• 최종편집 2024-03-28(목)

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  • In Search of Sleep: Hilton Caters to Rising Number of Sleep Tourists with Debut of Hilton Sleep Retreats
    Kilolani Spa at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort Sleep expert Dr. Rebecca Robbins to host snooze‑worthy series at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort’s Kilolani Spa Hilton’s 2024 Trends Report found the No. 1 reason people of all generations want to travel this year is to rest and recharge. In fact, some travelers are even building their entire trip around sleep, which is a trend now known as “sleep tourism.” Sleep tourism first picked up speed in 2023 and has accelerated this year – in its recent report, the Global Wellness Institute cites Wellness Tourism as one of the fastest-growing segments of travel, projected to reach $1.4 Trillion USD by 2027. To address this demand and in celebration of National Sleep Month in March, Hilton has partnered with sleep science expert Dr. Rebecca Robbins to offer expert insight into ways Hilton can lead the industry in providing the best night’s rest possible across the portfolio. This includes new programming like the launch of Sleep Retreats at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, with the potential to expand to additional markets in the coming months. Dr. Robbins, an assistant professor in medicine and associate scientist at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, is also an acclaimed author and sleep expert featured in national print and television. She deeply understands the importance of sleep and which behavioral changes can help travelers get the most Zzzs when staying in unfamiliar environments. Together with Hilton, she will help guests put these insights into practice during a series of one-of-a-kind retreats, with the first launching in Maui at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort’s Kilolani Spa, an all-new open-air luxury spa adorned by the natural beauty of Hawaii. “Understanding the vital role sleep plays in our lives goes much deeper than just knowing we need it. It's about nurturing and prioritizing it, especially in our fast-moving world where being constantly on the go is the norm," said Dr. Robbins. “Collaborating with Hilton to bridge the gap between sleep science and its practical, everyday application excites me and our retreats serve as a wonderful demonstration of how this knowledge can be brought to life – whether traveling or at home.” Designed to educate and empower guests while leveraging the unique wellness amenities offered at Hilton, the Sleep Retreats provide an all-encompassing journey into the science and practice of achieving restful, restorative sleep. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a series of Dr. Robbins-led activities, discussions, strategies and meditations focused on enhancing sleep quality. Kilolani Spa at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort - Portal Beyond spa services developed to mitigate jet lag, optimize circadian rhythms and release sleep-enhancing hormones, the programs include lectures that illuminate the science of restfulness, covering topics such as the foundations of sleep mechanics and sleep disorders. The retreats also feature healthy, sleep-promoting meals and opportunities for guests to design a personalized sleep schedule, ensuring each guest leaves with the knowledge and practices needed to improve their daily routine. “Hilton seeks to provide more than just a place to stay. We aim to be a catalyst for wellness, starting with a great night’s sleep. Recognizing that more than half of all travelers surveyed in our recent Trends Report emphasized the need for rest when they travel, our commitment has never been more important,” said Amanda Al-Masri, global vice president, wellness, Hilton. “From the moment a guest steps into our hotels, every touchpoint is an opportunity to contribute to the quality of their overall wellness, and these curated Sleep Retreats represent a fusion of comfort, science and innovation crafted to improve the sleep experience.” Hilton’s commitment to enhancing the guest sleep experience is exemplified by specialized offerings across its brands and properties. Travelers have shown a deep appreciation for the basics, and while all Hilton brands offer unique and exclusive bedding, Canopy by Hilton offers a gel memory foam mattress and Serta Cool Balance® technology, with the brand’s signature canopy frame, and Motto by Hilton has equipped its rooms with top-notch mattresses, sound-absorbing surroundings and smart technology available through the Hilton Honors app. Wellness offerings also extend directly into the room across many Hilton properties, such as Tempo by Hilton’s rooms designed with “power down” features for an optimal sleep environment. Additionally, dedicated wellness rooms are available at Signia by Hilton Atlanta Georgia World Congress Center, which are equipped with tools to help guests get their R&R. More information on Hilton’s new Sleep Retreats will be made available on the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort’s website in the coming weeks.
    • In English
    • Feature
    2024-03-16
  • O'Reve Hot Spring and Spa Executive, Lee Deok-beom, Honored at East Asian Spa Summit
    Jeju's O'Reve Hot Spring and Spa executive, Mr. Lee Deok-beom, was honored as the 'Spa Industry Contributor of the Year' at the 15th East Asia Spa Industry Union (EASIU) Summit and Annual Forum held in Suzhou, China on January 8th and 9th. Mr. Lee Deok-beom, previously responsible for planning and operational management in the hot springs and spa sector at locations such as Asan Spavis in Chungnam, is currently leading the operational planning at O'Reve Hot Spring, a premium hot spring spa set to open soon in Jeju. His expertise, demonstrated through insightful understanding of global industry changes and market demands, coupled with meticulous operational planning, has garnered recognition not only domestically but also from the EASIU, which unanimously selected and awarded him for his significant contributions to the spa industry's development, following last year's performances and recognition. Established in 2005, the EASIU is an international gathering of spa industry representatives from China, Japan, Mongolia, and Korea. The organization rotates its chairmanship annually, hosting summit meetings and annual forums, with representatives from Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand invited to participate alongside the four founding nations. The Korean Spa Wellness Association (KorSpa) is representing South Korea at the EASIU. The next event, scheduled for 2025, is slated to be hosted in South Korea as the rotating chairmanship country.
    • In English
    • Feature
    2024-01-12
  • [Travel with a Purpose] Your Complete Holistic Healing Journey at The Farm at San Benito, the Philippines
    Located in Lipa City in Batangas, The Farm at San Benito encompasses all the luxurious features of a premium medical wellness resort. Its tastefully-appointed suites and villas echo a sophisticated design concept that marries the opulence of nature and the subtle elegance of traditional Filipino-Oriental sensibilities. Nestled in a 51-hectare forested property, The Farm at San Benito is an exclusive estate of lush gardens and lagoons, of quiet tree groves and crisp, fresh air, with strong positive energy radiating around the property. Yet, beyond its paradisal beauty and the inspiring sensations it evokes, lies The Farm’s true essence: it is a facility for medical wellness and a safe sanctuary for healing. Its programs, aimed to help the body and mind achieve optimum health and performance, have been meticulously designed following foundational science-based protocols and guided by evidence. At a time when health consciousness has become a widespread realization, more and more people are traveling to achieve a state of mind and body that is fit and well-balanced. Some travel to seek treatment for their illnesses. Others do so as a preventive measure to keep their health at an optimum level. Traveling with a purpose that is focused on health and wellness attests to the phenomenal growth of conscious travelers. The Farm at San Benito is at the forefront of medical wellness tourism Celebrating two decades of life-transformative healing holidays, it has distinguished itself as one of the world’s best, winning over 80 accolades from prestigious international bodies such as 'Best Wellness Resort in the World.' It cupped the coveted ‘Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Award from the Haute Grandeur Global Spa Awards in 2021 receiving a total of 21 awards. Since it’s officially the rainy season in the country, now is the perfect time to detox and cleanse from within. Rain symbolizes purification. At The Farm, you can experience a full immersion into clean living through physical healing in the form of mindful movements and functional fitness activities, medically-guided fasting, and treatments to eliminate toxins from within while restoring the body’s optimum ability to restore nutrients. The Farm offers an ‘Intro to Detox’ program that includes a 3-day medically supervised cleansing program to purge unhealthy elements from the body and mind while providing optimum nutrition. The Farm is also home to a world-renowned Weight Management, Diabetes Prevention & Heart Health Program, which focuses on the management of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and stress to resolve the root cause of the dysfunction and to bring the body back to a natural state of balance. At The Farm, the wide-ranging compendium of services aimed to address various health and psycho-emotional conditions, are all medically supervised by licensed physicians supported by health professionals, spa therapists, medical acupuncturists, physiotherapists, nutritionists, living food experts, fitness coaches, sound healers, and yoga teachers. The Farm at San Benito is thus a complete and genuine sanctuary—a space of encompassing beauty where the body and mind can heal to return to a state of genuine well-being and spiritual enrichment and inner renewal can be achieved. www.thefarmatsanbenito.com
    • In English
    • Feature
    2022-06-05
  • [Interview] Ms. Dao Huyen – CEO of S.H.E Cosmetics Ltd., Vietnam
    Vietnam has recently become one of the hottest growth markets for beauty and cosmetics in Asia. Wellness Today is fortunate to talk with a Hanoi-based beauty enthusiast and cosmetics dealer Dao Huyen, founder & CEO of S.H.E. Cosmetics Ltd. ▲ Ms. Dao Huyen, founder & CEO of S.H.E. Cosmetics Ltd. [WT] Could you tell us a bit of your background? [DH] I have been working in cosmetics field for more than 5 years. I started as a sales person at a small cosmetics shop. It was about two years ago when I became deeply attracted by cosmetics trading business. At that time, I was working as a sales & marketing manager at a local skincare clinic which sells not only skincare services but also cosmetics products. While working, I found that the Vietnamese cosmetics market was booming but needed to mature as customers were rapidly getting savvy. I soon moved to a Korean cosmetics company in Hanoi and started working as a manager at large. At this company, I was fortunate to get many insights from local distributors and consumers. I found Korean-made cosmetics products were getting high popularity in local market. In early 2018, with the vision of bringing the best cosmetics products mainly from Korea to the Vietnamese customers, I started my own business, S.H.E Cosmetics Ltd., offering OEM ODM services to local enterprises and also sourcing the hottest trend cosmetics from Korea for local distributors in Vietnam. [WT] What do you think about today’s Vietnamese cosmetics market? [DH] The cosmetics consumption in Vietnam is still low compared to neighboring countries like Thailand. However, if you have a better understanding of the characteristics of the country, Vietnam is more promising than any other country. It's really an attractive market. Above all, the percentage of younger people under 35 is 60%. Due to rapid westernization and increased personal social exposure, young people are more interested in their appearance than ever before. The other reason why the Vietnamese market is more attractive is because of the socio-economic role of women who have traditionally been quite active. With the increase in women's income, I am sure, they will spend more money on beauty and cosmetics. I think this is going to happen very quickly. [WT] Specifically, what aspects of beauty consumption expenditure should we pay attention to in Vietnam? [DH] As in other countries, Vietnamese women spend their money in purchasing home care cosmetics products and/or in getting treatments at beauty salons. For home care products, the preference for whitening function or sunscreen is high due to the nature of Vietnam climate. But the problem is that they are very interested in cosmetics, but there are not many people who have enough knowledge about exactly what products to use and how to use them. So the beauty market in Vietnam is characterized by a lot of skin care shops in each neighborhood. Consumers want to receive cosmetics from these shops and receive professional treatment from them. However, there are not many skincare shops that have mastered the techniques to fully understand the products and use them effectively. Of course, I think there will be many improvements over time. [WT] At this point, what parts of Vietnam skin care shops should focus on to evolve themselves? [DH] In a word, differentiation. Many shops now offer similar products and similar services. In order for shops to evolve and be competitive, they must have differentiated technology. If you simply sell cosmetics on the market, you cannot win the competition. And it is also important to have good products to gain trust. In short, arming with good products and good skills is the basis for differentiation, and I think more customers will come to these well-organized shops. [WT] I hear that you are planning to open your skincare shop yourself. Could you elaborate in detail? [DH] Yes, I am currently in contact with various agencies in Korea to provide services that Vietnam consumers really want. I would like to choose an institution that can provide a good selection of products and continue to provide skin care related technology. The key to this plan is to build a solid platform for reliably supporting existing skincare shop operators and new start-ups. I plan to open my first shop by the end of this year. [WT] Thank you for many good comments. Finally, what does the company name S.H.E mean? S.H.E. stands for Safety, High Technology, and Effectiveness. The purpose is to provide customers with a safe product with the latest technology to ensure maximum effectiveness. This name is the company's future mission as well.
    • In English
    • Feature
    2019-04-10

실시간 Feature 기사

  • [Trend] Beauty Gets Emotional
    Stress is considered a norm in today’s fast-paced, always connected world, but it seems the beauty industry in Asia is putting more focus on new product innovation in an effort to help consumers to de-stress and relax. At this year’s in-cosmetics Asia (30 October-1 November 2018), new research from the world’s leading market intelligence agency, Mintel, reveals that Asia Pacific accounted for a third (33%) of global beauty and personal care products, launched between January-September 2018, that help with de-stressing and relaxation*. This is up from 26% of global launches introduced to market in 2015**. Speaking at in-cosmetics Asia, Sharon Kwek, Senior Innovation and Insights Analyst, Beauty and Personal Care at Mintel, said: “Today’s consumers are living their lives too fast, creating a global society where stress fits right in with everyday life. However, this has taken a toll on many and increasingly, consumers are becoming more aware of their emotional health and overall wellbeing. Brands and companies across industries are recognising that they can play a part in relieving some of this stress, including those in the beauty industry. “The rapid urbanisation and increased speed of life in Asia have left consumers feeling tired and emotionally drained. For Asian female consumers, in particular, it is becoming common knowledge that daily lifestyle habits can have an impact on skin. Increasingly, beauty brands and companies are taking notice and are introducing beauty and personal care products that aid in emotional wellbeing. In the years ahead, beauty brands and companies in the region will stand to benefit from launching innovative products that address consumers’ mental wellness.” Indeed, Mintel research shows that in 2018, 30% of urban Chinese consumers (aged 20-49) are concerned about stress at work, up from 25% in 2013. Meanwhile, as many as three in five urban Indonesians (60%) and urban Thais (59%) plan to reduce their stress levels for personal health and wellness reasons. Indicating some of the root causes of modern stressors, a third (32%) of urban Indonesians aged 25-34 feel that being ‘connected’ (eg devices, social media) increases their stress levels. Showcasing awareness of the fact that lifestyle plays an important role in maintaining good skin condition among Asian consumers, half (49%) of urban Chinese female consumers agree that getting enough sleep is the most crucial part of skincare; while half (49%) of urban Thai female consumers think that lifestyles (eg amount of sleep, stress level) are most important in determining the appearance of facial skin. “As Mintel Trend ‘Mood to Order’ highlights, consumers are looking for ways to enhance their mood through products. Meanwhile, Mintel’s 2025 Global Beauty & Personal Care Trend ‘Power Play’ highlights how consumers are recognising that they need to address their low energy levels and beauty brands are meeting this need with products that put energy claims at the forefront. There is an opportunity for the beauty industry to meet this new consumer need with mood-enhancing products that directly address emotional health and healing. The beauty routine will transform into a self-care routine and all categories of beauty will be expected to deliver these benefits.” Sharon added. Showing that consumers are looking for options to help improve the quality of their emotional and mental wellbeing, 45% of urban female health supplement consumers in China buy health supplements to boost their energy levels or relieve fatigue; while 39% do so to improve their sleep quality. Reflecting the same opportunity for the beauty industry, a significant 87% of urban Chinese females aged 20-49 agree that using beauty services is a way of relaxing. “The fact that consumers in Asia are looking towards health supplements to help with their overall wellbeing indicates an opportunity for the same strategy to be replicated in the beauty industry. Self-care will drive beauty inside and out; there is an opportunity for topical beauty products to tag with beauty supplements to create a complete system for consumers to take care of their physical and mental wellbeing holistically. Both offline and online beauty channels share the same opportunity to leverage the self-care concept to resonate with today’s consumers. Finally, Asian consumers have always believed in the power of crystals to help heal or ward off negative energy. Beauty manufacturers could explore the possibilities of including crystals as star ingredients.” Sharon concluded.
    • In English
    • Feature
    2018-11-01
  • MINTEL Predicts the Future of ‘New Retail’
    The future of Asia-Pacific’s retail landscape will force a fundamental change in the way Asian companies are structured, managed and do business. The region is innovating in a new direction towards a future that suits its own aspirations and needs—and retail technology is leading that innovation. Asia-Pacific is also changing the framework and focus of globalisation, and that role will only increase. In Mintel’s new whitepaper, ‘New Retail: The Futurenomics of Asia-Pacific’, Matthew Crabbe, Regional Trends Director, Asia-Pacific, combines Mintel’s latest research to paint a picture of what the future will look like for the economy, based on existing trends and trajectories in ‘new retail’, and its influences already being felt across the region. ‘New Retail: The Futurenomics of Asia-Pacific’ is broken down into four key discussion points, summarised below by Matthew Crabbe, Regional Trends Director, Asia-Pacific: Digitisation: Futurenomics nears critical mass “E-commerce growth is fast-moving and on a massive scale. According to Mintel estimates, e-commerce spending across Asia-Pacific* will increase from 3.6% of total retail spending in 2010 to 31.4% by 2020. What’s more, from 2015 to 2025, e-commerce will rise in value by over 290%, and reach well over 37% of total retail value across Asia-Pacific*. This growth has created a new critical mass with the convergence of online and offline retail and services into ‘new retail’. “The online economy is a crucial part of Asia-Pacific’s current and future economic growth. It is also a major part of the continuing integration of the economies and consumer spending patterns across the region. Meanwhile, Asia is not just innovating within ‘new retail’, it is also a hothouse of innovation in artificial intelligence, application of augmented and virtual reality, revolutionary concepts in food production, among many others. And ‘new retail’ is the focus of how all these developments are agglomerating to shape the ‘futurenomics’ of Asia.” Integration: The value of experience “‘New retail’ is a process, rather than a market, where the ‘space’ of e-commerce increasingly integrates with physical shopping spaces. It is also a part of a wider integration process into the broader digital consumer services environment, and across all consumer product sectors. Places and processes for shopping are integrating with entertainment, travel and socialising—which is great as a third (32%) of urban Thai consumers say they are spending more on leisure and entertainment in 2018. “Brands are finding that they are being drawn into their own integration across sectors. Services brands are merging with retailers; retailers are becoming hoteliers; online platforms are becoming transportation provides—everything is mixing up. This means that brands must now engage with consumers across formats, platforms, technologies, locations, nations and sectors, and find relevance across more aspects of consumer lifestyles.” Consolidation: More people in less space “Asia-Pacific’s population is rapidly urbanising into some of the world’s largest cities, creating the potential for ‘new retail’ to develop faster in the region. In India, a quarter (25%) of urban internet users who shop for groceries do so from online supermarkets at least once a month. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, over half (56%) of urban smartphone owners have made a purchase through an online retail site or app. “Urbanisation is likely to be significantly influenced in the future. To meet the needs of vast, crammed populations of tomorrow, cities will have to adapt to new technology. ‘New retail’, with the ability to reach anyone, anywhere, via their smartphones, offers a unique solution to connecting with consumers. Companies in the ‘new retail’ industry are encouraged to spread their influence across the region. In fact, ‘new retail’ is already expanding rapidly across the region through the influence of China’s leading operators." Migration: From brawn to ‘e-brain’ "As Asia-Pacific’s populations get older, there will be an increasing need for greater productivity as ‘working age’ populations shrink. This will drive the need for ongoing education and long-life learning to keep up with and adapt to new technologies. Mintel research reveals that as many as three in four (72%) urban Thai consumers say they want to learn a new skill, while three in five (59%) urban Chinese mums agree that early education should start as early as possible." “Technology in production—manufacturing and agriculture, for instance—is leading to a shift from a ‘brawn economy’ to ‘brain economy’. Already new technology has democratised the means of production. In an environment where ideas become currency, we see the emergence of what is now known as the ‘Fifth Estate’. It is where outlier, disruptor and social groupings become instigators of change in mainstream society. ‘New retail’ will be the foundation upon which new economies will be built, and Asia-Pacific is leading the first wave.” concluded Crabbe. *Asia-Pacific estimates are based on the following markets: Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam
    • In English
    • Feature
    2018-06-22
  • [Interview] Christine Hays - Eastern Vibration
    Wellness Today is fortunate for the opportunity to chat with wellness professional Christine Hays, founder and Chief Energy Officer at Eastern Vibration. ▲ Ms. Christine Hays, Chief ENERGY Officer of Eastern Vibration [WT] You’re a well-travelled spa and wellness professional with significant global experience. Was there a path that lead you into wellness? [CH] I was on a health and wellness path since I was 18 years old through meditation, dance, yoga and nutrition. I began my career as a physical therapist and upon graduation I went on to study Massage Therapy. My goal has always been to educate and help others grow holistically. My global experience broadened my range of wellness as different cultures approach wellness in various forms with the same outcome. [WT] Could you give us a background -- your positions and projects, and where they have taken you? [CH] After the massage program I took a break and went to Jamaica for one month which extended to 7 years. When I arrived in Jamaica in the mid 80’s, there were several new all-inclusive resorts being built with the addition of sports complexes and massage areas. This was before spas were in hotels. I approached a hotel owner and suggested that I consult with the building of the massage rooms and yoga center which included recruiting talent. It was difficult to find professionally trained massage therapists, although I discovered many women on the beach offering “Aloe Vera rubs” on the beach chairs or even on a towel in the sand. I started a massage training program, turned them into professionals and placed them in the resorts. After my stint as a consultant, I went on to Spa Management and spent another few years as a Spa Director in Luxury hotels in the Caribbean. [WT] Eastern Vibration is an interesting and unique concept. How did you start? [CH] After 10 full years in the Caribbean, I was offered a corporate Spa Director role in India with the Oberoi Hotel group overseeing a total of 28 spas. I found some Tibetan bowls in India and wanted to know more. Eventually I created a treatment with the bowls for the 25+ spas that I was overseeing. I didn’t know much about the bowls except that they sounded nice and the treatments that I created were a big success with the guests. This is when I decided to learn more and went into villages to find out how the locals were incorporating these bowls into their daily lives. I took it a step further by studying with the Tibetan Monks, local Shamans, Sadus (Hindu Holy men) and Gurus. We are using ancient healing modalities that were learned in the settings that they originated in making us unique and indigenous. ▲ Tibetan Singing Bowls [WT] Are Eastern Vibration therapies aimed at addressing specific ailments? [CH] Yes, we use them for localized pain which moves energy blockages and provides pain relief for many ailments including joint pain, all IBS issues and stress management. The concept of the sound waves is to bring the brain wave frequencies into Alpha within a couple of minutes and deeper into Theta in about 5-7 minutes. The left and right hemispheres of the brain merge and the person receiving the therapy is in a dreamlike state; this is when healing takes place. While the brain is relaxed from the sound, the body benefits through vibrating the cells on a very deep level. Think of it as a massage of the cells. [WT] What are the reactions of clients? [CH] The clients that have this experience all have comments such as they see colours, some people let out an emotional release by crying, I have heard people say that they have never slept better. It’s a very profound experience! [WT] How is Eastern Vibration being accepted by professionals in Spa & Wellness? [CH] Spa professionals are looking for new treatments as they are moving into wellness activities. Eastern Vibration is gaining traction in Asia and the Middle East as the USA and European market are slowly starting to understand the power of sound and vibration. ▲ Training in sound energy healing therapy. [WT] What growth do you see for sound therapy within the industry? [CH] I firmly believe that everyone in the industry will eventually be using sound therapy as they move into wellness and what we are offering is sustainable wellness. We believe that it will also be widespread in the medical world as well. There are doctors, including oncologists, music therapists and occupational therapists using sound and vibration in the medical world. [WT] What do you see for the future of Eastern Vibration? [CH] Eastern Vibration is launching a Touch and Vibration for Cancer care. We are moving into more digital content which will increase engagement and are preparing our online courses which will be introduced in the second quarter of this year (2018). Wellness Today would like to thank Christine for the informative exchange. To learn more about Eastern Vibration, visit their website at: https://easternvibration.com/
    • In English
    • Feature
    2018-02-13
  • [Interview] Mr. Barry White - Health, Wellness, Spa & Fitness
    Through the years we develop a pool of highly qualified and experienced contacts in the Spa & Wellness sector. In this interview, Wellness Today is fortunate to start the new year (2018) discussing the industry with Barry White, a highly regarded professional in global wellness. ▲ Mr. Barry White [WT] Could you give us a bit of a background on your experience in the industry? What led you into Wellness, and the path that took you into east Asia? [BW] My experience in the health, wellness, spa and fitness industry spans over 25 years. First starting out in the UK, moving on to Australia and then to Asia. My permanent move to Asia was in 2004 when I moved to Hong Kong to become pre-opening Director for the newly opened Langham Place Hotel. This was the start of my amazing 14 years with Langham Hospitality Group, in which time I was not only able to grow in terms of new promotions and roles, but more fundamental I was given the unique opportunity of relative freedom to create, develop and define the Chuan Spa brand. Chuan Spa is Langham’s proprietary luxury award winning spa and wellness brand that is located in all Langham, Langham Place and Cordis hotels globally. It was a ‘dream’ role, that is hard to come by and has given me the best platform and tuition to starting my own company in 2017. [WT] What is the focus of your company? [BW] My company is called WHITE (www.wswf.co) and I am developing broad elements of the business. First is in the spa, wellness and fitness space. Whereby I am providing management consultancy services, whether it be full management services, bespoke trouble shooting or a business optimization focus. We are providing comprehensive marketing and event solutions, this includes full traditional marketing solutions, in addition to e-business, SEM, SEO and social media content. We are also providing specialist event organization, which combined with our social media marketing expertise provides more engagement and return for the clients. Given my extensive background in developing and opening over 30 projects in the last 14 years, WHITE is also providing project & technical services for new builds and pre-openings operations. Lastly, we are providing business development solutions to product companies specifically wishing to growth their portfolio in the Asia market. We operate between the owning company and regional agents / distributors, to provide additional expertise required to ensure brand integrity and consistency, whilst growing the brand in partnership with regional agents and distributors in keys market, who may not be able to secure the level of expertise we provide on a full-time basis. We have also partnered with some of the leading wellness and lifestyle companies, to also support us provide recruitment, product and equipment solutions to our clients. Thus providing a comprehensive solution to any wellness business owner or operator whether in development or in operation. [WT] You presently have offices in Hong Kong and Manila. What is your intended reach with this base? [BW] Hong Kong is our home, and is the base of all our activities. This location provides us with the environment and reach to continue to successfully grow WHITE. Hong Kong remains one of the top international Asian business hubs and is critical to our long-term objectives. We have identified several key cities in Asia to enable quick growth, Manila being one of these. In our first year, we have secured several high-profile clients in Manila, and we believe that the Philippines has massive potential in the wellness space and we are commitment to growing in this amazing country. [WT] Have there been significant changes in the Wellness Industry since the start of the millennium? [BW] In many ways, the industry has come full circle. We have seen a ‘boom’ period in the early part of the ‘000, now the industry has become better understood and a standard in the hospitality sector. Now we are seeing more consolidation and a focus on making the sector more commercially sustainable. This is where I believe WHITE is able to support businesses old and new, as we have the in-depth experience, knowledge to understand the errors and successes over the past 25 years, to ensure that our clients are set for success and benefit directly from our 25 years of expertise in the wellness space. [WT] What changes do you see are needed in the industry in the coming years? [BW] Owners and hotel management companies need to invest early with experts in the industry, who really understand not only the operational and softer side of the business but more critically the project and commercial aspects. The hospitality sector of the industry, requires to invest and better understand the unique elements of the business in-order to demonstrate just how commercially and operationally successful this part of their business can be, if designed, set up and operated correctly. Rather than over simplify and cookie cut the approach to the industry. [WT] How does technology play into your recommendations in spa management? Are there technology functions that are underutilized in the industry? [BW] Technology in spas is only now becoming a big talking point in the industry. Its woefully underutilised, it's nothing new, just people are talking about it now. In the hospitality sector, I was always could not understand why in the hotel, all other depts., had IT solutions to assist optimize the dept, but when it came to the spa either you had nothing or the systems available were not very good. This in part was due to my answer in the last question and because many hoteliers have a built-in notion that spas don’t make money (it is also this attitude that is also significant factor of being able to grow and get investment in the industry). In recent years this has changed, with the likes of Book4Time(https://book4time.com), now providing a system that is affordable and has been created with many of the requirement needed to effectively operate your business. [WT] Does technology have a place in the treatment room, and how well are those needs presently addressed? [BW] Absolutely, Technology has had a functional place in the treatment room, for a long time, whether it be music, AV, lighting, and environmental controls. But now there is significant opportunity to enhance these functional experience, in additional to compliment these with introducing technology into treatments and services themselves. In order to become a fully immersive experience. However, the opposite equally has value, subject to the focus of the business. Having technology free environment, in a technology rich world is becoming increasing popular. Finding a ‘silent’ space to disconnect is as important. [WT] Are you able to highlight a couple of your projects and what your services did for them? [BW] Management Consultant - Appointed by Edsa, Shangri-la Hotel, Manila as their management consultant. http://www.shangri-la.com/manila/edsashangrila/ Project Consultant - Appointed by The Murray hotel, Hong Kong. As pre-opening project consultant for their wellness facilities. Hotel opens on the 15th January 2018. http://www.marcopolohotels.com/en/niccolo/hotels/hongkong/central/the_murray/index.html ▲ Private Entrance at CHI The Spa ▲ The Murray Hotel Gym 3F Gym [WT] Could you explain "White Art Concepts"? How did this evolve? [BW] This is very much a passion project. Over the last two years, I have had several ‘pop-up’ art exhibitions in Hong Kong, mostly recently last year between March – May 2017. My Dad is a prolific artist and has over 4500 original art works in his portfolio. I decide to do a ‘pop-up’ concept to exhibit his work, mainly because it was a fun process. These have been very well received and we have been lucky to have sold a number of pieces. Moving forward I intend to exhibit around Asia, using the same pop-up concept. Having now completed two exhibitions and obtained the knowhow to conduct these exhibitions successfully. White Art Concepts, is a platform for any up and coming artist who has the desire to exhibit their work to the public. We provide a turnkey affordable solution to enable them to realise this objective. Wellness Today would like to thank Barry White for his time and contribution to this interview. He may be reached at: Website: www.wswf.co IG: whitelivingglobal
    • In English
    • Feature
    2018-01-16
  • A.W. LAKE Establishes New H.Q. and Resilience-Based Wellness® Concept in Colorado
    A.W. LAKE, an award-winning wellness design firm based in Singapore, has recently acquired 16 hectares (40 acres) property in Colorado as the site of its new headquarters in the US. We are fortunate to catch up with Adria Lake to discuss their move as well as their focus on Resilience-based Wellness. [Wellness Today Korea] You have recently relocated to Colorado. What are your immediate and long terms plan for A.W.LAKE? [AL] We recently purchased a 16- hectares (40 acres) mountain top property bordering an additional 300,000 hectares (800,000 acres) of forest land and Rocky Mountain wilderness and are currently busy constructing our new Headquarters and Resilience Training and Wilderness Camp. After spending the last twenty years in the spa/wellness and luxury hospitality industry, we are exploring a new concept and approach to wellness, one that is based on our inherent resilience and evolutionary hard-wiring. [WTK] Tell us more about this new concept. [AL] We named the concept Resilience-based Wellness®. I became interested in the whole idea of resiliency after being diagnosed with early on-set of MS in 2014. As someone who has been extremely active and physical my whole life, the possibility of losing my mobility and neurological functions was unthinkable. After more than a year of tests, treatments, and grim diagnosis, my partner and I packed our bags and started our 6 months hiatus. It was early June and the start of winter in the southern hemisphere, so we decided to head to the most southern tip of Chile, a stone throw away from Antarctica, in the dead of winter and worked our way north. This wasn’t just another trip. I wanted to know if the same body that has taken me on journeys to more than 50 different countries, climbed peaks, crossed deserts and walked endless plateaus can still muster the strength to cope with the harsh Patagonian winter, extreme heat and dryness of the northern Chile’s Atacama desert, and the isolation of the world’s largest and inhabitable Bolivian salt flats in the Andes. At the end of my 6 months experiment the answer was not only a resounding “yes” but my exposure to extreme cold, heat, isolation, remote and unfamiliar surroundings, strengthened my nervous system, re-calibrated my immune system, and restored my health. [WTK] Define Resilience-based Wellness (RbW®)? [AL] Based on my own personal experience and backed by our evolutionary history, Resilience-based Wellness® asserts that the capacity to not only survive but thrive is encoded in our DNA. Through millions of years of natural selection, we inherited our ancestors’ resilient, resourceful, and productive genes. The frail, weak, disease prone and fearful of our species would have died out. This is how we have evolved to be the planet’s most successful species. [WTK] Is resilience mostly about pushing your physical limits, tough talks, and deprivation? [AL] I recently read about a group of elderly survivors, mostly women, of one of the worst environmental disasters on the planet who refused to leave their homeland and exposed themselves to a level of radiation 400 times that of Hiroshima. They stayed not as a dare or act of courage, but because to the babushkas (grandmothers) of Chernobyl, leaving their homeland was worse than death. They not only survived, but outlived those who left the “dead zone”. There are many other examples of extreme resilience from ordinary people in all walks of life. Resilience is defined as the ability to adapt well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress. Research has shown that resilience is ordinary, not extraordinary. We commonly demonstrate resilience. Children of abusive parents or those who grew up in destitute and impoverished surroundings; survivors of natural and/or man-made disasters; marginalized, mistreated, and exploited groups of people; victims of wars, terrorism, and extreme violence have, in the past and present, shown resilience beyond anything we can imagine. Resilience is not something that we need to acquire, attain, or learn. It is an inherent human trait. [WTK]: Wellness is a multi-trillion dollar industry that has continued to grow and gain popularity. Why fix something that isn’t broken? [AL] Wellness sells. But does it deliver? Wellness is an extremely successful brand/business that has gone from niche to mainstream by promising “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being” through a proactive or preventive approach to health that should, in theory, enhance one’s quality of life. Its appeal is intuitive. Who wouldn’t want to be well, feel good or do a bit of good. In a world full of adversities, wellness promotes and promises a healthier, happier, better YOU. The reality, however, is quite the opposite. According to World Health Organization’s latest report (released in January 2017) on the top 10 causes of deaths worldwide, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounts for 70% of the 56.4 million deaths, ranging from 37% in low-income countries to 88% in high income countries. All but 1 of the 10 leading causes of death in high income countries were NCDs. Non-communicable diseases or chronic diseases are usually caused by lifestyle factors. Four types of NCDs – cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases – account for almost two-thirds of all deaths globally. These are the very type of diseases that the wellness industry claims to reduce and/or prevent. Curiously, the industry bets its future growth on the rising costs of treating chronic diseases and the deteriorating health of the global population. [WTK] So, why has prevention-based wellness failed? [AL] Prevention has its roots in ancient traditions and systems of medicine. From the time we became conscious of our own mortality, the desire to preserve our health and prolong our existence has consumed us. Every culture, civilization, and even the most primitive community has developed their own complex systems of medicine and/or healing traditions. Many, if not all, share the same key principle of maintaining our natural flow of energy and living in harmony with one’s surrounding. Modern day wellness, however, thrives on its “we are under siege” missive. Celebrity bloggers, doctors, gurus, masters, and other wellness infallibles, want us to believe that we are helpless victims of external forces, stronger, bigger and smarter than us. They warn us against new strains of bacteria, virus, microbes, toxins, stress, pollutants, allergens, not to mention all things gluten. We wear devices that remind us just how sleep deprived, poorly nourished, lacking in work-life balance, and in need of more mindfulness, gratitude and a large dose of compassion we are to have a shot at happiness and well-being. The language and mindset of wellness is also tellingly cautious, anxious, fearful. We go on retreats to escape our taxing, toxic, stressful surroundings. We seek to surrender, accept, and abandon if we are not already abstaining from, detoxing, and treating whatever ails us. We count calories, avoid fat, cut sugar, and argue over everything else. We trust in Non-, Anti-, and Free- fill-in-the-blank labels. And, we want our water oxygenated, air filtered, food certified, sleep and steps quantified. Then there are the diet-tribes. The issue of what to eat has not only become complex and confusing, it has also taken a moralistic bent. This Us vs. Them approach is defensive, insular, divisive. Instead of fostering openness and reserving a healthy dose of skepticism, wellness can be tribal and trivial. And, far from enhancing our quality of life, our fixation on self-improvement and optimization has become an endless pursuit in of itself. So, while the wellness brand still sells and attracts millions, we are starting to see a backlash of wellness fatigue that may quickly turn into apathy or worse, distrust. [WTK] How is Resilience-based Wellness® different than prevention-based wellness? [AL] RbW® takes on a different approach and attitude towards prevention. Rather than striving to protect ourselves from external forces, control our environment, or fretting over the infinite number of possible threats, we focus on building our resistance to them. By exposing and opening ourselves to as many different types of unfamiliar situations and conditions, resilient individuals face stress, adversity, trauma, tragedy, and threats from a state of “readiness” and are confident that they will bounce back stronger and even more resilient. [WTK] Could you tell us what to look for in Resilience-based Wellness® and its applications within the Wellness industry? [AL] Resilience-based Wellness® advocates: Confidence – Resilient individuals project a sense of calm and readiness that come from practice and competence. Resilience is ordinary, not extraordinary. We all have it in us, but, practice makes perfect. Just as great athletes make winning look easy, resilient individuals thrive with grace. Clarity – Having a clear sense of purpose, drive and direction keep resilient individuals on course and moving forward despite of obstacles or hurdles on their way. Adaptability – Resilient individuals use their curiosity, creativity, and resourcefulness to stay flexible and buoyant in facing situations which are beyond their control. Community – as social animals, evolution conditions us to look after one another. So, although self-reliance is key to resiliency, we are hardwired to thrive together, not alone. Building and being a part of a strong community and kinship strengthens our resilience and anchors us to a common cause and purpose. How the Wellness Industry can be more resilient and stay relevant: Foster Confidence -- Lead the way in reversing the rising trend of the global health epidemic. We need to set a clear set of goals and unite to achieve them. The increasing cost of health care and deteriorating health of the global population may be good for business, but unless we deliver, our days are numbered. Bring Clarity – Question and challenge the accuracy of sponsored/industry backed research, conventional wisdom, and outdated government standards and policies that contribute to the global health epidemic. Our insistence on clarity, transparency, independent and rigorous reviews of data and information before they are disseminated will shine a light on questionable practices, misleading claims, and shoddy science and lift the thick fog of hazy (and lazy) logic masquerading as spirituality or wisdom of the ages that shrouds the wellness industry. Advocate Adaptability -- Be slow to judge and quick to adapt. In addition to preserving traditions, we need to create new ones, keep an open mind and start conversations that challenge the status quo. Be agile and change the course of global health and wellness by removing obstacles and doing away with small-minded thinking that thwart progress, growth, or real change in the world. Build a Community -- a community united by a common cause is unstoppable. The wellness industry is a force to be reckoned with once we stand behind a worthy cause, together. [WTK] How will RbW® prepare us for the future? [AL] Resilience is the future. As the rapid advancement in bio-technology, genetic modifications, DNA based research and medicine, VR, big data analytic, global connectivity, access to personal info/ health data, and our innate desire for immortality intersect, enhancing our resilience to diseases, environmental stresses, natural and man-made disasters, chemical toxins, and even death would be the most logical way to secure our future on the planet. So, whether we will be subjugated by machines and AI’s (artificial intelligence) or thrive alongside them; die off from diseases and environmental disasters of our own making or continue to evolve into formidable, intelligent and enlightened species will depend on our resilience and resourcefulness. [WTK] How will Resilience-based Wellness® drive A.W.LAKE’s new ventures? [AL] Our new headquarters in Colorado will house the Resilience Training and Wilderness camp. The large complex features fully equipped camp sites, Maker’s Studio & Gallery, Demo kitchen/Cooking school, outdoor wood- fire sauna and steam cabins, ice baths, and access to over 350 miles of hiking trails, white water rafting, canoeing, skiing, snowboarding, swimming,rock climbing, fishing, hunting, and forest foraging, wild life tracking, and the 333 Resilience Training program. A.W.LAKE Wellness USA is working with MAAD Design & Properties in the concept development, construction, set-up and management of the entire facility. MAAD, a design consultancy and property management company I recently formed with my partner and husband Marc Gerritsen, will focus on bringing Resilient Design principles to commercial, residential, and hospitality/leisure architecture and design. Last but not least, we are also launching our own plant-based Ketogenic functional food range, under the brand “S.M.R.T Body Fuel” later this year.
    • In English
    • Feature
    2017-10-17
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