MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton has announced the release of new mental wellbeing resources designed to support its global population of 450,000 team members and further destigmatize mental wellbeing in the workplace. As part of its Thrive at Hilton platform, the initiative will support team members across its franchised and managed properties as they care for themselves, their teams, and their loved ones. The new resources aim to make it easier than ever for Hilton team members to find effective, flexible and accessible tools that support their mental wellbeing while encouraging continued conversations around topics such as burnout, time management, financial wellbeing, stress...

NEW YORK—A study published in Building & Environment found organizations that achieved WELL Certification experienced higher-performing workplaces than their non-certified peers, underscoring the importance of prioritizing employee health and well-being in buildings. The study, “The potential of high-performance workplaces for boosting worker productivity, health, and creativity: A comparison between WELL and non-WELL certified environments,” published in the September edition of Building & Environment, analyzed the largest data set of occupant responses to date comparing performance between WELL Certified and non-certified workplaces across the Asia-Pacific region, including New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong. “Our findings show that benefits related to satisfaction, health, productivity, and creativity may...

PARIS—Australians will now be able to earn more than just endorphins after a workout when traveling, with leading fitness brand, Peloton, and Australia’s largest hotel operator, Accor, announcing a new partnership. Following the successful launch of Peloton into select Accor hotels in 2022, the expanded agreement will see Peloton Bikes installed in more than 50 of Accor’s most popular hotels, resorts, and apartments across Australia. Plus, in the first of its kind program in Australia and for a limited time, guests will be rewarded for working out with Peloton—with the ability to earn 100 Accor Live Limitless (ALL) Reward points...

According to a Market Analysis Report by Grand View Research, the global wellness tourism market size was estimated at $814.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $923.6 billion in 2023. (Some other agencies estimate this value to be even higher, topping the charts in the low to mid trillions). Further, North America dominates this market share at nearly 40 percent. In a post-pandemic world, the focus on health is only expected to grow, which means wellness travel is leaving a permanent mark on the hospitality industry. From massage to meditation to mineral springs, wellness travel encompasses a vast range of products...

NATIONAL REPORT—The Anthros chair has launched. Anthros is a science-backed ergonomic chair designed to be the most comfortable chair on the planet while also guaranteeing improved posture, pain prevention and elimination, and maximized productivity. The chair is made in the USA and fully in production. Anthros knows sitting better than 99.99 percent of the planet because of their background. Core members of Anthros spent decades working with wheelchair users (the most complex sitters on the planet) who either thrive or suffer according to the slightest modifications in their seating. Leveraging this singular edge and rich experience, they developed a science-backed,...

When was the last time you stayed at a hotel with a PTAC and noticed an extra air filtration cover over the PTAC? You most likely have not experienced this but at a trade show earlier in the year I discovered a company, RZ Industries, that makes an air purifying filter that attaches to the front of the PTAC. Called the RZ AIRflow, it improves the air quality of the guestroom by removing 99.7 percent of airborne particulates from inside and outside. The system uses carbon filters and a HEPA filter. There is no added noise when using the...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—A very sobering study by UKG suggests that nearly 70 percent of employees feel that their manager has more impact on their mental health than their therapist or their doctor, putting their influence on par with that of their life partner. And 60 percent of employees worldwide say their job is the biggest factor influencing their mental health. So, it’s no wonder that people are quitting in droves if their workplace has a negative influence on their mental health and personal lives. Increasingly, a healthy workplace environment and job satisfaction are highly prioritized by workers of all ages. Fortunately, improving morale...

GUANACASTE, COSTA RICA—Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo is introducing a modern reflection of the coastal resort lifestyle with the addition of Virador Beach Club, a barefoot luxury escape; Wellness Shala to give a home to the resort’s expansive wellbeing offerings; transformation of Kids For All Seasons and Arnold Palmer Signature Golf course renovation focusing on sustainability. The project is led by Peninsula Papagayo developers Mohari and Gencom; together with Four Seasons, they have envisioned a sense of quiet luxury. A global design team is creating a resort experience with a foundation of style that takes inspiration from the landscape with an underscore on...

DALLAS—PURE WELLNESS, a leading provider of turnkey wellness premium rooms, providing a refreshing and relaxing experience to guests, announced its expanded partnership with Atrium Hospitality, one of the nation’s largest hotel operators. The deepened alignment will add approximately 70 new properties to the Pure Wellness portfolio spanning a variety of hotel brands including Hilton, Marriott, IHG, and Wyndham, among others. Over the next six months, 32 hotels (360 rooms) will be converted, with an additional 36 hotels (365 rooms) set to join the portfolio in 2024—bringing the total number of Pure Rooms to 874. “We couldn’t be more excited to...

VALAIS, WESTERN SWITZERLAND—Six Senses Crans-Montana recently opened its doors, marking the brand’s debut in Switzerland. The ethos is vitality, serenity, and adventure, with exclusive ski-in, ski-out convenience from the south-facing pistes in winter, leading to culinary, cultural, and sporting experiences for the rest of the year. The 78 rooms and suites, and signature Three-Bedroom Prestige Apartment, blend contemporary and traditional alpine finishes and feature large bay windows and generously sized balconies to maximize the connection with natural surroundings. This restful habitat—complemented by the Sleep With Six Senses program, including natural hand-made mattresses, cloud-comfy beds, and a personalized sleep plan—combines all...