ExPEriENcEs
thE WiNNEr:
canyon ranch in lenox
thE iNNovatioN:
shinrin-yoku or Forest Bathing
thE uNiQuE factor: Canyon Ranch
in Lenox draws inspiration from the
long-held Japanese tradition of forest
bathing, called shinrin-yoku. The spa
introduced this form of nature therapy to
afford guests the experience of inten-
tionally reconnecting with nature.
“Our approach to creating this 90-
minute experience culminated after 18
thE WiNNEr:
four seasons resort
lanai
thE iNNovatioN:
Zenset Horse Yoga
thE uNiQuE factor: Recognizing
the power of the human and animal
connection, Four Seasons Resort Lanai
takes yoga to a whole new level through
its Zenset Horse Yoga. To give guests a
unique experience, the spa created a
thE WiNNEr:
salt of the Earth
thE iNNovatioN:
Custom Blend Bar experience by
salt of the earth
thE uNiQuE factor: Sleek and
portable in design, the Custom Blend Bar
adds a personalized touch to the spa retail
experience as guests are able to select
seasonal scents, essential oils and 72 trace
mineral complexes from the Great Salt
Lake, which they could add to body
months of academic and experiential
research,” says VP of Experience
Development Molly Anderson. To make
it an immersive experience, the spa
decided to combine elements from
spiritual training with a Shaman, breath
work with a yogi and mindfulness
sessions with a certified trainer to help
guests connect with nature using all five
senses.
rain poncho and go outside—just to be
outside,” says Anderson.
thE succEss: The experience earned
the spa positive feedback from guests.
“Attendance and interest have been
strong. Guests are willing to put on a
yoga session that combines horses,
stables and sunsets. “Guests can
reconnect mind, body and heart to the
natural world—enjoying
yoga, meditation and a shared-space
experience in the horses’ home
environment,” says Spa Director Shaw
Cote.
for guests, many of whom have never
been close to horses until the day they
experienced the unique yoga.
thE succEss: The introduction of
Zenset Horse Yoga has given Four
Seasons Lanai a new opportunity to
make the experience more memorable
creams and detoxifying mineral salt
scrubs. “Our fresh, natural ingredients are
easily stored and mixed in our sleek,
portable wood and steel bar. The best part
is, clients can bring back the jar for a refill
so it never sees a recycling bin, or even
worse, a landfill,” says CEO Paul Heslop.
thE succEss: Spas like The Ritz-
Carlton, Amelia Island have found
success in using the Custom Blend Bar
to help drive retail revenue. “We invite
hotel guests to join the spa’s 30-minute
educational classes to learn about
essential oils and the salt we use in
body scrubs. Then, we invite them to
blend their own product after,” says
Gary Virden, director of spas and recre-
ation at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.
September 2018
■
PULSE
43