Bending to the latest wellness trends
Andy Puddicombe, Headspace co-founder and meditation expert, became the first member of the council as the authority for the "feel well" pillar.
"Our mission is to be a partner in our guest's well-being before, during and after their stay. It is the motivation behind this movement. I believe the idea of mindfulness, to keep one's mind healthy, is the next trend of well-being," says Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader for Westin Hotels.
Headspace offers customized content such as guided meditation exercises in terms of video and audio via Westin.com, to help them relax on the journey. Westin is the first hotel brand to launch a global mindfulness and meditation program, and it will announce more partnerships.
"The online hub is accessible and convenient. They can start a healthier lifestyle not just in our hotels also in their daily lives," Ooi says.
"We like to use the opportunity to go back to how to slow down, to spend time concentrating on one thing at a time. With only 10 minutes, meditation helps you focus better," she says.
Guests can meditate anywhere in the Westin hotels, at gyms, guestrooms or by the side of the swimming pool. They can even do it in the lobby while sipping a cup of tea.
"Mindfulness is very important. Like when we eat, we focus on the food we eat. When we exercise, we focus on the experience of exercise," Ooi says.