Category: Interview

Interview with Ms. Anne Biging, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Healing Hotels of the World

Healing Hotels of the World is an outstanding global brand of carefully vetted luxury hotels and resorts with a focus on holistic health and wellbeing. With more than 100 partner hotels worldwide, Healing Hotels of the World is an authentic and trusted source for holistic health in the hospitality field. Member hotels and resorts offer individual consultation for those who want to improve their health and lifestyle during a quality health vacation in beautiful surroundings. Each property is located in a natural environment, incorporating sustainability into their operation, is socially sensitive and embraces holistic health – meaning to understand the body/mind relationship with respect to health and healing.

This wonderful treasure for health-seekers today was originated from a lady’s vision of helping people change their lives for the better. Ms. Anne Biging, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Healing Hotels of the World, grew up in post-war Germany and thus developed from early on a strong sense that healing can indeed happen and that life should not be filled with fear and depression. Anne learned about health and well-being through the study of yoga, meditation, ancient Indian scriptures and several healing techniques. After traveling the world as a journalist and author, she successfully established her career in international tourism destination marketing and hotel consulting and then co-founded the Healing Hotels of the World. SpaChina interviewed Anne, a wise and joyful lady. She tells us more about the mysterious Healing Hotels and why people need healing experiences. 

What made you decide to establish “Healing Hotels of the World”? What is the philosophy and aim of it?

Many years of traveling as a journalist and author opened my eyes to the need of places that give you space to relax, learn, recharge and help you to get back in touch with your natural self. When I visited one of the first destination spas fully dedicated to healing, the Ananda in the Himalayas in India, I realized the value of these kind of hotels for the individual as well as change-makers for a new holistic lifestyle. This is when I decided to create Healing Hotels of the World, to promote this kind of hotels and to set quality standards.

The philosophy of Healing Hotels of the World is to stand for a true holistic lifestyle, which encompasses the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual aspect as well as our relation to the outer world. This includes social and environmental aspects. We let the world know that there are hotels and resorts where you can improve your life through holistic services, we set quality standards for these places and help them to enable the ultimate transformative journey for the guest.

It is our aim to reach as many people as possible to help them change their lives for the better and thus be a change agent for the betterment of the world. We know that Healing Hotels of the World and its partner hotels will become more and more necessary in the future, to counterbalance our modern lifestyle. As the only global brand for hotels and resorts with holistic services, we are the hub for this development. We also want to ensure the highest quality and continuous development in the services of these hotels.

What kinds of hotels are qualified to become members of “Healing Hotels of the World”? What are your selection criteria?

Hotels and resorts that offer holistic personalized guest journeys to improve their health and wellbeing are qualified to become a member of Healing Hotels of the World. The membership is by invitation only. It is subject to an evaluation process. All applications have to be assessed by our team in the German headquarters.

A Healing Hotel is not only a hotel with a spa or healing center – everything about the hotel is completely healing. Our criteria encompass all aspects of the hotel, guest rooms, services, nutrition, healing offerings, hotel management, its engagement for the community and the environment etc.

Do you offer any support to your partner hotel members in the aspects of operating, marketing, training and etc. in order to deliver better healing experience to guests and help the hotels achieve more revenue as well?

We offer consultancy to our partner hotels or hotels that want to become a member in Healing Hotels of the World. Quality is a key factor in offering a successful transformational stay for the guest. We consult in all areas of the hotel/resort. As we have a unique global expertise, we know what is important and where the challenges are. A well-functioning Healing Hotel will always be successful as it brings the right results to the guests. With our Healing Hotels of the World brand, the hotels get a worldwide exposure and positioning so that they are recognized as high quality Healing Hotels.

What are the differences between European/U.S. and Chinese guests when selecting healing hotels?

Of course there are many differences because of the cultural roots. Usually people are seeking something in other countries because they cannot find it at home. Interestingly, young people seem to have adopted a global culture so that they are the ones leading the new healing markets. Finding purpose in life plays a big role for them; they are looking for spirituality, meditation, yoga and also learning. For them, healthy nutrition is already part of their lifestyle.

Naturally, there is a difference in expectations regarding the culture of the guest. Chinese people and Americans have a shy approach to any wet areas, while Europeans hop around naked from sauna to sauna. Chinese guests are seeking their own spiritual roots but are rather quiet about it versus any Californian who meditates every day and loves to talk about it. In terms of alternative medicine, I think that most people from all countries are curious to find out more about it. And the fitness trend is a global one of course…

What kinds of healing hotels do you expect to see in China?

I think that China will merge into a primary market for healing globally in the future. For thousands of years, healing has always been deeply rooted in their culture and now it is coming back to the forefront. They understand healing in such a beautiful natural way and work earnestly on the depth and authenticity of the programs. They are very courageous in offering healing programs to the MICE market and also private guests.

What is your views on the developing potential of healing resorts and hotels? Do you think people today and in the future will show more preference for them instead of luxury or other themed ones?

The tourism for health and healing is growing twice as fast as normal tourism. The need for a healing vacation experience and learning how to lead a holistic lifestyle will grow in the same amplitude as our world gets digitalized, since it is the necessary counterbalance to our modern lifestyle. The true new luxury is to find health, wellbeing, happiness and a deeper purpose in life. This is what a Healing Hotel can offer.

Are you so far satisfied with what “Healing Hotels of the World” have done concerning a true improvement of individual’s physical and mental well-being, and maybe more importantly, their awareness and establishment of a long-term holistic healthy lifestyle?

We are completely satisfied with the feedback of guests who have visited partner hotels of Healing Hotels of the World. This feedback reaches from “you have saved my life”, and “you have changed my life for the better” to “I will come again and again”. It is a continuous process to establish a long-term holistic lifestyle. To foster this learning we have established an annual conference for the leaders of this progressive new lifestyle, the HEALING SUMMIT, and we educate the growing number of people, who are interested in a healing lifestyle, through our online magazine “JUST BREATHE MAG”.

As a leader of the global healing campaign, how do you personally live a holistic wellbeing life?

I have always been a seeker of the truth and have tried many things in my life that I thought would lead me to a greater understanding of life. For the past 25 years I live a life of daily meditation and yoga, healthy nutrition, focus on sleep and on becoming a better person myself. Kindness, joy, treating others with love and respect and tons of gratitude are my best friends!

Interview with Mr. William Chea, General Manager of Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich

With a warm greeting “Bonjour”, guests begin their “art de vivre” at Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich. It’s a place where French refinement meets Chinese artistry, seen from the chandelier in the lobby that combines France’s national flower, fleur-de-lis, and Guangzhou city’s official flower, the kapok, the fantastic painting “Fish Song” drawn by a famous local artist who spent long time travelling in France, the Parisian décor and French literature in the guest rooms, the premium selection of French wines in the restaurants, and a variety of themed activities held by the hotel to infuse French charm into every fiber.

Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich recently announced the appointment of Mr. William Chea as the hotel’s General Manager. With more than 32 years of extensive hotel experience, William has devoted his career to exceeding financial targets, guest satisfaction and talent development. Mr. Chea says he will lead the already outstanding team to a greater level, meet the ever-changing needs of customers nowadays, and further showcase the charms of Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich as a brand flagship hotel in China. SpaChina interviewed him to share his views on how a hotel can stand out amidst fierce competition as well as the key for the success of hotel spas.

What are the latest trends in global and China’s hospitality industry? And how does Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich meet market demand?

In the future, hotels will extensively use AI (Artificial Intelligence) and IoT (Internet of Things) technology to deliver more customized accommodation experiences, beyond what one could imagine five years ago. While waiting for the check-in, guests can open the player in their rooms and watch TV programs or listen to the music. The sensors in the bed will perceive whether you are asleep or awake and accordingly adjust the light and temperature in the room. So, in addition to our present offering of personalized services, we are now working on the development of a new concept – the “intelligent guest room”. It is predicted that in the near future, guests at Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich will be able to check-in before they arrive at the hotel and have control of in-room facilities in advance with mobile phones.

What is your management style? From your perspective, what are the key factors for a hotel’s sustainable development and continual revenue growth?

I believe that teamwork is the key for a hotel’s success and sustainable development. Cooperation among different departments is so important throughout the guests’ whole experience from reservation, arrival, check-in and dining all the way to departure. We really want to offer guests an unforgettable experience with our unique French art de vivre and hospitality. So in my management, I attach much importance to teamwork. Meanwhile, I welcome different voices. The hotel needs to be updated continually to meet the market’s ever-changing demands and I hope that the diverse voices can become the source for our innovation. Another key aspect in my work is for talent cultivation. I want to see that every staff member feels joyful in their work. I give them quite wide authorization and enough training so that they can offer guests better services. Only in this way can they keep growing in their career path.

How does Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich integrate French charm with local flavor?

As Sofitel’s flagship hotel in China, Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich maintains its French origin by embracing the essence of French art de vivre and, at the same time pays respect to the local traditions of Guangzhou. In addition to hotel design and facilities, we have launched a wide array of activities to perfectly combine the two cultures in the past seven years, including French music festivals, French wines and local art pairing, culinary art journeys, to inspire guests’ hearts and soul with the elegance and charm of France.

What is the role of wellness in a hotel experience? Do you consciously infuse wellbeing experience into hotel services? If so how?

Today, people no longer seek mere material satisfaction, but show an increasing interest in health and well-being. So there is a great urge to integrate wellness concepts into hotel services. Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich is dedicated to pursuing the art of health by providing a diversity of recreational, fitness and wellness options to help guests relax and rejuvenate. Guests can have beauty treatments or relaxing massages at So SPA or recharge themselves with the cutting edge equipment and customized training programs at So FIT. Furthermore, the hotel’s restaurant presents De-Light menu, exclusively designed for a comprehensive healthy lifestyle, which offers a set of healthy diet solutions by removing processed food, strictly controlling ingredients proportions and selecting only fresh local food ingredients.

What is the philosophy of So SPA? What kind of experience do you want to deliver to the guests?

So SPA with L’Occitane at Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich is dedicated to creating a peaceful oasis focusing on health, recreation and rejuvenation by combining world healing traditions with French modern cosmetology. Inspired by a typical French menu, the spa experience includes a whole process of appetizer – main course – dessert. This innovative spa ritual brings an air of new breath to today’s savvy travelers with every detail reflecting the elegant French spirit – enjoy your life. Have a traditional spa ritual to restore the energy of body and soul or enjoy a refreshing afternoon in the traditional sauna.

Now the 1980s and 1990s generations are the main consumer force for China’s spas. What are their characteristics and requirements? How does So SPA win their hearts?

In the next 10 to 20 years, the 1980s and 1990s generations will still be the main consumer force. They are eager to express their individuality. They seek highly efficient consuming modes and they know how to enjoy life and they love to try everything new. We have the first worldwide So Spa with L’Occitane and our focus is not only on providing world-class treatments, but also about creating a well-rounded experience that indulges guest’s five senses while calming and relaxing their body and soul. For example, we offer a range of innovative spa facilities to cater to the demands of the younger generations such as So Hammam, Deep Relaxation Room and a 30m long indoor swimming pool with underwater music. Meanwhile, we keep developing new programs to meet market requirements including massages to target jet lag and post-sport soreness, and gentleman treatments. We also continue to expand our retail options. Besides, we link our spa and wellness programs to our official WeChat account and online shop so that guests can be always updated with our latest news or promotions and easily purchase and reserve treatments with a click of finger.

Guangzhou has no lack of good day spas. How does So SPA compete with them to win more local guests, and improve the capture rate of hotel guests as well?

The renowned Cheng Chung Design is in charge of the design work of So SPA. They turn the spa into a Modern – Urban – Pure White world, with warm organic curves skillfully separating socializing spaces from private areas, totally different from the dim style of most spas. Then we have So FIT equipped with Life Fitness ranges to offer customized exercise services and tracing solutions. The 30m long panoramic indoor swimming pool boasts a view on the Baiyun Mountain and underwater music. All So SPA guests are entitled to free usage of So FIT facilities. We encourage socializing and communication of our guests, so we carve out an open area at So SPA where we can hold regular member activities of different themes such as Beauty, Wellness or So Yoga.

Are there any innovative wet facilities at So SPA? How important is wet facilities to spas?

The centerpiece is So Hammam. Besides, we have an Icy Room in the wet area which is floored with thin ice, ideal for rejuvenation after warm sauna and steam. The Deep Relaxation Room helps guests continue their sense of relaxation after the treatment with cozy loungers equipped with Wave Dream device, a unique ceiling animation technology imported from Switzerland consisting of a water wave projection for a truly surprising and relaxing moment. I believe that spa facilities are particularly important because they can provide guests with unique experience that touch their five sense. Guests, while choosing a spa, will also take into consideration of the facilities concerning its completeness, quality and functions.

What is the current situation of hotel spas? Do you have any advice for the development and profit growth of hotel spas?

The hotel spas in China have seen a comparatively stable development. With the rising consumption level of 1980s and 90s generations and people’s increasing awareness of health and wellness, hotel spas have received a new flood of younger visitors. However, the challenges are, these younger generations have quite different demands than conventional customers in the past. Besides, with the continual rise of luxury hotels in China, there is a more fierce competition among hotel spas. I think the new chance for hotel spas is “customized spa”, providing customers with tailored wellness and beauty solutions with the use of cutting edge technology. Moreover, as people’s consciousness to health keeps ballooning, wellness today has become a luxury industry which brings huge opportunities for high-end tourism industry. Therefore, it is also a future trend for hotel spas to offer guests innovative spa-travel experience.

Please introduce 2 signature spa treatments.

As the global first So SPA that partners with L’Occitane, So SPA at Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich perfectly integrates time-honored healing wisdom worldwide with unique French cosmetology. All treatments feature L’Occitane products, the world-renowned skincare originated from France, to deliver pure experience inspired by the natural plants extracted from Provence highland. We have two quite special treatments. One is So Exhilarating: a euphoric and soothing body massage, combining rocking and tasteful experience to shape and tone up the silhouette. The other is So Rejuvenating: a refreshing and tasteful facial care. Honey and cucumber combine harmoniously with the best of French technique to revitalize and bring back youth to the skin.