From meditation breaks to plant-based menus, hotels offer a plethora of well-being programmes to help planners create corporate events where attendees feel nourished, energised, and productive
Hospitality companies have long welcomed leisure guests who seek to add an element of wellness into their stays, but there has also been a growing number of corporates looking to host mindful meetings and events.
Ben George, senior vice president & commercial director, Asia Pacific, Hilton, told TTGmice: “We’re seeing growing demand for meetings packages that offer wellness offerings, from incorporating local and seasonal food and drink, to fitness programmes that allow guests to stay active and recharge while travelling.”
Kate Atkinson, vice president of global sales, Hyatt Sales Force, Asia Pacific, pointed out that “well-being has become a key differentiator in the eyes of event planners”, especially after the pandemic. This is because businesses are increasingly aware of the need to engage colleagues and clients for much-needed face time, as well as nurture the physical and mental health of their people.
She added: “We introduced a Meeting and Event Wellbeing Offer with complimentary well-being experiences in April, which was well-received among customers, showing there is a clear indication that well-being is a key factor to a planner’s decision-making.”
Ramesh Daryanani, vice president global sales, loyalty operations & partnerships APEC (Asia-Pacific excluding China), Marriott International, has also noticed “an increased interest from planners for wellness elements to be incorporated into meetings and events”.
Widespread requests
When asked if the surge in wellness programmes was primarily concentrated in resort or urban settings, hoteliers told TTGmice that there was a consistent increase across all property types.
Atkinson pointed out: “While customers spend more per event on average, they now opt for closer locations within Asia-Pacific, such as Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore or Vietnam. Therefore, the distinction is less between city hotels and rural resorts, and more about the distance, authentic experiences and ease of travel.
“Overall, there is a noticeable shift towards getting the best value for money while also providing an elevated experience for participants.”
George pointed out that although resorts like Hilton Goa, Hilton Pattaya, and Conrad Bali have become “particularly popular for their wellness offerings”, urban hotels like Conrad Osaka and Conrad Hong Kong are also embracing this trend to “ensure event attendees can benefit from wellness programmes even in a fast-paced setting”.
Daryanani stated: “We have seen strong and sustained growth in meetings and events for our properties in APEC, with bookings increasing 25 per cent and revenue more than doubling in 1H2024 compared to pre-Covid levels in 2019. This growth was spurred by meetings and events secured in both city and resort properties.”
Within Marriott’s resorts segment, there has also been a noticeable increase in group demand for resorts in Danang and Phu Quoc in Vietnam, as well as Phuket and Koh Samui in Thailand.
Under the wellness umbrella
In light of this, hotels are exploring a wide range of wellness offerings, such as enhancing sleep quality, curating immersive local experiences, and promoting healthier F&B options.
Accor’s culinary teams collaborate with nutritionists to develop menus that offer healthy, balanced meals, ensuring guests maintain their energy levels and stay focused during their corporate activities.
With F&B being “a renowned strength of Hyatt brand”, Atkinson said the company has strategically positioned its culinary experiences as a critical component of its events business and brand identity as a whole.
“Our guiding principle for F&B is ‘thoughtfully sourced, carefully served’, as we seek to lessen our environmental impact by prioritising plant-forward and sustainably-sourced dining options,” she elaborated.
Similarly, Westin Singapore’s general manager, James Walkden, told TTGmice: “Bright Breaks is Westin’s signature break programme featuring energising activities, nourishing beverages, and beneficial snacks that help attendees perform at their best before, during, and after meetings.
“At Westin, one of our Brand Pillars, Work Well focuses on the notion that the best ideas aren’t always hatched in the boardroom.”
This is why some planners choose to have wellness-related activities incorporated into their coffee breaks, such as a 10-minute head and shoulder massage by the Heavenly Spa by Westin therapists. Westin Singapore has also transformed some of its rooms and launched the WestinWorkout Room Powered by Technogym, boasting state-of-the-art fitness equipment by Technogym.
Other wellness programmes incorporate local cultural elements, allowing corporates to experience the destination through enriching experiences.
At Grand Mercure properties, local culture and traditions have been integrated into corporate wellness programmes. For example, at Grand Mercure Khao Lak, guests can participate in Thai yoga classes, known as Rue-Si Dat Ton, which combine physical postures and breathing techniques rooted in ancient Thai culture.
Ollie Ansell, vice president of commercial market strategy for Accor Asia, noted: “By incorporating local culture and traditions into corporate wellness programmes, we create meaningful and memorable experiences for guests.
“This approach enhances their well-being and deepens their connection to the destination, making their stay more enjoyable and fulfilling.”
In Bali, Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts’ The Lohma Spa blends personalised and holistic ancient healing traditions with contemporary therapies. These include collective sound healing, Holotropic breathwork, and cold-water immersion for cardiovascular, immune, and mental health benefits, as well as yoga, meditation, and sound healing sessions which corporate guests can benefit from.
Over at JW Marriott Phu Quoc, the hotel offers corporates activities that blend wellness and local culture, such as group yoga sessions, lantern making, and bicycle tours to local attractions.
Meanwhile, Hyatt properties’ wellness menu includes culturally immersive experiences like guided meditation led by esteemed monk Phra Maha Thada Jaranatharou at Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, and mood-boosting activities such as laughing yoga at Grand Hyatt Bali.
Outside help
Individual properties and brands have also established partnerships to help expand their wellness offerings.
Walkden shared: “We provide complimentary yoga classes for our guests conducted by Pure Yoga, a morning guided scenic run led by our runWestin Concierge, and a quarterly two-night Westin Wellness Weekend retreat featuring fitness experts.”
Another example is Pullman Singapore Hill Street’s partnership with Strength Clinic Academy. This collaboration allows Accor to offer expert-led wellness programmes, providing guests with professional training and wellness advice to help them maintain their fitness routines while travelling.
Atkinson shared: “Our global partnership with Headspace means we can offer guided meditation via the World of Hyatt app, as well as in-room TVs in participating hotels. Meanwhile, our work with Masterclass enables us to bring engaging and inspiring content in-room, with World of Hyatt members able to also enjoy discounted subscriptions.
“And our partnership with Juliet Funt, a renowned author and Fortune 500 advisor, has seen us develop a Mindful Meetings guide. Based on seven key holistic principles, it aims to make business gatherings more intentional and meaningful.”
Another programme unique to Hyatt is Sleep@Hyatt, available across properties in Australia and New Zealand. It offers amenities to help guests get the best sleep possible. These include guided meditation, amenity packs with eye masks, aromatherapy and herbal tea, and Dreamers glasses available for purchase that filter out disruptive light before bed.
During events, Hyatt arranges for Care Stations that feature a variety of items that guests may want or need to ensure their comfort. These include cleansing wipes, mints, adhesive bandages, blankets, vitamins, stress balls and more.
Hyatt has taken a step further to curate a collection of properties offering well-being and mindfulness experiences that suit different event needs under a Wellbeing Collective umbrella. – Additional reporting by S Puvaneswary
