NATIONAL REPORT—Minimizing the spread of germs should be top-of-mind for facility managers, especially this time of year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to 11 percent of the U.S. comes down with the flu each year. Businesses can help facility occupants stay safe from infections, like influenza or the common cold, by taking the time to analyze and enhance their cleaning programs. Upticks in infections lead to increased absences in schools, offices and other businesses, resulting in lost productivity. Outbreaks can also negatively affect the public’s perception of a business. Implementing cleaning and hygiene best...

MONTEGROTTO TERME, ITALY—An eco-friendly approach to hospitality, in full respect of the region and its preexisting elements: the new Green Lodges of the Terme Preistoriche Resort & Spa in Montegrotto Terme, designed by Studio Apostoli, is meant to be a manifesto of zero-emission wellness hospitality. Seven suites are incorporated into four wooden stilted structures and interconnected through a raised system of ramps, walkways, and accessible terraces. They also include a historically preserved villa, the eighth and most extensive offering within this entrepreneurial endeavor. A total of 160 micro piles support the new constructions and outdoor spaces, preserving the roots...

MIAMI—The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), the foremost gathering of international leaders in the $5.6 trillion global wellness economy, successfully concluded its 2023 event recently and announced Kohler Co. as next year’s host sponsor. This prestigious gathering of international thought leaders shaping the business of wellness will take place from November 4-7, 2024, at the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in St. Andrews, Scotland—a Kohler Destination. The storied Kohler Co. may best be known for its stylish kitchen and bath products, but the company also owns and operates luxury hospitality destinations, including the Old Course Hotel in St. Andrews,...

GLENDALE HEIGHTS, ILL.—PathoSans, a leading provider of sustainable and socially-responsible cleaning and disinfecting solutions, has teamed up with Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino to provide a healthier environment for guests and staff. Westgate Las Vegas, an iconic Las Vegas property known for its legendary entertainment and spacious guestrooms, is using PathoSans sustainable and socially responsible cleaning solutions to clean guestrooms efficiently, safely, and sustainably. “People would rave about the cleanliness of guestrooms, and we would explain how we use safe and effective products with PathoSans,” said Deborrah Ong, Vice President of Hotel Operations for Westgate Las Vegas. “Clean has no smell....

UMLUJ, SAUDI ARABIA—Enveloped by the majestic Arabian desert, The Red Sea Destination blends visionary tourism with sustainability and heritage. This is where Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea has found its home, inviting guests on an out-of-the-ordinary journey of discovery and enrichment. Inspired by the pillars of innovation, adventure, and heritage, the resort embodies the brand’s trademark wellness formula and respect for centuries past. Fredrik Blomqvist, General Manager of Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea said: “Everything we’re doing here reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation, while also pushing the boundaries of adventure and wellness. This...

With its LEED Green Building Program, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has certainly changed the way developers and architects approach hotel design and operations. Walking its talk, USGBC has made its new headquarters in Washington, D.C. a standing example of what to strive for. In fact, USGBC just announced that its headquarters has been awarded a prestigious triple Platinum certification in LEED, TRUE, and WELL. This trio of certifications reflects USGBC’s commitment to healthy, productive, sustainable, and responsible work environments. The headquarters, which also houses Green Business Certification, Inc. (GBCI), reflects the changing office landscape, with a clear emphasis on decarbonization, indoor environmental...

CHICAGO—Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced its Wellbeing Collective, a collection of Hyatt properties around the globe that offer tailored wellbeing experiences to meet the specific needs of travelers. At launch, the Wellbeing Collective boasts 30+ hotels globally with plans to expand in 2024. According to a recent Global Business Traveler report, nearly all (93 percent) corporate travel managers report that most employees take advantage of health and wellness services at least occasionally while traveling. The Wellbeing Collective includes a collection of properties across Hyatt’s portfolio of brands that provide unique wellbeing offerings to all guests, including groups of all sizes and meeting attendees. Through the...

MILL VALLEY, CALIF.—Auberge Resorts Collection has named Vivianne Garcia-Tunon Global Vice President of Wellbeing, affirming its commitment to offering impactful wellness experiences to guests and building some of the world’s most innovative spas and wellbeing destinations. Garcia-Tunon brings to Auberge a career characterized by more than 25 years of experience creating forward-thinking, holistic health solutions in the hospitality industry. As Global Vice President of Wellbeing, she will develop and deepen the experience across Auberge Resorts Collection’s portfolio, keeping sacred the properties’ individual personalities and distinctive approaches to wellness while connecting the brand’s overall philosophy to offer opportunities to decompress, reflect and reconnect...

LONDON—1 Hotels, the nature-inspired mission-driven hotel brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, announces the official opening of 1 Hotel Mayfair, its U.K. flagship and first European destination, developed in collaboration with Crosstree Real Estate Partners. Located on a fashionable corner of historic Mayfair overlooking the mature trees of Green Park, 1 Hotel Mayfair brings the beauty of nature to central London through vertical landscapes, sustainable design, farm-to-table food, and nature-inspired immersive experiences. The hotel’s proximity to prestigious galleries, Michelin-starred restaurants, and chic shopping on Bond Street, Mount Street, and Regent Street, plus important landmarks like the Royal Academy of Arts...

CHAPEL HILL, N.C.—AURA Technologies, an innovative provider of technology solutions for health, safety, security, and national defense, launched the AURA Ion Bar, a groundbreaking new product category in the indoor air quality space. The Ion Bar is the only system in the world that creates a germ-destroying barrier across any two spaces safely using Negative Air Ions (NAIs). This first-of-its-kind product addresses a critical flaw in current indoor air quality systems by targeting the contamination that occurs in areas where you feel most vulnerable to germs and contaminants—such as conference rooms, elevators, bathrooms, classrooms, and public transport. The AURA Ion Bar...