HUDSON VALLEY, N.Y.—Overlooking the mighty Shawangunk Ridge on 140 arcadian acres, Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection recently opened as a new, environmentally conscious, luxury retreat, fringed by fiery fall forests and a slow-rippling river. A verdant escape in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, its expansive grounds encompass orchards, woodlands, a namesake farm, heirloom gardens and fields of native wildflowers. Nestled within are 65 bespoke cabins, cottages, and suites; Thistle, an Auberge Spa; Maplehouse cooking school; and exceptional dining destinations, including the resort’s signature restaurant Clay—all inspired by the region’s wild beauty. “Fifteen years ago, my wife, Kristin, and I came to...

SHARM EL-SHEIKH—Bluewater, a Swedish innovator of award-winning hydration solutions and beverages, has lashed out at the lack of decisive action by world lawmakers to halt the production of single-use plastic bottles despite growing evidence of the threat posed to planetary and human health. “Some 1.3 billion plastic bottles are purchased around the world every day and unfortunately many ultimately end up in landfill or the oceans after being discarded, subsequently then leaching a variety of potentially health threatening chemicals and microplastics into the environment,” said Philip Russell, Managing Director of Bluewater’s U.K.-based events company, in a landmark speech in the...

CHICAGO—Miraval Resorts & Spas, a global leader for wellness destinations is continuing its collaboration with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), the nation’s largest grassroots organization dedicated to supporting those affected by mental illness. As the two organizations continue to team up, Miraval Resorts and NAMI are set to develop information and programs designed to help care for Miraval colleagues so they may consciously explore the connections of body, mind, and spirit, and embrace the present moment both in and out of the workplace. This marks the second year of the Miraval and NAMI collaboration, following the 2021 launch of guest and...

SEATTLE—SportsArt, a leader in socially responsible fitness equipment and solutions for over 40 years, recently launched the G778 ECO-POWR Stepper, further expanding its innovative energy-generating line of cardio equipment. The non-motorized G778 ECO-POWR Stepper provides an effective step workout while generating usable electricity in any workout setting. Using SportsArt’s innovative ECO-POWR technology, the G778 converts up to 74 percent of human energy into clean, renewable energy. The built-in technology drives a connection between individual actions and environmental impact by generating up to 220 Wh of electricity per hour workout, offsetting energy consumption. That’s enough to power a computer for more...

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN—Climate leaders gathered for COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, will be able to get a taste of a dynamic new hydration solution from Swedish water and beverage innovator Bluewater. The company’s leading-edge purified water refill stations and sustainable reusable bottles will allow delegates to stay healthily hydrated in the Climate Action Innovation Zone, where Bluewater has been appointed as the Official Hydration Partner. “We are deeply honored that Climate Action chose Bluewater to provide free water refills to all participants at the COP27 Innovation Zone, throughout the entire event from November 7 to 18,” said Bluewater Founder and CEO, Bengt Rittri, one...

ATLANTA—AAHOA, the nation’s largest hotel owners association, held its inaugural HerOwnership Conference & Retreat at the Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront on October 26 and 27. The HerOwnership Conference & Retreat was far from your typical women’s event. While this event was women-centric, it focused specifically on women who are interested in owning their first hotel or learning about owning hotels in general. This conference and retreat was designed to educate women about how to own a property or business and promote women who are interested in exploring hotel ownership. “Seeing all of these dynamic women in all areas of hospitality come together...

NEW YORK–A new study in the Journal of Building and Environment found that WELL Certification drives significant benefits across occupant satisfaction, perceived health, well-being and productivity. The peer-reviewed study, titled “Impact of WELL Certification on Occupant Satisfaction and Perceived Health, Well-being, and Productivity: A Multi-Office Pre- Versus Post-Occupancy Evaluation,” is the largest and most comprehensive longitudinal research of its kind. It analyzed the impacts of WELL Certification on occupants across four perspectives: satisfaction with the workplace, as well as physical and mental health, well-being, and productivity. Using extensive pre- and post-occupancy survey data, the analysis was able to assess the impact of WELL Certification...

NATIONAL REPORT—Tobacco and marijuana have been smoked in nonsmoking hotel guestrooms for as long as nonsmoking rooms have existed. The task of calculating the costs associated with unauthorized smoking in guestrooms is so challenging that most hoteliers have viewed smoking as a problem without a solution. Now, exhaustive primary and secondary research provides methodically sourced data detailing both obvious short-term and hidden long-term costs of unauthorized smoking. Study results reveal that unauthorized smoking costs hoteliers $5.4 billion each year. Research Digs Deep into True Costs of Smoking To get a handle on all the true costs associated with smoking, FreshAir Sensor...

CYPRESS, CALIF.—As we continue to see relaxed COVID-19 restrictions—leaving the onus of safety in the hands of business operators, owners and facilities managers—global visual technologies company Christie has introduced its newest CE- and UL- certified commercial UVC-LED disinfection light fixture for occupied, indoor spaces. Christie CounterAct UR10 with UVC-LED and patented Care222 far-UVC - plus visible light, in a single unit, is recommended for commercial offices, government facilities, schools, transit hubs, retail shops, and medical buildings—for enhanced and safe airborne and surface disinfection wherever people gather indoors, in public places. CounterAct UR10 builds on the release of the CA20, Christie’s...

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA.—Grand Richmond Hotel, one of Bangkok’s premier hotels, was awarded WellHotel Accreditation for Medical Travel & Well-being by Global Healthcare Accreditation. The hotel is operated by the Richmond Group. Setting the standard for luxury events and business and leisure stays, the Grand Richmond Hotel is a distinctive five-star convention venue and hotel located in northern Bangkok just a short drive from the city center. The hotel is operated by the Richmond Group, one of Thailand's premier hoteliers, who recently added a new 35-story tower to the property and upgraded the existing facilities with an elegant remodel and redesign. The hotel welcomes travelers from all over the world...