Marketing Travel & Hospitality’s Mini-Indulgences

Encouraging the sampling of travel products and services is a good method to generate much needed revenue in this downtown and take advantage of available staff with more time on their hands. With this in mind, we’re seeing more and more travel products offering “mini indulgences”, scaled back versions of their full product lines. Here are some examples that caught our eye:

• The newly opened 89,000 square foot, $15 million spa of the Grand Velas Riviera Maya  features a signature water journey – a relaxation ritual built around the use of the eight, specially designed water-based facilities. There are also personal spa valets to provide personalized direction to make sure guests get the most out of the hydrotherapy experience. Guests who book a 50-minute treatment get the journey included, or the water journey experience alone is $50. 
   
• Italian Connection, which specializes in 29 owner-led walking, cultural and cooking tours thorough out Italy – usually lasting 7-8 days – is now offering 1-2 day walking and cooking tours in Sicily and the Dolomites (Italian Alps), designed for travelers looking to sample a different Italian experience with a minimum commitment of time and money.  At $250, these are ideal as an “add on” to any itinerary, or just get a taste of what is on offer.
  
• Miami’s Four Seasons Hotel pool terrace – a destination in itself – is promoting a “Dive into Decadence” $25 daily pool pass, which comes complete with lounge chair, towels and poolside amenities. Those feeling more indulgent can book a 4-person cabana for the day for $150, which includes cocktails, water and fruit platter.  
  
• Sister property Four Season’s Las Vegas also has a spa sampler “Daycation Package” – $140 buys a 50-minute spa treatment, use of the health club and all-day pool pass, which comes with it own signature services of chilled Evian mist, cold towels, sunglass cleaning and cool cucumber slices for eyes and fresh fruit.