Wellness Episodes

White Lotus and the End of Surface-Level Hospitality - Samantha Hardcastle
March 29, 2025

White Lotus and the End of Surface-Level Hospitality - Samantha Hardcastle

In this episode, Samantha Hardcastle , Founder & Creative Director at The Storied Experience , shares lessons every hospitality provider can learn from White Lotus. Also see: Official White Lotus Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Story-Driven Hospitality - Samantha Hardcastle These Slovenian River Guides Showed Me "Experience" Doesn't Have to Cost Anything - Samantha Hardcastle The Two Chemicals Behind The Best Hospitality Experiences - Samantha Hardcastle A few more resources: If you're new...
The Istanbul Insight: What Modern Spas Are Missing - Susie Arnett
March 16, 2025

The Istanbul Insight: What Modern Spas Are Missing - Susie Arnett

In this episode, Susie Arnett , a hospitality leader with deep expertise in wellness, shares insights on the historical and social significance of spas and how modern wellness practices can benefit from these ancient traditions. (00:20) Susie's recent hospitality experience (00:44) The roots of spa in Istanbul (01:16) Ancient Greece bathhouses (02:01) Modern U.S. spa culture (02:43) History of relaxation (03:16) Emergence of "alone time" (03:59) The shift from social to solitary (04:22) Extendin...
The Business of Better Sleep: Hilton's Wellness Leader Shares Her Strategies
March 14, 2025

The Business of Better Sleep: Hilton's Wellness Leader Shares Her Strategies

Today is World Sleep Day, and we're diving deep into the business and science of sleep and wellness by re-broadcasting a special event hertelier co-founders Emily Goldfischer and Nancy Mendelson hosted this week with Amanda Al-Masri , VP of Wellness at Hilton, and Emilie Hoyt , CEO of Lather . In this episode, you'll hear them discuss the importance of sleep in hospitality, how hotels create optimal sleep environments, and share their best tips for achieving better sleep. In this, we cover: (00:...
How Creative Wellness in Hospitality Is Elevating Guest Experience and Driving Revenue Now - Lou Zameryka
Jan. 12, 2025

How Creative Wellness in Hospitality Is Elevating Guest Experience and Driving Revenue Now - Lou Zameryka

In this episode, Lou Zameryka , founder of Alively and partner at Ventures Hospitality , shares insights on integrating wellness into hospitality to drive guest loyalty, boost satisfaction, and unlock new revenue streams. Check out these other episodes with Lou: Unlocking Human Potential: The Power of "Healthspan" in Hospitality - Lou Zameryka Building Booking.com: Lessons In Culture, Innovation, And Global Growth from Behind The Scenes - Lou Zameryka Send Josiah a text Take the Artificial Intel...
The Evolution of Motivations in Hospitality: Lessons from the 1980s to Today - Eric Jafari, AENDRE Group
Dec. 13, 2024

The Evolution of Motivations in Hospitality: Lessons from the 1980s to Today - Eric Jafari, AENDRE Group

In this episode, Eric Jafari , founder of AENDRE Group , shares insights into the evolution of hospitality innovation and how it can shape the future of the industry. You'll learn about: The origins of the lifestyle hotel movement in the 1980s. How Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager transformed the Executive Hotel in New York. The role of status and self-worth in the success of lifestyle hotels. The shift in priorities from status to self-actualization among Gen Z and millennials. The importance of w...
Beyond Bars and Clubs: The Night I Saw the Future of Social Spaces - Eric Jafari, AENDRE Group
Dec. 12, 2024

Beyond Bars and Clubs: The Night I Saw the Future of Social Spaces - Eric Jafari, AENDRE Group

In this episode, Eric Jafari , founder of AENDRE Group , shares the story of an eye-opening experience that redefined his understanding of wellness and innovation in the hospitality industry. You'll learn about: The historic role of alcohol as a "social lubricant" and its impact on social interactions. How the Gen Z consumer's reduced alcohol consumption is influencing new social experiences. The concept of wellness resorts and how they can offer more than just relaxation. Eric's personal experi...
The English Escape From Loneliness & Burnout - Penny Brown, Burgh Island Hotel
July 24, 2024

The English Escape From Loneliness & Burnout - Penny Brown, Burgh Island Hotel

In this episode, Penny Brown , Managing Director of the Burgh Island Hotel in England, shares insights into creating a unique and relaxing hospitality experience that helps guests disconnect from their busy lives and recharge. Listen now to learn about: The importance of the arrival experience - How the journey to the hotel and the initial welcome with champagne sets the tone for relaxation. Intentional design choices for relaxation - The decision to exclude televisions from rooms to help guests...
Guest: Penny Brown
How Our Beach Walk Arrival Sets The Stage for Wellness - Nikheel Advani, Grace Bay Resorts
July 16, 2024

How Our Beach Walk Arrival Sets The Stage for Wellness - Nikheel Advani, Grace Bay Resorts

In this episode, Nikheel Advani , co-founder, chief operating officer, and principal at Grace Bay Resorts in Turks and Caicos, shares insights on how wellness and first impressions create an unforgettable guest experience. Listen now to learn about: The importance of first impressions in hospitality How Grace Bay Resorts integrates wellness into the guest experience The therapeutic value of nature and beach walks The role of wellness coaches in enhancing guest relaxation Strategies for encouragi...
How I Stay Energized & Motivated As A Hospitality Leader - Sloan Dean, Remington Hospitality
June 1, 2024

How I Stay Energized & Motivated As A Hospitality Leader - Sloan Dean, Remington Hospitality

In this episode, Sloan Dean, CEO of Remington Hospitality, joins us to share his insights on staying energized and motivated as a leader. Sloan discusses the importance of self-care and how it impacts leadership effectiveness in hospitality. Listen now to learn about: Self-Care for Leaders : Learn why you can't give what you don't have and how taking care of yourself is crucial for taking care of your team and guests. Personality Insights : Discover how Sloan's ENTJ personality type and being a ...
Guest: Sloan Dean
Better Sleep for All: How Hilton is Going All-In On Helping Travelers Rest and Recharge - Amanda Al-Masri, Hilton
May 11, 2024

Better Sleep for All: How Hilton is Going All-In On Helping Travelers Rest and Recharge - Amanda Al-Masri, Hilton

Hilton’s 2024 Trends Report found the No. 1 reason people of all generations want to travel this year is to rest and recharge. In this episode, Amanda Al-Masri , Global VP of Wellness at Hilton , shares how they are innovating to provide exceptional sleep experiences and an array of wellness offerings across the company's brands. Listen now to learn about: The Evolution of Wellness in Hospitality: Learn about the journey from fitness to spa and wellness in the hospitality sector and how Hilton i...
Relearning How to Relax: Top Travel Writer Shares Tips for Hospitality Providers (Jen Murphy)
March 23, 2024

Relearning How to Relax: Top Travel Writer Shares Tips for Hospitality Providers (Jen Murphy)

Are we overdoing wellness in hospitality? In this episode, we're joined by Jen Murphy , a travel writer for publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Travel and Leisure, and Condé Nast Traveler. Jen shares her journey of relearning to relax amidst the plethora of wellness offerings in hospitality today. Listeners will discover: The pitfalls of over-scheduling wellness activities. How the pressure to "do it all" can lead to the opposite of relaxation. Strategies for hospitality pro...
Billionaire Wellness: How We Run The Wellness Resort Co-Founded by Larry Ellison (Oracle) - Alex Walterspiel, Sensei
March 12, 2024

Billionaire Wellness: How We Run The Wellness Resort Co-Founded by Larry Ellison (Oracle) - Alex Walterspiel, Sensei

In this episode, Alex Walterspiel , Co-President and Chief Operating Officer of Sensei , shares what it takes to provide exceptional hospitality focused on wellness to the most discerning guests in the world. Listeners will learn about: The Founding of Sensei : Discover the origins of Sensei , co-founded by Larry Ellison and Dr. David Agus, and their mission to impact the world by preventing illness and improving health. Customized Guest Experiences : Understand how Sensei tailors each guest's s...
The Keys to Better Sleep: For You and Your Guests - JD Velilla
March 9, 2024

The Keys to Better Sleep: For You and Your Guests - JD Velilla

Do you want to sleep better - and help your guests sleep better? I'm hearing more and more people talking about this now, and hospitality providers are in the perfect position to help people sleep better - but you have to approach this the right way. That's why I'm excited to have JD Velilla (IG: @AskTheSleepNerd ), the founder of Designing Sleep , joining us today. He specializes in creating great sleep experiences, and in this episode, you'll learn how to sleep better yourself and help those y...
From MTV Producer to Leading Wellness Programming: Lessons and Observations for Hospitality - Susie Arnett, Six Senses
Feb. 16, 2024

From MTV Producer to Leading Wellness Programming: Lessons and Observations for Hospitality - Susie Arnett, Six Senses

This episode is sponsored by Sojern - the #1 marketing platform for hospitality Susie Arnett is the Director of Wellness Programming at Six Senses Hotels, Resorts & Spas and one of the world's leading experts on wellness. In this episode, you'll hear what she's thinking about in this area and the opportunities it's creating in hospitality today. Articles referenced: Wellness Turns Nightlife on its Head Space as a Service 3 Ways to Cultivate Psychological Ownership in Your Guests Let's connect! J...
The Equinox Approach: Empowering High-Performance Living through Hospitality - Chris Norton, Equinox Hotels
Feb. 15, 2024

The Equinox Approach: Empowering High-Performance Living through Hospitality - Chris Norton, Equinox Hotels

This episode is sponsored by Sojern - the #1 marketing platform for hospitality In this episode, we're learning from Equinox Hotels CEO Chris Norton about how they built on the 30-year legacy of the Equinox brand to create what has become one of the most exciting new hospitality companies in the world today. Listen to hear their strong point of view, the details they're obsessed with, a deep dive into sleep, how they use their clubs as community hubs, and the growth opportunities they see now. L...
Trailblazing Hospitality: Why I Started A Race In My Community (And What I've Learned Through Running and Personal Development) - Sid Garza-Hillman, Stanford Inn
Feb. 10, 2024

Trailblazing Hospitality: Why I Started A Race In My Community (And What I've Learned Through Running and Personal Development) - Sid Garza-Hillman, Stanford Inn

If you want some inspiration on what it looks like to expand the definition of what it means to be a hospitality provider, you should listen to Sid Garza-Hillman today. Sid is the Wellness Programs Director at The Stanford Inn in Mendocino, he's the author of " Ultra Running for Normal People . In this episode, you're going to hear about why he founded the Mendocino Coast 50K ultramarathon in his community, how the Stanford Inn got involved, the impact of this - plus what he's learned about ultr...
The Vision of a Chief Wellness Officer - Dr. Romie Mushtaq, Great Wolf Resorts
Feb. 4, 2024

The Vision of a Chief Wellness Officer - Dr. Romie Mushtaq, Great Wolf Resorts

Dr. Romie Mushtaq is a board-certified physician and one of the most fascinating people I've met in hospitality. After spending six years as the Chief Wellness Officer at Evolution Hospitality, she moved to Great Wolf Resorts to be their Chief Wellness Officer - and in this episode, you're going to learn how she takes care of the people providing hospitality....with plenty of lessons for you and your hospitality business. Learn about Dr. Romie's book, "The Busy Brain Cure" Listen to our other ep...
How We Use Nutrition & Wellness Programming To Serve Our Guests - Sid Garza-Hillman, Stanford Inn
Jan. 14, 2024

How We Use Nutrition & Wellness Programming To Serve Our Guests - Sid Garza-Hillman, Stanford Inn

I recently had an incredible stay at the Stanford Inn in Mendicino - a small town on the northern California coast - and one of the things that stood out to me was their thoughtful approach to nutrition and wellness - not only in their food and beverage offerings but in the education and programming they offered. We're joined today by Sid Garza-Hillman , the Wellness Programs Director at the Stanford Inn, to learn about this and the opportunity it might present for you. In this episode, you'll h...
Boosting Revenue and Caring for Guests with In-Room Wellness Solutions - Haley Payne & Zach Webster, Pure Wellness [Sponsor Bonus]
Dec. 18, 2023

Boosting Revenue and Caring for Guests with In-Room Wellness Solutions - Haley Payne & Zach Webster, Pure Wellness [Sponsor Bonus]

This episode is sponsored by Pure Wellness In this episode, we're learning from Haley Payne and Zach Webster from Pure Wellness about the booming trend of wellness in the hospitality industry. You'll hear how wellness has become a key decision-making factor for travelers and how hoteliers can capitalize on this trend to provide better guest experiences and boost their revenue in doing so. Learn more about Pure Wellness Follow Pure Wellness on LinkedIn Follow Haley Payne on LinkedIn Follow Zach W...
Taking Care of the People Caring for Others - Nathan LaGrange, Oasis Rest International
Nov. 23, 2023

Taking Care of the People Caring for Others - Nathan LaGrange, Oasis Rest International

My parents work in ministry, and I grew up in a home where I always saw them giving to others. Something I've been thinking a lot about recently is how to take care of the people in our world who take care of others. It turns out there was someone in the Hospitality Daily community, Nathan LaGrange, who cares deeply about this. Nathan is the Executive Director of Oasis Rest International, and he and I had the chance to connect recently to discuss this and what he's doing at Oasis. In this episod...
Inspiring Change Through Hospitality - Jeff Stanford, Stanford Inn
Oct. 30, 2023

Inspiring Change Through Hospitality - Jeff Stanford, Stanford Inn

In this episode, we delve into the transformative hospitality and strong convictions of Jeff Stanford, co-owner (with his wife Joan) of the Stanford Inn in Mendocino, California. They are not just passionate about providing a great guest experience; they're committed to promoting plant-based eating, local travel, and a connection with nature. Join us as we explore how the Stanfords are using their inn as a tool to inspire positive change in the world. Join in the conversation on this episode on ...
Unlocking Human Potential: The Power of "Healthspan" in Hospitality - Lou Zameryka
Oct. 28, 2023

Unlocking Human Potential: The Power of "Healthspan" in Hospitality - Lou Zameryka

In this episode, Lou Zameryka discusses his transition from being an early leader at Booking.com and building that business to focusing now on health, wellness, and longevity. You'll hear about the importance of health and wellness in unleashing human potential, along with insights on how you can lead a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. But it doesn't stop there - stay tuned to learn the concept of "healthspan" - and the unique opportunity hospitality providers have in moving wellness fro...
Experience Above All - Philippe Zrihen, Ennismore
Sept. 1, 2023

Experience Above All - Philippe Zrihen, Ennismore

Philippe Zrihen is Head of Americas for Ennismore . In this episode, he shares how experience is central to both F&B and the wellness opportunity in hospitality today. Follow Philippe on LinkedIn Learn more about Ennismore Operating lifestyle hotel brands: Lessons from Philippe Zrihen at Ennismore (HotelOperations.com) Join the conversation on today's episode on the Hospitality Daily LinkedIn page . Hospitality Daily isn't just a podcast ! Every morning - Tuesday through Friday - I summarize the...
Building Resilience - Matt Welle, CEO at Mews
May 30, 2023

Building Resilience - Matt Welle, CEO at Mews

Could prioritizing mental health and wellness could actually make you a better leader and create a thriving work environment? Our guest today, Matt Welle , CEO of Mews , a hospitality technology company, shares his personal journey with mental health and the innovative wellness initiatives he's implemented at his global organization. Listen in as we discuss the importance of resilience in high-pressure environments, and how acknowledging mental health needs can lead to personal growth and succes...