By MaryBeth Matzek | Photo © Crystal Mountain

Spa offerings are a breath of fresh air for group outings and corporate retreats. In today’s busy world, taking some me time — whether it’s a few hours or a couple of days — at a spa is guaranteed to recharge batteries.

Brittney Primeau, the director of communications at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, Michigan, says adding spa activities to a meeting or conference is a growing trend as event planners want attendees to relax so they can better focus when it comes time for business. Non-stop meetings can quickly tire people out, she adds.

Making Time to Relax

At Crystal Mountain, which is about an hour away from Traverse City, pampering can begin at check-in with a mini spa treatment, such as a hand massage, Primeau says. “We work closely with each group to deliver the type of experience they are looking for,” she says. “Whether it’s a family, friends or business outing, we work with you in advance to decide what you want to offer.”

For business groups, that could include rejuvenation breaks in between meetings. “Attendees return to their sessions more relaxed and ready to focus again. Spa services can really enhance a meeting or experience,” says Primeau.

Kohler Waters Spa at the American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin, has seen an increase in the number of groups incorporating wellness activities into their events, too, says Melissa Abler, spa manager of Kohler Waters Spa.

“The spa is seeing our group business continue to increase with our guests being highly engaged in their time at the spa. These guests are looking for additional advice from our professionals on how they can maintain their wellness after leaving the spa, including stress maintenance, muscle relaxation, mindfulness and help with sleep,” according to Abler.

Depending on the business or organization, an event planner may set aside a whole morning or afternoon for spa services, or have them interspersed throughout the day, suggests Emily McConnell, director of the Chuan Spa at The Langham in Chicago. “Each experience is customized around the group’s time, agenda and budget,” she says. “Scheduling a group spa retreat is an organized process.”

Each with its Own Specialty

At The Langham, the process begins with an on-site tour for local planners, or a detailed video or phone discussion with an expert spa concierge if the planner is not in Chicago, to start deciding what to make available to the group.

“We discuss our spa facilities and help planners learn about our most popular experiences, which are the Harmony Massage and the 5 Wu Xing Elements body treatments,” says McConnell, adding the spa takes a holistic approach to wellness that embraces the centuries-old healing philosophies of traditional Chinese medicine.

The Langham, which has more than 15,000 square feet of meeting and event space, has two meeting rooms on the spa floor for the convenience of offering wellness-related group experiences. “Some groups prefer to have a full day of spa treatments, whereas others prefer to host meetings and have mini treatments or wellness breakout sessions between them,” observes McConnell.

Walk in to Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City, Nebraska, and you immediately feel the difference. “There’s a feeling of relaxation when you enter the property. Everyone is immersed in wellness for both the body and the mind,” says Kimberly Osterhout, director of sales. Lied Lodge hosts a variety of events — from bachelorette parties and church gatherings to business meetings and family reunions.

Popular wellness options that pair well with meetings include traditional fitness and yoga classes, or the spa’s more unique wellness offerings, such as crystal bowl sound meditation, scalp massages, facial treatments or alternative wellness classes. “Some groups, besides creating time in the schedule for spa activities, offer to pay for a treatment or treatments, and even share information with their guests about what they can expect at the spa,” Osterhout says.

When working with planners, she often suggests they leave free time in the agenda for attendees to explore the spa or head outdoors. “Then people come back from their break and say, ‘That was the best massage I’ve ever had,’” she says, adding the Signature Apple Blossom Massage and Heated Himalayan Salt Stone massage are among the most popular offerings. “Our focus on wellness really sets us apart,” emphasizes Osterhout.

Kohler Waters Spa differentiates itself with its focus on hydrotherapy using the deep-rooted power of water, and the contrast between hot and cold. Its most popular treatment is its Uniquely Yours massages and facials where the treatment is customized based on an initial consultation with the guest.

“Our relaxation spa is our most popular treatment, and we use natural and organic materials,” Primeau says about the spa at Crystal Mountain. “We also have a special men’s line of products and treatments.”

Designing the Right Experience

At Kohler, meetings can be hosted inside the spa using the Spa Café, which can include audiovisual equipment and refreshments. Or the spa can be brought to larger events being hosted at The American Club, the Inn on Woodlake hotel or the Riverbend private membership club with on-site massages, stretching exercises and scalp massages, according to Abler.

She adds that Kohler Waters Spa offerings go beyond facial and body treatments: “We can create customizable spa events for groups that include mantra bracelet making, workplace stretching, and mindfulness and breathing exercises.”

Kohler has an on-site group coordinator for the spa who can help coordinate activities, including spa treatment recommendations, booking assistance and gift coordination. Spa-related gifts are popular, notes Abler.

Both Crystal Mountain and Lied Lodge have an expansive outdoors that event attendees use as well. As the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified spa in the Midwest, Crystal Mountain has a peaceful, rural vibe with plenty of space for meetings and events, combined with the opportunity for a lot of outside activities, including golf, an outdoor pool and playground, the Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide, a zipline, canoe and kayak trips, pickleball and more. During the winter, skiing is a top choice.

Lied Lodge has 260 acres where guests can explore the outdoors and immerse themselves in nature, including its Treetop Village, a nature experience for people of all ages, where participants can explore 11 different treehouses connected by unique bridges and walkways.

A sense of wellness surrounds the lodge, even playing a role in its design. The resort, and spa in particular, uses a lot of wood and stone, while the indoor pool area is lit with natural light. According to Osterhout, “When coming here for meetings, guests make time for both the spa and being outdoors.”

McConnell believes an essential part of incorporating spa activities into an event is to fully understand the financial implications. She says planners should ask about any special fees, tipping and the cancellation policy. Just like no event is the same and no property is the same, no policies are the same.

Abler concludes, “No two treatments are the same either.” And that’s something your attendees can count on.