Crystal Cruises’ Post

Embarking on a wellness cruise can be a transformative experience, allowing you to reset your mind and recharged your body while surrounded by serene ocean views. Immersive environment where every aspect of your well-being is nurtured. Set new tools and habits for maintaining a healthier,more balanced life. Escape and Reconnect - ready?

In last month's Editor's Note... Deep Breath in Our lives are more technologically advanced than ever before. We enjoy unprecedented convenience and opportunity. Yet, paradoxically, we've never felt more isolated. Chronic stress, loneliness, burnout, and mental health crises pervade our society. Our relentless pursuit of more has left a heavy toll on our bodies, minds, and emotional states. Relaxation requires effort; it does not come naturally when we're constantly in fight, flight, or freeze mode. We barely recognise our own deterioration because it feels normal. We live in an era where being "under pressure" is celebrated, and pushing ourselves to the limit is often rewarded. Social media adds to the pressure, showcasing an endless stream of perfect lives, punctuated only by the occasional 'crying selfie' that attempts to pierce through the facade. Arianna Huffington argues that while stress is an unavoidable aspect of life, accumulative stress can be managed. Most of us are barely remembering to breathe. With some bravery let me say, that many wellness offerings are merely superficial, designed to make us feel momentarily better without addressing deeper needs. Don’t get me wrong—I cherish my spa days, bubble baths, hair treatments, and occasional yoga sessions in fancy settings. Yet, I know these are just temporary comforts. True wellness—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—requires dedication. It’s a lifelong commitment, filled with successes and setbacks, but unlike any other role we play, it cannot be outsourced. It is, undoubtedly, the most important job we have on this earth.  During my recent visit to what I'd call the wellness retreat of a lifetime, I learned that wellness isn’t always about relaxation. It involves unlearning, healing, rebuilding, feeling, and releasing, which can be intense and profound. Feelings we go out of way to avoid. Instead, we often distract ourselves with acceptable pursuits, like overachieving, or harmful indulgences that can have serious consequences. Regardless, I urge you to pause, breathe, and simply be. Like the shepherd boy in Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, listen to what your body and mind are telling you.  In this issue, I delve into the offerings of Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, the Middle East’s first and largest immersive wellness destination. The first resort in the world to blend the holistic wisdom of Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine (TAIM) with contemporary therapies. We'll explore why this oasis in the desert is a lifetime experience, and much more. https://lnkd.in/dr_kdvdQ

In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of taking a vacation has evolved beyond simply sightseeing and indulging in local cuisine. As stress levels soar and the need for self-care becomes paramount, more travelers are seeking holistic experiences that rejuvenate both body and mind. #wellness #wellnessholidays https://lnkd.in/d-CPTBMy

Yesterday we turned up for a spa afternoon at The Spa At Breedon Priory expecting a random Wednesday, overcast, windy day in March would be reasonably quiet. Well, I couldn’t have been more wrong! There was a full complement of people waiting to enjoy the relaxation of the day. Warm outdoor pool (one cold pool which only a few braved including mum) and saunas and steam room complete with a delicious lunch. It made me think of Daniel Priestley's book Oversubscribed. Breedon spa is the epitome of "oversubscribed". They have gotten their brand strategy exactly right to enable a full complement of guests on an unexpected day of the week. So, what is it they do right? Unapologetic pricing. Luxurious looking website enabling quick booking and payment. Easy online health forms with helpful reminders to fill in. Warm and luxurious welcome. Clean and inviting. Amazing chef. Friendly staff. Award winning. They also make use of the Value Ladder. By having a good quality gym (Breedon Priory Health Club) attached, which we are also members of, the first place we think of for a spa day is right next door to where we go every day, and because it is a step in luxury too, it still feels special. Matt wasn’t sure what the value would be of a spa day when we sit in a jacuzzi each morning but now he’s converted. That’s added another item to our lifestyle list; frequent trips to a spa to enhance relaxation and wellbeing. Yesterday we spent a lot of time (as branders often do), looking at what was going right, or wrong in the environment we are in, and we both agreed that we couldn’t find anything wrong with the brand experience. This is what we aim to achieve for our clients. A brand experience where the client says, “that felt great to be part of”. The first step for this is Clarity Roadmap. If you want this sort of clarity for your own SME, book a First date now! #healthandfitness #brandstrategy #bebold #qbranch #peoplecentred

Did you know.....? That checking into a hotel doesn't mean checking out of your fitness routine? Amidst the comfort of plush beds and exquisite dining experiences, it's easy to forget about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But did you know that incorporating a workout routine during your stay can enhance your travel experience? Taking a brisk walk or utilizing the hotel gym not only keeps you energized but also promotes better sleep and mental clarity. It's a fantastic way to offset the indulgences that come with travel while ensuring you stay on top of your game, both personally and professionally. Let's turn our hotel stays into an opportunity for holistic well-being. Share your favorite ways to stay active while on the road, or perhaps a tip on choosing healthier options from the hotel menu with us in the comments section please! #hospitality #hospitalitytourism #hospitalitytips #athena #athenatips #welness #healthandwellness #traveltips

Transforming #hotel stays into sleep sanctuaries As hotels invest in advanced #sleep programs to enhance #guestsatisfaction, it's crucial to understand that addressing #insomnia goes beyond physical amenities. This insightful article delves into multifaceted causes of insomnia and suggests nuanced approaches, from comfortable lounge spaces to minimizing screen exposure. By providing 'peace of mind,' hotels can position themselves as havens for rest, attracting guests seeking a guaranteed good night's sleep. An opportunity for hotels to not only boost rates but also carve out a distinct niche in the competitive hospitality landscape. #sleepsolutions #hotelexperience #60seconds #60second #60secondhospitality #AtharJ #hospitality #trendingpost #trendingnow #trends2024 #Tourisminsights Tourism Insights https://lnkd.in/gBFxDUth

NPR recently ran a story about “sleep tourism,” which is a hotel trend addressing a nation increasingly lacking in shut eye. About one in three Americans are struggling with falling asleep, and Google Trends shows online searches for sleep hit a record high in 2023. To meet this growing need, "hotels have upgraded their bedding, and even adopted sleep wellness programs offering guests herbal teas, ear plugs, cushioned sleep masks and guidance.” Other examples include partnering with a sleep scientist to design the guest room, developing a pillow menu, and partnerships with bedding companies. If you’re a hotel owner, there’s more trends like this that could make you stand out, especially if you’re earlier to them than your competition. For some hotels, it may even be worth positioning the brand around a trend if it’s proven or very likely to last. #branding #builtenvironment #design https://lnkd.in/e4HKUe6U

Getting "Bed and Breakfast" Right: A Goldilocks Tale for the Hospitality Sector Part 1 The essence of the business is right there in the phrase "bed and breakfast." Guests are promised a good night's sleep and a hearty morning meal, setting the tone for their entire experience. Yet, too often, the profound impact that the quality of the beds and breakfasts can have on guest satisfaction and health is overlooked. Let’s take sleep first: poor sleep can lead to a host of health issues, including weakened immunity, increased stress, and musculoskeletal problems like back and neck pain – not exactly what you want to be communicating as your guest experience. So, does your guest satisfaction survey form ask the question: “How well did you sleep during your stay with us?” and “Did you wake up feeling refreshed?” If someone had asked me that last week I would have replied “Terribly!” and “I felt like I’d been run over by a bus each morning”. So, on this last business trip  I was at a 4* hotel that held promise. However, the two beds that had been pushed together were unequal in height, one was too hard the other was no better with peaks and troughs. I spent the night travelling around the bed in all directions hoping to find that just right spot. This reminded me of the fairytale Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Goldilocks sampled three beds: one too hard, one too soft, and finally, one that was just right. This whimsical tale holds a critical lesson. According to the Sleep Foundation, disrupted sleep in hotel rooms is a common complaint, often attributed to the First Night Effect (I’ve written about this before) but more likely due to uncomfortable mattresses that are either too firm or too soft. So, how can hotels get it "just right"? Here are a few things to consider: ·  Make the commitment to invest in high-quality, medium-firm mattresses that cater to a broad range of preferences and support spinal alignment. ·  Conduct regular surveys focusing specifically on the comfort of the bed, pillows and linens; invaluable intel for continuous improvement. ·  During quiet times invite staff to stay over and give feedback – nothing quite like connecting with the actual guest experience to better understand and deal with negative feedback and guest requests to change rooms/pillows etc. Mystery Guest Visits is just one of the services we provide at the Wellness Hub. As a traveller that clocks up many hotel bed nights per year – I’ve honed my senses to spot the disconnects! Drop me an email at julie@wellnesshubconsulting.com to find out how I can bring my superpowers to your business. #GuestSatisfaction #HotelManagement #SleepHealth #hotelmanager #HospitalityExcellence #bedandbreakfast

From sleep science to sustainability, the hospitality industry is elevating comfort, wellness, and responsibility. Discover how these trends are shaping the future of guest experiences. 🛏️🌿 #Sustainability #WellnessTravel #AccomNews Read more via the link below.

🔍 We all want to know how senior leadership teams at luxury hotels can step up their game and ensure guests get a great night's sleep. 🚧 Even with all the top-notch amenities, the real problem is that spa or relaxation lounges only tackle physical comfort and totally miss out on the psychological side of things. Bedding & soundproofing help to a degree...but..... 💡 We all know that sleep quality isn't just about a comfy bed – it's about feeling relaxed and at ease too. 🔄 So, to really hit the mark, we need to go beyond just the physical stuff and bring in holistic solutions like a minibar sleep kit that helps guests feel more at home and relaxed. 🛠️ Here's the plan: Start with a pilot program* for the minibar sleep kit in some premium rooms, get feedback from guests, then roll it out to more rooms if it’s a hit. Make sure housekeeping keeps these kits stocked and ready to go 🏆 Not only will this help guests sleep better, but it will also boost their loyalty and make the hotel stand out as a wellness leader. (*MOQ's for trial = 100+ at larger hotels / smaller hotels 25+) Unboxing video link in the comments Night night...... James.