Takeaways from No Vacancy Panel Discussion: Turning Guest Wellbeing into Brand Value

Written By Josephine van Damme

Date: September 17, 2025
Location: Design Talks, No Vacancy Expo

Panellists:

  • Kristy Ludbrook, Creative Director, Ludbrook Agency

  • Alicia Lynch, Director of Interior Design and Design Management, Marriott International

  • Juliet Ashworth, Creative Director, CHADA

  • Kris Abbey, Founder & Managing Director, Spa and Wellness

Wellbeing Beyond the Spa

The panel emphasized that guest wellbeing is no longer a luxury—it’s an essential driver of hospitality value. Today, wellbeing extends beyond the spa. It’s about creating experiences that make guests feel good, uplift their mood, and leave a lasting sense of renewal.

Wellbeing is holistic. It can be felt in the architecture, the design of spaces, the quality of light, the integration of nature, the artwork on the walls, and the warmth of a welcome at reception. For guests, wellbeing means belonging, privacy, security, calm, and an absence of jarring interruptions.

How Wellbeing Shows Up in Hotels

The discussion highlighted touchpoints where hotels can weave wellness into the guest journey:

  • Arrival Experience

    • Signature scents in the lobby

    • Detox water offered at reception

    • Refillable water stations in communal areas

    • Green walls and biophilic design elements

  • Atmosphere & Environment

    • Soft, calming background music throughout the property

    • Natural light and thoughtful lighting design

    • Quiet, restorative communal spaces that encourage connection and comfort

  • Sleep & Rest

    • Iconic initiatives such as Westin’s Heavenly Bed

    • Sleep programs with thoughtful touches: lavender on pillows, magnesium tea, or stretch bands at turndown

    • Sleep kits with eye masks and affirming notes from housekeeping (e.g., “You’re Beautiful”)

  • Nutrition & Movement

    • Healthy dining options focused on balance and nourishment

    • In-room wellness programs such as Capella Sydney’s one-on-one Pilates with Fluidform

  • Mindfulness & Relaxation

    • Sound bathing with instruments creating soothing vibrations for deep relaxation

    • Meditation sessions with local experts, such as monks invited by Capella properties

  • Human Connection & Local Integration

    • Partnerships with local artisans, food producers, and performers to bring a sense of place into the hotel

    • Bread, jams, or delicacies from local vendors shared with guests

Leading Examples in Practice

The panel highlighted standout hospitality brands with strong wellness philosophies:

  • COMO Hotels – Known for their commitment to holistic wellness, nutrition-rich cuisine, and properties that honour the spirit of place.

  • RAKxa, Bangkok – A globally recognised integrated wellness retreat offering world-class health and wellbeing programs.

Key Takeaway

Guest wellbeing is not defined by a spa menu alone. It is an immersive, sensory, and emotional experience starting from the moment a guest walks in. Every design choice, amenity, and gesture contributes to creating value—not just for the stay, but for the brand’s reputation.

 

Josephine van Damme
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