17 June 2020
Now, more than ever, people are looking towards their inner selves. Whether it’s focusing on immunity, personal safety from the risks of COVID-19 or maintaining a positive mental state during a period of stress and concern – wellness is moving in a more personal direction than ever before.
Less than a decade ago, the words meditation and vacation conjured up ideas of ashrams and isolated yoga retreats. Now, meditation is part of a much more typical vacation offering – meditation in the morning, cocktails at sundown.
The number of people suffering from stress and anxiety is arguably at an all-time high, with economic and health burdens being a major concern worldwide. Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh once said “When the crowded Vietnamese refugee boats met with storms or pirates if everyone panicked all would be lost. But if even one person on the boat remained calm and centred, it was enough. It showed the way for everyone to survive.”
Calmness is contagious.
Harvard research shows that for people new to the meditation scene, incorporating mindfulness practices into a vacation leads to numerous stress-relief benefits, such as reducing depressive symptoms and perceived stress. It was also found that these benefits were still measurable up to ten months after the getaway.
In the hospitality industry, our own moment to pause and think has been forced upon us. The trends we saw at the start of the year will only accelerate faster once the tourism cogs start to turn once again. With a new and growing ‘meditation generation’, hotels and spas need to be putting more focus on meditation as a core part of any wellness programming or guest experience.
As approaches to health and wellness will change over the next year, meditation will become not just a wellness offering, but a tool for focusing the mind on a business trip, calming tension from extended family holidays or exploring one’s inner self in the privacy of the guestroom.
Luxury brands such as Aman Resorts, Bulgari and Four Seasons all offer complimentary meditation in some form or another across many of their properties. Hyatt has recently partnered with Headspace, a digital meditation tool, that walks guests through guided meditation. In a recent interview with Skift, former monk and Headspace co-founder, Andy Puddicombe, said: “Traveling can often take you out of your routine – so it’s important to take the time to pause, be present and take care of yourself.”
As GOCO Hospitality continues to consult and conceptualise spa and wellness offerings the world over, we plan to explore new ways and methods hotels and resorts can incorporate meditation into their daily routines and spa offerings. Find out how GOCO Hospitality can help you by exploring our site and getting in touch today.
