Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Crafts "Wellness Concierge" Program

By: Destination Club News
Date: May 10, 2011

Temperatures are starting to heat up and the pull of the beach is getting more and more popular as summer approaches, and with that comes a desire to look great in your beachwear. To not only help members accomplish this goal, but also the more important healthy lifestyle that is attached, the Ritz-Carlton Destination Club has introduced their "Wellness Concierge" program, a new service available to members that helps them put together a customized collection of efforts to maximize personal well-being.

The new program will be tailored to fit each member's individual needs by providing time with the wellness concierge who will craft a custom plan based on the member. This may include personal training, group exercise classes, a full selection of massage services, and even culinary components, all of which may include additional charges. Each property will also have its own unique selection of wellness services so members can maintain their program even while vacationing.

Tom Hays will serve as Wellness Concierge, brining 23 years of hotel industry experience and his Personal Trainers Certification to destination club members. Formerly a professionally trained chef, Hays will act as a liaison to members to assist with their personal needs. Beginning this summer, Hays will begin traveling to select Ritz-Carlton Destination Club locations to introduce the Wellness Concierge concept in greater detail to members.

"We are continuing to expand these types of experiences our members can participate in while in residence at our beautiful Club properties," said John Hearns, Vice President of The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences Operations. "We see the new wellness concierge series as a way for members to take a proactive role in managing their health not only when they are on vacation but when they return home as well."

Over the past several years, the Ritz-Carlton Destination Club has keyed in on unique subsections of their members, creating new programs for many. Last year, the club formed a partnership with Annika Sorenstam, focused in on the golfing audience. At the end of 2010, the equity destination club unveiled their "Adventure Passport" program, a new addition to their offering that allows children the ability to collect stamps at each destination.

Both of the previous Ritz-Carlton Destination Clubs jumped right out of the gate, with Annika going on a series of tours soon after launch and the Adventure Passport's immediate implementation. We'll see how the club's new Wellness Concierge program stacks up to these other offerings.