Say hiking
Say hiking and Peru in the same breath and most people think of the Inca Trail. But the Inkaterra approach is as far from backpacker-grunge as it gets. Its three hotels are for those seeking both adventure and creature comforts, and are now all strung together on a new Walking to Wellness tour, which spans the Amazon, Machu Picchu and Cusco for 16 days of adrenalin-pumping activities, healthy local food and spa time.
At Inkaterra
At Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, excursions are twice daily. The most hardcore are in the morning (partly due to the 5am wake-up call), taking on knee- knocking canopy walkways, cayman-ridden rivers in a kayak and jungle hikes.
Next it’s on to the Andes
Next it’s on to the Andes and Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel for treks around the everything-it’s-hyped-up-to-be Lost City of Machu Picchu. After scaling the steps of the 15th-century Inca citadel, it’s back to Pueblo for daydreaming in the Andean sauna, a candle-lit eucalyptus hut. There are also hot-stone massages with gems and coca-leaf oil (the same leaves that make the class A drug, so it gets the blood flowing).
The last stop is Cusco
The last stop is Cusco. The UNESCO World Heritage city is 3,400 metres above sea level and Inkaterra La Casona’s micro-spa is one of the few in the world where therapists ask if you want extra oxygen with your massage. This trip will leave you hyper-toned from trekking, massaged to knot-free oblivion and wide- and bright-eyed having soaked up all the marvels of the Incas.
Hosting guests can be a big feat, so anything you can do to make the process easier for yourself is essential. LoBello recommends creating the dining space in close proximity to the barbecue or an entrance into the house so as to save time running between the table and the kitchen.
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In decades past
In decades past, a trip to a spa was like a mini-vacation. Spas were more like resorts because you’d stay for a few days, and their expense meant they were luxuries most often reserved for the rich and famous. These types of spas, called destination spas or resort spas, still exist (and you don’t necessarily have to be a millionaire to visit one), but there’s another type of spa available now — the day spa.2
A day spa
A day spa may have most of the treatments and facilities available at a larger resort spa, but you only go there for as long as the treatment takes, typically an hour or two. Since you’re not spending the night, a day spa is quite a bit cheaper than a resort spa.3
Тhe right place
How do you know if a particular day spa is the right place for you? Here are five tips for making sure your day at the spa is safe, sanitary and utterly relaxing.4
Spa first-timer
If you’re a spa first-timer, the spa’s employees will help guide you through the various services and procedures, letting you know what’s expected of both you and your esthetician. Still, it’s a good idea to learn about spa etiquette ahead of time. These are general rules that most spas adhere to, but if you have questions, you should call the spa to find out how the staff does things.5
Spa employees
Be aware that spa employees have other appointments, so it’s important to arrive on time. This way, you can enjoy maximum relaxation and be on your way before the next appointment starts.
Survey reveals three quarters of leisure and travel industry workers love what they do
Experience management specialist Qualtrics Pulse carried out a job satisfaction survey, which revealed 73% of those who work in the UK leisure and travel industries are happy in their work and 13% claim to be ‘extremely satisfied’.
When it came to career progression, 58% said they felt there was opportunity for growth in their current job situation and 60% said they were satisfied with the level of recognition they received at work. Almost two thirds (62%) were pleased with their work-life balance.
The Qualtrics Pulse
The Qualtrics Pulse survey also found that two thirds (66%) of respondents were happy with their commute.
Earnings, however, stood out as an area where many workers felt unsatisfied. Just 52% claimed to be happy with their pay.
Travel industry
Sheila Kearney, travel industry director at Qualtrics, says: ‘Our research shows that workers in the hotel, spa and leisure sectors are largely satisfied in their jobs, but not necessarily for the reasons we might expect. While pay and benefits achieve low scores among workers, our Driver iQ analysis shows these are not the factors with the greatest impact on employee satisfaction. The behaviour of business leaders and achieving a work-life balance are the most influential in driving satisfaction and staff retention, and this is where hotel, spa and hospitality is getting it right.
Understanding
Understanding the key drivers to satisfaction and focusing on the areas with the greatest influence, the leisure sector can drive greater employee engagement and this in turn will positively impact the guest experience.
While pay and benefits achieve low scores among workers, our Driver iQ analysis shows these are not the factors with the greatest impact on employee satisfaction. The behaviour of business leaders and achieving a work-life balance are the most influential in driving satisfaction and staff retention, and this is where hotel, spa and hospitality is getting it right.