The wellness industry in India has seen an upward surge in recent times. As ailments rise alongside Air Quality Indexes (AQIs) of the country’s metropolises, self-care practices and healthier lifestyles have become non-negotiable. From Whatsapp forwards to indigenous methods prescribed by the friendly neighbourhood aunty, we are consciously making an effort to safeguard our physical and mental constitution. Speaking of this, health has gone beyond the body and now features the wellbeing of the mind — a long overdue inclusion. With stress afflicting our lives round the clock, it’s imperative to stop and look after ourselves. Frequent travel, whether we like it or not, comes with jet lag, disquietude and physical malaise. Hotels have become cognisant of this and are delving into practises that aid guests with a relief from their strenuous schedules. There are various aspects to this; here’s an analysis of the latest wellness trends in the hospitality industry.
Eating clean
According to research by CWT, a business travel management company, business travellers from across the globe, including those from India, are making their health a priority on corporate trips. Around 72 per cent of Indians in the survey stated that they make better eating choices while travelling for work. As gastronomy trends like farm-to-fork, organic and vegan become common dinner table terms, Indian hotels too have started incorporating them across their menus, from breakfast to fine-dining.
At Marriott, chefs follow a concept called ‘go local’, where culinary experiences are curated keeping in mind seasonal and provincial ingredients. “Particularly, at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, herbs are picked from the chef’s garden where we grow pesticide free herbs and leafy vegetables,” says Neha Chhabra, director of operations, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar. “ We also liaison with local farmers from nearby cities for our daily farm fresh produce including berries, lettuces and certain vegetables.”
Also part of Marriott International, The St. Regis Mumbai too uses fresh and local components at its restaurants. “The hotel consciously sources a lot of its fresh produce and products such as tea shoots, mustard shoots and amaranth from local farms practicing techniques like hydroponic farming,” says Chef Paul Kinny, culinary director, The St. Regis Mumbai. The cheese and berries were previously imported internationally are now sourced locally at this hotel.
Affirming to this global shift in consumption, Shangri-La Hotel, Bengaluru has inculcated superfood stations at its daily breakfast. “Nutritious delicacies like moringa smoothies, green shakshuka, wheatgrass yoghurt and ragi idlis have been introduced in our breakfast buffet. These power-packed bites keep the business traveller feeling light and energetic throughout the day,” says Rakesh Sethi, resident manager, Shangri-La Hotel, Bengaluru. This property in the heart of India’s Garden City also places emphasis on sustainably sourced and organic ingredients. “Diners at our restaurants can expect menu options which are rooted in nature.”
Importance of sleep
As per forensic examiner and expert in the physiology of sleep, Dr. Merrill Mitler, sleep services all aspects of our body in one way or another — molecular, energy balance, intellectual function, alertness and mood. “Loss of sleep impairs levels of reasoning, problem-solving and attention to detail,” explains Mitler. While travelling for business or leisure, a good night’s sleep is crucial. Hotels are apprised of this and are attempting to curate idealistic sleep patterns for their guests.
Rajiv Kapoor, general manager, Fairmont Jaipur believes that sleep is one of the most pivotal experiences for a traveller and allows a hotel to showcase the true meaning of luxury. “At our hotel, we offer a ‘pillow concierge’, a special menu offering different options of pillows to choose from, including a body, a memory foam and a contour pillow, amongst others,” he says.
Quite apparently Accor Hotels’ takes their guests’ snoozes quite seriously. Sofitel Mumbai BKC boasts the brand’s trademark called Mybed™ — an all feather bed combined with an extra-light down duvet that is fitted in every room. “Adding to this, guests at Sofitel Mumbai BKC can treat themselves to ‘The Sleep Menu’, a pillow menu which is a part of the in-room amenities allowing you to pick as per your comfort level. Be it firm, fluffy or adjustable, the menu is designed for sheer relaxation,” says Manoj Chauhan, spa manager, Sofitel Mumbai BKC.
Minu Budhathoki, spa manager, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru also believes that the “bed is always the focal point of ensuring undisturbed rest to their clients.” She explains how the hotel company has spent the last 50 years in partnership with experts and in consultation with guests to perfect the science behind the mattress. “Now, in partnership with Simmons Bedding Company, Four Seasons invites you to experience the latest innovation in bedding with the all-new mattress collection designed exclusively for Four Seasons. This fully customisable collection allows them to choose the desired level of firmness by selecting from one of three mattress toppers: Signature, Signature Plush and Signature Firm,” she says.
Self-care and mindfulness
Along with sleep and disciplined nutrition, another aspect that’s gained its rightful prominence in wellbeing is self-care and mindfulness (the process of bringing one’s attention to the present moment). A healthy state of mind is as important as a well-functioning gut; and the hospitality industry is also closely paying heed to this evolving phenomenon.
“Work travel is filled with delayed flights, traffic jams and long lines, to name a few triggers. Therefore, it has become incredibly important for business travellers to make their mental health a priority while away,” says Biswajit Chakraborty, general manager delegate, Pullman & Novotel New Delhi Aerocity. “At Woo Wellness Spa & Salon, we deliver tailor-made, anti-stress and purifying spa experiences. Amidst the chaos, it’s a retreat for the mind body and soul. Everything that one can see, taste, touch, hear and smell harmoniously helps bring a welcoming balance to your energies,” he adds.
The spiritual practice of yoga is also another way to stay connected with your inner self. Yoga sessions that incorporate ancient traditions of ashtanga and hatha find their presence at ITC Grand Goa Resort & Spa’s Kaya Kalp — The Royal Spa. “It helps customers in rediscovering the mind-body balance within,” explains Bhagwan Balani, general manager, ITC Grand Goa Resort & Spa. “The yoga and meditation sessions are held on the resort grounds and combine pranayama breathing methods with gentle energy-awakening yoga poses to optimise health, nurture body rhythm to relieve stress and celebrate the simple joys of living.”
Seconding the importance of mindfulness in today’s stressful age, Poonam Sahu, manager, spa at The Leela Palace New Delhi says, “Most of the business guests are in need of self-care and want to incorporate mindfulness programmes in their regimen.” In tune with this, the hotel’s spa team designs and customises yoga and meditation sessions as per personal needs. They also organise group yoga sessions for corporate travellers.
Nature’s perception
With global climate change becoming a reality we cannot ignore anymore, it has become imperative to be aware of our environmental impact. Not only are hotels encouraging their guests to spend time amid nature, but they are also making sure that their customers breathe better quality air. “Keeping in mind the rising levels of pollution and degrading levels of air quality of Delhi, The Oberoi, New Delhi features advanced air filters throughout the hotel to provide clean and fresh air to their patrons,” says Jay Rathore, senior vice president and general manager, The Oberoi, New Delhi.
To catch a break from their hectic work trips, business travellers are also looking at destination spa properties. Designed to offer a brief escape from the mundanity of life, is Atmantan Wellness Centre. Nestled on a unique ‘crystal’ hill (that lends the land healing frequencies), the centre overlooks the pristine Mulshi Lake. The property prides itself on a solar hot water installation system, a bio-filter system for sewage treatment, and follows practices like vermiculture and rainwater harvesting. The centre holds most of its therapies and meditation sessions on the natural landscape. “Wellness experiences like yoga and hydrotherapies are incorporated outdoor, where one can learn about the goodness of nature and contribute to it as well,” says Nikhil Kapur, co-founder of Atmantan Wellness Centre.
Another notable destination spa resort that brings you close to the natural world is Ananda In The Himalayas. Located in the Himalayan foothills in north India near Rishikesh, all yoga and meditation activities at Ananda are conducted in the countryside. They also organise certain immersive experiences that bridge the gap between guests and the planet. “Treks are organised twice a week to the Kunjapuri temple; we feel it’s a great way to bond with fellow travellers and Mother Earth. You can also go for walks or jogs,” says Mahesh Natarajan, senior vice president, marketing, sales and business, Ananda In The Himalayas. The Ganges is also walking distance from the resort, where you can sit alongside the river to relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings.
