There have been vast changes in the travel industry over the last 30 years. As with many things in life, travelers today want more out of their travel. They want to see more than a new place. Do more than try new foods. They want travel to be an encompassing experience, that experience differing for each traveler. Two of the hottest trends to appear in the changing travel landscape are ecotourism and wellness travel. While both are noble and noteworthy ways to travel it can often feel as though travelers have to opt for one or the other. You’re either in a small hut in the jungles of Thailand helping local villages, or at a spa retreat treating your mind and body. But one hotel has made it it’s mission to offer travelers both. 

When Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts came to life in 1980, in Switzerland, it started with just a few hotels and a mission: to treat guests, team members, and the environment with equal respect. Since then they have become an internationally renowned hotel chain with over 30 deluxe hotels in 17 countries, across five continents. Although their size has changed, their mission hasn’t. 

On the sustainability front, Swissotel, consider themselves guests of the world. Which means keeping sustainability at the forefront of everything they do including respecting the environment and local communities. Since 1999, they have actively sponsored SOS Children’s Villages, which is an international organization that supports children. Additionally, all of their properties have been ISO-certified in Quality, Environmental, Health & Safety Management and Food Safety. 

This effort for sustainability also applies to it’s guest. With a focus on health and well-being Swissôtel is all about Living It Well; from it’s relaxing environment to it’s in-room exercise tools to healthy cuisine and even a custom juicing menu. 

Swissôtel provides workout equipment in each room including aero steps, Swiss ball, TheraBand, sports map, Pilates ring, and a set of exercise cards always available. For those travelers with a quest for fitness and a serious case of wanderlust. Swissôtel provides local vitality maps so you can walk, jog or just explore the world around you. 

The Live It Well concept also translates to it’s food menu and beverage offerings. Most notable are their Vitality Drinks, prepared by Swissôtel best bartenders with handcrafted infusions or syrups using fresh, seasonal ingredients like this refreshingly, tart Morning Drink that I recreated at home. 

MORNING DRINK N°1

Ingredients

• Juice of 1 orange
• Juice of 1 grapefruit
• Juice of 1 lime
• A portion of lettuce
• 5 mint leaves
• 20 ml agave syrup
• Ice
• Garnish: Grapefruit chips, mint sprig, lettuce leaf, sesame seeds.

Directions

Blend the first 5 ingredients in a blender. Top with garnish. 

Many of the Vitality Drinks are made using the juice from fresh fruits or vegetables. The juice contains most of the vitamins, minerals and plant chemicals (phytonutrients) found in the whole fruit. Juicing has been known to help cure the effects of flu, allergies, and dry skin among other ailments. While also providing key nutrients to boost your immune system and recover from a workout or dehydration. 

It’s apparent that Swissôtel has committed itself to merging two of the hottest trends in travel under one encompassing experience while satisfying travelers needs for the total experience, especially given their convenient locations in some of the most happening cities around the world including Berlin, Beijing, Amsterdam, Sydney, Lima and Chicago to name a few. 

Keep up with Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts on social media at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by FRHI Hotels & Resorts in conjunction with Blog Meets Brand and I have been compensated for my participation. All opinions are my own.