health-conscious menu options as part of its catering menu and daily grab-and-go. Its Carte Blanche Café features fresh organic fruit, two different types of wellness shots of ginger turmeric and coconut spirulina, and acai smoothies made from acai berries. “Our juice is single origin from France and has no additives,” Curran says. “Our coffee is a local roaster, which is a credited socio-eco-friendly producer of coffee. We offer ube, turmeric, matcha, and mushroom lattes as alternative caffeine options. Also, our wraps and breakfast bowls from the café are made daily from local organic produce and can accommodate different dietary restrictions.”
Shashi Hotel Mountain View’s Michelin-starred chef, Jarad Gallagher, focuses on offering healthy items for group catering. Some of his favorite group menus include dishes like Broccoli Cranberry Salad, Grilled Mushroom and Steak Fajitas, Watermelon Feta Salad, and Chia Seed Parfait dessert. “A big break favorite is our Raspberry Peanut Butter Smoothie, which sounds quirky, but we get a lot of requests for the recipe,” Curran adds.
Energizing activities
There is perhaps no better way to promote health and wellness than through active engagement. Encouraging participation in physical activities, such as fitness sessions, recreational sports, or outdoor excursions, not only enhances cardiovascular health and strength but also reduces stress levels and fosters a sense of camaraderie among participants.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch added new activities to its offerings, which range from pickleball tournaments on its eight newly resurfaced pickleball courts to group fitness classes led by local professional instructors. In addition, the resort has also debuted new group fitness classes, including all-level yoga and movement meditation, a “Core & More” Pilates-based class, a cross-training boot camp designed to provide a total body workout, and deep stretch and mobility sessions designed to increase flexibility and release muscular tension. “While the resort has a gym, we have partnered with a large gym across the street,” says de Croock. “It is a 30,000-square-foot facility, and our guests have complimentary access.”
Shashi Hotel Mountain View sits in the heart of Silicon Valley, within walking distance of Google headquarters, Intuit, and Microsoft. The 200-room lifestyle hotel offers an array of wellness amenities, including a 24-hour, 3,000-square-foot fitness center, complete with Peloton machines and free weights. Guests also can take advantage of the nearby Shoreline Lake, where the resort can help set up group activities, Curran says. “In the past, we have pre-arranged for groups to have all sorts of water activities. We set up sailing, paddleboats, canoes, windsurfing lessons, and even kayak basketball. We provided bikes for a group of 30 to enjoy the one-mile ride over to the lake. When they came back to the property, the day was all they talked about during dinner.”
While golf may not typically be thought of in the realm of health and wellness, it allows meeting attendees to get active. The Quail Lodge boasts a Robert Muir Graves-designed par 71 championship golf course. Covering 6,500 yards and 18 holes, the course can be the ideal spot for attendees to enjoy their downtime or even serve as the morning activity for the entire group, Orser says. “Our golf course has been voted in the Top 20 in the country. It is a great fitness opportunity for those who cannot or do not want to run or who just want to enjoy nature.”
Get into the wild
Entreating attendees to step outside the confines of traditional meeting spaces and immersing in nature boosts mental clarity and physical well-being. It can be as simple as providing time for them to enjoy serene walks along scenic trails, birdwatching in the nearby surroundings, or simply sitting outside and breathing in the fresh air, particularly at properties like The Quail Lodge, Orser says. “There is a real sense of peace here at The Quail, as it is one of the most beautiful places to visit. The sun is always shining, the days are beautiful, and the air is clean and pure; it is the prime spot to promote mental health and clarity.”
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and on the shores of Lake Tahoe, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino recently added to its adventurous activities for groups—going from about five options to 20 or sometimes even 30 activities each day, which can be enjoyed individually or as a group. “In regard to our ideal location, many of our groups have two- to three-hour meetings in the morning, then want to break off and do something outdoors relating to wellness,” says Ashlee Barton, director of sales and marketing for the Lake Tahoe resort. “That includes anything from hikes to archery classes to our onsite climbing wall or even private outdoor yoga sessions.”
The small group hikes are popular options. The Monkey Rock Hike takes up to 10 hikers to the iconic Monkey Rock, providing panoramic views of North Lake Tahoe. The Chickadee Ridge Hike, also for up to 10 hikers, provides panoramic meadow views and offers a chance to feed Chickadee birds. “You cannot go wrong with either hike,” Barton says. “Monkey Rock is unique, while Chickadee Ridge is an alpine meadow setting, where we lead you there and you feed the chickadees out of your hand. They are two special offerings and definitely our most popular.”
With its prime location in the Sonoran Desert, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch is another sought-after destination for hiking. Situated at the base of the McDowell Mountains, the resort offers a shuttle every morning to take hikers up to the McDowell Mountains and then provides a return service later in the day.
Location-specific activities
Sedona, Ariz., is known for its incredible red rock formations, hiking, and spiritual offerings, making it a popular attraction for those seeking health and wellness through nature and outdoor activities. “Sedona has so many amazing outdoor adventures, so we often suggest hiking tours with guides, Jeep tours, or even hot-air ballooning early in the morning,” Huffman says. “Those same activities are also great ways for attendees to wind down or debrief after a work session.”
For groups seeking the outdoors but not quite as active, Sky Rock Sedona offers stargazing sessions, complete with an astronomer. “We are a Dark Sky community, one of only a few in the country, so stargazing is a very big thing here in Sedona,” Huffman explains. Generally, stargazing tours are offered every Saturday night but can be booked differently for group outings. “It is a remarkable experience,” Huffman says. “Depending on what is showcasing in the night sky, it is incredible.”
The unique location of the meeting destination can offer outside-the-box wellness activities, making for an unforgettable event. Sky Rock Sedona, for example, hosts a nightly moonrise ceremony using a gong specifically commissioned for the resort. The gong is rolled out to the deck at 5 o’clock every evening for the nightly ritual, as a “goodbye” to the sun and “welcome” to the moon. “Guests are offered complimentary tasters of our Mezcal Moonrise while learning about Sky Rock and Sedona,” Huffman explains. “Then, all guests are welcomed to clear their energy and hit the gong. It is a fun way to give positive vibes to your family or group.”
Sky Rock Sedona offers a variety of other complimentary wellness programs throughout the week, including palm reading on Thursday evenings; sound baths on Fridays, hosted by another resort specialist; a resident pet psychic on Saturdays, who teaches guests about pet communication; and a resident vortex specialist on Sundays. As Huffman explains, the vortex specialist—a retired MIT professor—leads a fireside chat, teaching guests about vortexes in Sedona and how they help overall well-being and health. “Groups can book private events for most of these activities; the one-hour sound bath and vortex conversation are two of the most popular options we offer,” Huffman adds. “We strive to offer holistic hospitality in all we do. When guests come here for meetings and events, there should be R&R and some work. They have to get some work done, of course, but it is all about balance.”
