"This is a true first for my industry,"says Annbeth Eschbach, CEO of Exhale. "It's a loyalty program that allows our Exhale guests and members to earn toward a vacation, or earn toward their next Exhale visit. But more importantly, they're going to earn points every time they prioritize their self-care." For every dollar spent at participating Exhale locations, Hyatt rewards you with 10 "Base Points" to use towards lodging at future destinations, fitness classes, or spa services. For example, 2,000 points (or $200 spent) earns you a free space in one of the spa's barre, cardio, HIIT, or yoga classes. And those with unlimited memberships at Exhale New York will earn five free hotel nights—just by paying their dues. (Check here to see how you'll personally benefit.)
For every dollar spent at participating Exhale locations, Hyatt rewards you with 10 "Base Points" to use toward lodging at future destinations, fitness classes, or spa services.
Both Hyatt and Exhale bring a history of innovation and thought leadership to the deal. Between its fitness classes, spa and healing treatments, and well-being programs, Exhale has been transforming the wellness world since the first location opened in New York City 15 years ago. "When we founded Exhale in 2003, we were convinced that what people wanted from the spa and fitness industry didn't exist. We set out to create and build a unique well-being experience that was a true departure from everything in the space," Eschbach says. "With Hyatt’s support, the Exhale brand will be positioned for global expansion—in free-standing locations, existing locations, and Hyatt properties where the brand and offering fits. We couldn't be more excited about the next path in the Exhale journey."
With wellness tourism growth outpacing every other sector, it's no surprise that the travel world is looking to boutique fitness for inspiration. Between 2013 and 2015, wellness tourism jumped 14 percent (to $563 billion)—more than twice the rate of general tourism over same period, says Eschbach. Global wellness overall is growing at its own quick clip.
With wellness tourism growth outpacing every other sector, it's no surprise that the travel world is looking to boutique fitness for inspiration.
Just because Exhale is expanding doesn't mean your favorite studio is going to disappear. According to Eschbach, they're happy with their existing hospitality partnerships—and the entire Exhale team will remain in place. Now they're just able to take what they do best and bring it to even more people.
"We are at a tipping point, in an era that is hugely focused on well-being, mindfulness and well living," Eschbach says. So what does that look like for the healthy traveler? Let's just say it's going to be a lot easier in the coming years to keep up your go-to wellness habits on the road.
Originally published on August 29, 2017; updated October 26, 2018 with additional reporting by Kells McPhillips.
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