STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN—A study from the University of California, Davis, reveals that microplastics can carry land-based pathogens to the oceans, posing a threat to the health of humans and wildlife alike. Bluewater, a world-leading innovator of water purification solutions designed to end the need for single-use plastic bottles, said the study’s findings highlighted the need to celebrate, protect and restore our planet. A UC Davis press release said the study by a team of its university researchers had indicated that, by hitchhiking on microplastics, pathogens can disperse throughout the ocean, reaching places a land parasite wouldn’t be found usually. The study, published in the Scientific Reports journal,...

NATIONAL REPORT—An American Hotel & Lodging Association survey showed that 97 percent of respondents were experiencing a staffing shortage. The most critical staffing need is housekeeping, with 58 percent ranking it as their biggest challenge. Just about everything to do with housekeeping needs a do over, with its reputation for low pay, exposure to chemicals and a high rate of injuries due to repetitive tasks. Several companies have come up with solutions for one of the most back-hurting tasks of a housekeeper—the lifting of the mattress. According to Yonatan Guy, CEO of Beddingo, a housekeeper typically changes 20 to 25...

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN—Independently verified research by Swedish clean drinking water innovator Bluewater has verified the efficiency of its water purifier technology at removing up to 99.99 percent of health threatening microplastics and chemicals such as toxic PFAS from tap water. Two studies were instigated by Bluewater at its research lab in the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) after it became alarmed about the growing number of scientists reporting finding microplastics in humans and especially small children and infants. In late March 2022, researchers at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam reported finding microplastics in the blood samples of 22 anonymous donors. Three-quarters of the test subjects appeared...

DENVER—The Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) has announced that two individuals have been selected to receive the organization’s first Leading Light Award. The award was launched earlier this year to honor companies or individuals who had successfully launched and implemented a wellness project/initiative that upholds and furthers the principles of the association's mission, “to shape and support sustainable wellness tourism for the global good.” The WTA Board of Directors reviewed the list of a dozen nominees and selected Ms. Refica Attwood, Founder and Executive Director of Wallings Nature Reserve in Antigua & Barbuda and Mr. I Nyoman Yastama, Spa & Wellness...

NAPA VALLEY, CALIF.—Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection opened recently on 712 acres of vineyards and ranch land. Linked to hundreds of miles of biking trails, with incredible natural scenery, Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection enables active engagement with the land, invigorating culinary moments, and the discovery of local artisans and exclusive wines, while unearthing the full potential of every guest through immersive wellbeing. A short 50-minute drive from the Bay Area, the hills of Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection are framed by 2.5 miles of Napa River frontage adjacent to the San Pablo Bay Estuary. Founded in 1856 by Judge Edward...

Wellness, like most ambitions, has multiple layers to it. The term has been used in many ways to describe a desire to enhance one’s body, mind, and soul. But it is still only the exceptional hospitality programs that encompass the complete desire for wellness. There are simple ways that your portfolio can provide your guests with the right level of wellness to match your overall experience. Lina Batarags’ indictment of hospitality’s wellness programs as shallow acknowledgement of a lack of cleanliness (Insider, March 29, 2021) was harsher than necessary. She seemed to think that hotels were lagging the norm of...

The wellness industry is transforming into a booming trillion-dollar market with plenty of potential for new entrants in the sector, be it new products or services. EHL has compiled a list of the top 10 global spa trends for this year. The spa experience is no longer simply about pampering; spas are now required to offer an extensive menu of healing therapies for the mind, body, and soul. The COVID Impact on the Wellness Industry & Spa Trends Today, spas may answer most of the desires of an older generation expecting to be offered additional pampering services or a health and...

BANGKOK—With booming demand for adventurous and eco-conscious travel, northern Norway is one of the last frontiers for a self-sustainable, off-grid destination. The 94-room Six Senses Svart combines a futuristic design and technological innovation with earthy, organic materials that use the least embedded energy. The name Svart, which means black and blue in old Norse, is a reference to the natural heritage of the ancient Svartisen glacier, which lies just within the Arctic Circle, where summer days last forever and winter nights are lit by the breathtaking Northern Lights. To minimize the on-site impact, Six Senses Svart is poised on...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, announced it has earned the WELL Health-Safety Rating for its three primary venues including Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Entertainment & Sports Arena, and the DC Armory through the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). The WELL Health-Safety Rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all new and existing building and space types focusing on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement and emergency plans to address a post-COVID-19 environment now and into the future. Designed to empower owners and operators across large and small businesses alike to...

CHICAGO—Blueair, a leader in air purification for home and professional use, and the Allergy & Asthma Network, a nonprofit organization advocating on behalf of the 60 million Americans with allergies, asthma and related conditions, announced a long-term partnership stemming from the organizations’ shared purpose to support the health and well-being of those patients and communities most in need, specifically patients impacted by poor air quality. “Blueair was founded on the belief that the freedom to breathe is a basic right. Our mission has always been to provide clean air, with the health of generations to come top of mind,” said...