In the last several decades, boutique hotels have become a major part of the hospitality market. This article looks at the early development of boutique hotels on the west and east coasts during the 1980’s, and how those early concepts have been embraced by the hotel industry. Boutique hotels are a natural use for historic buildings. The history of the building (and associated neighborhood and city) can be used for thematic and design elements, while many historic buildings offer central locations advantageous to hoteliers. As part of this discussion, the article examines Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar in Philadelphia as an example. READ MORE

Golf communities may not be news right now, but one enterprising company is breathing new life into the concept. As well as selling a variety of home lots and providing a club house, restaurant, pools and activities, Clear Creek Tahoe in Nevada is adding five-star hospitality, a hotel attitude to facilities and service, and the added wow factor of providing a boating and ski lodge at Lake Tahoe, half an hour away. READ MORE

In this article, we explore wellness tourism and how the hospitality industry as a whole can better leverage wellness to maximize revenue. A new perspective and one that comprehensively addresses the domains of wellness can offer significant insights into maximizing hotel spa revenue by creating better products, experiences, and promotions. Further, research is introduced from Wellness Tourism Worldwide including PEACE, an acronym that frames the wellness traveler experience as both a mental process and as an outcome,. Other hospitality consultants weigh in on the subject. READ MORE

The word deprivation is defined as the state of being kept from possessing, enjoying, or using something – the state of being deprived. The word remains stigmatized by most, especially when referring to taking something away our basic senses. However, Sensory deprivation, or REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy) has more benefits than it name portrays – from deep relaxation and improved serotonin levels to relieving chronic pain to promoting healing and energizing your skin and immune system, nothingness is the new everything. Floatation is part therapy, part meditation, part transcendence and all relaxation. Classically known as sensory deprivation, floatation therapy is suitable for everyone. READ MORE

In today's world, we're connected in ways we've never been before. Our smartphones, tablets and laptops are great for building community and promoting businesses, but that constant connection brings high levels of stress - and our bodies are paying the price. Overexposure to environmental toxins exhausts us mentally, drains us physically and throws off our natural frequencies. By harnessing the healing properties of pure Himalayan salt in skillfully designed ways, hotels and spas, epitomized as places of rest and relaxation, can deliver the rebalancing our clients need and the calm they crave. READ MORE