Let’s start out 2026 with a healthy mindset for ourselves and our employees. It is also our responsibility as hoteliers to provide for the health and wellness of our guests, and this includes each area of wellness. These ideas may not be hi-tech, but they may significantly improve guest reviews and desire to return.
There are certainly those who do not watch what they eat, do not stay at a hotel for any kind of experience and have no interest in working out. But science has proven to most of us that it does matter what we eat and how we move our bodies to achieve optimum health. And a warm, inviting and clean hotel helps our quality of life during a trip that may have external stresses like air travel, rental cars, traffic, meetings and more.
True wellness is about more than just physical health; it encompasses mental and emotional well-being too. Offering a range of amenities designed to help guests relax, recharge and feel great is the goal. From spa services — it can be in-house or an outside service provider — to tranquil relaxation areas, providing the perfect environment to unwind and find balance will always score points. The wellness experience must incorporate nutrition, mindfulness and fitness.
Nutrition
Eating well is crucial for maintaining energy and vitality, especially when away from home. Menus should be carefully curated to offer a variety of nutritious options, catering to diverse dietary needs and preferences. By prioritizing whole foods and balanced meals, support for the body's natural rhythms and promoting sustained well-being throughout a guest stay is a noble deed. Our chefs are completely in tune with this, and they shop locally so that everything is fresh. At our newest hotel, opened in late 2024, our chef was featured as the top chef in the region. Our menus always have gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.
Nutrition can include fun activities as well. We have often partnered with wineries, chocolatiers and beer brewmasters. While nutrition is not always the focus, in moderation, wine, beer and dark chocolate can provide a great combination of mindfulness, delight and somewhat healthy imbibing. Cooking classes with our chefs are in high demand, and tips on how to cook healthfully are appreciated. Wine tastings, paired with healthy choices are a close second. The bottom line is this —some guests still prefer a burger, pizza or traditional bar food. Others, and this group is growing rapidly, care about their diet.
Exercise
Staying active is key to keeping both your body and mind in top condition. A state-of-the-art fitness center, equipped with everything you need for a comprehensive workout, whether you prefer cardio, strength training or yoga will do wonders for guest feedback.
Regular exercise not only boosts physical health but also enhances mood and cognitive function, helping one make the most of their trip. And hotels today often have fitness rooms that have weights, mats, Peloton bikes and more.
Our most successful programs have included a Children’s Hospital 5K or 10K Run and Walk, yoga sessions with a local fitness center and activities that involve in-house groups, hotel guests and locals alike. Children’s hospitals are a target that hit home for almost all travelers as well as locals. Keep in mind, the coordination required to pull off an event like this is significant.
Running with a friend who owned a nutrition-oriented business, we discussed venturing on an event that was designed for locals. It included a doctor, Zumba leader, nutritionist and yoga instructor. Each of these spoke for 30 minutes — the Zumba included non-stop dancing — and left great takeaway content. We served healthy smoothies and granola bars for the break. Use your network to create an event that guests will love, locals will attend and where local businesses are happy to participate.
Mindfulness
Incorporating mindfulness into a guest’s daily routine can significantly enhance their sense of calm and clarity. We have offered mindfulness sessions and meditation spaces to help guests cultivate a mindful state of being. We recommend partnering with a certified mindfulness leader. This practice can reduce stress, improve focus and increase emotional resilience, allowing guests to fully enjoy their travel experiences. Local spas or wellness centers are happy to partner.
By integrating wellness, nutrition, exercise and mindfulness, we strive to create a holistic approach to health that supports our guests during their stay with us. Whether they're here for business or leisure, these offerings help them feel rejuvenated and inspired. And interestingly, our hotels are three- and four-star hotels, not destination resorts! Make 2026 healthy and profitable.
Robert Rauch, CHA, has been an owner-operator of hotels for several decades and is founding chairman of Brick Hospitality, owner of R. A. Rauch & Associates, Inc.
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