Reimagining a new R&R: Well-being and the slowspitality shift

In today's fast-paced world, people are increasingly seeking ways to slow down and focus on their well-being, with individuals prioritizing rest, self-care, and personal fulfillment. 

 This trend, dubbed "Slowspitality," has impacted travel and hospitality in the form of a growing preference for experiences that allow for reflection, relaxation, and reconnection. 

The New Quality of Time dives deep into this movement to unpack the implications for the hospitality industry, more specifically: 

Key Concepts: 

• The Pursuit of Well-being: A 2023 American Express report found that 73% of consumers plan vacations to enhance their mental, physical, and emotional health. 

• The Slow Travel Mindset: Travelers are embracing slower, more meaningful journeys, focusing on the experiences along the way rather than rushing to destinations. Luxury train and cruise travel are resurging as travelers seek immersive, unhurried experiences. 

• The New Workplace Expectations: This slowing down trend is becoming quite significant in the workplace as younger workers expect and demand more from their companies, with 44% of global workers saying the workplace causes them much stress. 

• Sleep Wellness: Accor’s Sofitel brand has pioneered initiatives like "The Art of Sleep," improving guest sleep quality through scientific research, sleep rituals, and customizable room environments. 

The global wellness market has seen remarkable growth, expanding from $4.9 trillion in 2019 to $5.6 trillion in 2022, underscoring the increasing focus on well-being in various industries.  

This shift is reflected in traveler behavior, with 67% of individuals now prioritizing rest and recharging during their vacations, highlighting a strong demand for wellness-centered travel experiences.  

Hotels, in turn, are incorporating wellness features such as circadian lighting, biophilic design, and sleep-enhancing programs. The Molitor Paris - MGallery is one such hotel, offering luxurious wellness experience with a Spa by Clarins, heated pools, hammams, saunas, fitness facilities, and personalized treatments for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Accor’s 6 Pillars of Wellness

At the heart of this well-being revolution, Accor has developed 6 Pillars of Wellness to guide its hospitality experiences:

• Balanced Digital
• Leveraging the Spa
• Holistic Design
• Bodies in Movement
• Active Nutrition
• Mindful Moments

To dive deeper into how these principles shape Accor’s approach to well-being, watch @Emlyn Brown, Global Senior Vice President of Wellness at Accor, as he shares insights into these six pillars and the evolving landscape of wellness in hospitality.

At the iconic Molitor Hotel & Spa, Emlyn Brown , Global Senior Vice President of Wellness at Accor, took part in a playful wellness word association game. He shared his insights on the evolving world of wellness, highlighting the key trends shaping the industry today—from mindfulness and movement to recovery and reconnection.

As travelers seek more mindful, health-focused experiences, the hospitality industry has an opportunity to position hotels as sanctuaries for rest and recovery with wellness-driven experiences like sleep programs, mindfulness retreats, and biophilic design. 

There is a clear and growing need for people to take a break from the fast pace of modern life, presenting a key opportunity for hotels to embrace heartfelt care for guests’ well-being as a core offering helping guests slow down and reconnect with themselves. 

Read The New Quality of Time here and jump to Chapter 1, “Slowing Down and Time Out’, to learn more about the trends driving Slowspitality and the opportunities for hospitality leaders. 

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