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that allows our guests and team to connect with each other and have more time to do the things they are passionate about .
H : Wellness and hi-tech usually don ’ t mix . Can you explain how the two coexist without too much friction ?
SY : There ’ s been a seamless synergy between the two throughout this process . Our team carefully selected tech-forward features that all serve a common purpose – to enhance the guest experience .
Honing in on wellness , we have weaved in subtle touches throughout the hotel that can ultimately improve a guest ’ s well-being – such as View Smart Windows that automatically tint windows to reduce eyestrain , headaches and drowsiness ; or electric autonomous shuttles with zero emissions . It ’ s also been helpful to see how Lake Nona as a
destination has been able to fuse the two together . For example , the community is home to a 650-acre health and life sciences hub , featuring the nation ’ s top hospitals , universities and research institutions , where wellness and tech work together ; the newly opened Lake Nona Performance Club with the world ’ s only Chopra Mind-Body Zone and human performance labs ; and WHIT , a first of its kind home designed with tech-forward features that promote sleep , relaxation , mental health , and nutrition , including hue lighting , health metric monitors , mobile apps and equipment for at-home exercise , and more .
H : Is this concept for everyone ? It seems to be more geared to a much more youthful guest .
SY : Our hotel is well balanced and offers quite an array of offerings , no matter the guest ’ s preferences . We offer access to the newly opened Lake Nona Performance Club for those interested in focusing on their wellness through Deepak Chopra ’ s programming ; custom art installations and experiential pieces for guests more so interested in art and culture ; several food and beverage venues with an awardwinning culinary team at the helm for our foodies ; self-driving shuttles for those looking to explore the destination ; and a vibrant pool deck for those wanting to lounge and relax in the sun . No matter their interest , guests can find a nook within the hotel that ’ s the right fit for them .
H : Your team is free for hi-touch , so what will become their focus based on the unique hotel environment in which they are operating ? Can you offer some specific examples ?
Rendering of the Lake Nona Wave hotel pool deck
20 hotelsmag . com September / October 2021