The Wellness Industry Exposed: What Most Hotels Get Wrong. TSHS – 112

The Wellness Industry Exposed: What Most Hotels Get Wrong.

Join Sam-Erik Ruttmann on The Social Hotelier Podcast as he dives into wellness and hospitality innovation with Celine Vadam of WeThink. Explore how wellness-centric hotel designs, technology-driven spa treatments, and inclusive experiences are reshaping the wellness industry. Discover actionable insights on collaborating with architects, using localized spa products, and making wellness retreats accessible for everyone.”

Our conversation tackles critical topics such as Wellness consultancy best practices, designing wellness spaces with authenticity and inclusivity, enhancing collaboration between consultants and designers, and leveraging technology to make wellness accessible to broader audiences.

Celine highlights the importance of strong concepts before design execution to avoid cookie-cutter solutions and discusses the role of personalized, locally inspired offerings in creating impactful guest experiences.

Key Takeaways:

  • Prioritize Concept Development: Establish a clear vision and feasibility study for wellness projects before engaging designers.
  • Innovate with Technology: Incorporate well-tech solutions, such as sensory pods and compression therapy, to provide impactful, cost-effective wellness experiences.
  • Foster Inclusivity: Design spaces welcoming to diverse demographics, from all ages to varying fitness levels.
  • Leverage Local Elements: Use locally sourced materials and scents to create memorable, unique offerings.
  • Avoid Overlooking Details: Ensure wellness spaces, like saunas, meet high standards of functionality and comfort.

This episode provides actionable insights for hoteliers, wellness professionals, and innovators eager to redefine the wellness experience. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking conversations!  Send us your questions by emailing Celine Vadam, inkedin.com/in/celine-vadam or Sam-Erik Ruttmann, email, sameriks@gmail.com  Add in the subject line: Wellness Question

Celine Vadam

The Art of Hospitality: Designing Spaces That Inspire and Connect. TSHS – 111

The Art of Hospitality: Designing Spaces That Inspire and Connect

Have you ever walked into a space and felt instantly at ease—as if it were designed just for you? Or perhaps the opposite, where a space seemed to push you away, leaving you feeling out of place? The spaces we inhabit hold incredible power, shaping our emotions, connections, and even our sense of belonging. Today, we’re diving deep into this idea with Ryan Anderson, the Vice President of Global Research and Planning at MillerKnoll, in a cozy fireside chat that promises to challenge the way you think about hospitality and design.

Ryan brings over 30 years of expertise in creating environments that don’t just look good but feel right—spaces that foster connection and comfort while leaving a lasting impression. So, grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s explore the art and science of designing spaces that inspire and connect.

Hospitality Beyond Aesthetics

With over 30 years of experience in furniture and textiles, Ryan brought incredible insights to our conversation. He shared that hospitality isn’t just about beautiful spaces and creating meaningful experiences. “Every space has a purpose,” he said, pointing out how the design of a hotel lobby or a café can transform how guests and staff connect. “Hospitality is a place-based phenomenon,” he added, emphasizing that great design can elevate both personal experiences and business outcomes.

Introduction of the concept of loving strangers

Ryan introduced the concept of “philoxenia”—the ancient Greek term for loving strangers. “Hospitality starts with making others feel safe and cared for,” he said. For instance, he shared how a simple gesture, like personalizing room amenities for a guest’s preferences, can create moments of genuine connection.

Takeaways

  • The design of spaces significantly impacts our emotions and relationships.
  • Cultural experiences shape our understanding of hospitality.
  • Great hospitality is about sincere care for others.
  • Place attachment is formed through our experiences in spaces.
  • Design can either foster or hinder a sense of belonging.
  • Sensory experiences play a crucial role in comfort.
  • Sustainability in design promotes well-being for people and the planet.
  • Technology should enhance, not replace, human connections.
  • Inclusion is essential for creating positive first impressions.
  • Employees should be treated as valued customers in hospitality.

 

Secrets Behind Memorable Design

Discover How to Grow Your Business Through Podcasting. TSHS – 110

Discover How to Grow Your Business Through Podcasting

Welcome to this episode of The Social Hotelier Podcast! Today, we are honored to host Noémi Beres, co-owner of Podcast Connections, an agency renowned for helping entrepreneurs amplify their voices through strategic podcast interviews.

With over 11 years of experience in content creation and online marketing, Noémi has mastered the art of storytelling and business growth.

Starting her entrepreneurial journey in 2007, she pivoted to launch Podcast Connections in 2020, creating a global network of clients and thought leaders. Passionate about engaging and valuable content, Noémi’s innovative approach and European flair set her agency apart in the podcasting world.

Five Podcast Tips from Noémi Beres

1. Preparation is Key: Always prepare your topics and talking points thoroughly before the interview.

2. Be Present: Engage fully with the host by grounding yourself and focusing on the conversation.

3. Respect the Host’s Time: Avoid treating the podcast as a pure advertisement; share stories and knowledge instead.

4. Invest in Basics: Use a quality microphone, proper lighting, and soundproofing to enhance audio quality.

5. Promote and Build Relationships: Promote your podcast appearances and nurture the connections you form during the process.

There are many more tips in this episode so stay until the end.

Amplify Your Business With Podcast

What Makes a TRULY Successful Marketing Strategy? TSHS – 110

What Makes a TRULY Successful Marketing Strategy?

In this episode of the Social Hotelier Podcast, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann speaks with Eric Dingler, a digital nomad and marketing expert, about the intersection of travel and marketing strategies.

He runs successfully a location-independent business.

Eric shares insights from his family’s journey as they travel the world while managing a marketing agency.

The conversation explores how the digital nomad lifestyle has reshaped Erik’s understanding of marketing, emphasizing the importance of simplicity in marketing strategies and the need for businesses to adapt to changing consumer behaviors. Marketing is simpler than many make it out to be.

Eric also discusses the evolution of web design and businesses’ need to gather customer information for effective advocacy marketing. In this conversation, Eric Dingler shares insights on effective marketing strategies for engaging customers, particularly in digital nomadism.

He discusses the importance of specialized landing pages, understanding customer needs, and innovative engagement tactics, such as the unique Yahtzee experience at a restaurant in Buenos Aires.

Erik Dingler has been traveling full-time with his family for over three years. The digital nomad lifestyle has become routine for Erik and his family.

Eric also delves into the challenges and benefits of raising a family while living a digital nomad lifestyle, emphasizing adaptability and the use of technology to maintain connections. He highlights emerging trends in the digital nomad community, particularly the increasing number of families embracing this lifestyle and the impact of remote work policies post-COVID.

 

 

A Digital Nomad’s Marketing Blueprint