Does Your Hotel Spark Joy? How One Luxury Resort Brand Is Redefining Wellness

"For decades, wellness trends have been grounded in discipline: consistent exercise routines, a daily meditation practice, strict elimination diets. But more recently, the focus has shifted, and researchers and practitioners are putting an increased emphasis on appreciating the little things in life and experiencing joy. Studies have shown that feeling joy-a distinct and complex emotion often linked to gratitude, connection, and awe-can contribute to long-term happiness and resilience."

"It's not surprising then, that the luxury hotel company Auberge Collection, long considered an expert in the wellness space, is rolling out a new line of experiences for their guests centered on happiness. In early November, the brand launched The Joy of Wellbeing, an initiative that will be tailored to each of its 30 properties, and that aims to help guests discover the movements, connections, and moments that spark joy."

"The program kicked off at Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington, Connecticut, in early November. I packed my bags, kissed my two young boys goodbye, and was whisked away from my bustling Brooklyn neighborhood in a Maybach, courtesy of Auberge. It was my first time spending the night away from my seven-month-old, and only my second time leaving my energetic (and often unruly) toddler. If anyone needed a chance to reset, it was me."

"A couple of hours later, we pulled up to the Mayflower House. The main guest building has a stately yet approachable New England feel. Once inside my room, with its subtle lavender and white striped wallpaper, floral curtains, and rattan lampshades, I was in heaven. A canopied king-size bed, a soaking tub, and a bag of fancy Swedish candies all to myself? The program was working; I was already feeling more joyful."

Wellness culture is shifting from strict discipline toward appreciating small pleasures and cultivating joy. Research links joy—a complex emotion tied to gratitude, connection, and awe—to long-term happiness and resilience. Auberge Collection launched The Joy of Wellbeing, a program tailored across its 30 properties to help guests discover movements, connections, and moments that spark joy. The initiative kicked off at Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington, Connecticut, in early November. A guest experienced a restorative overnight stay, including chauffeured transport, a canopied king-size bed, soaking tub, Swedish candies, and a morning walk through grounds past the pool and chef’s garden amid crisp falling leaves.

Read at Travel + Leisure