For many, the concept of wellness may appear as "trendy," but esteemed pro, Luna Maye, director of wellness and spa for the W Philadelphia, knows that the pursuit of well-being is a way of life, and not just a fad. Through extensive experience in sound therapy and luxury hospitality, Maye has learned that wellness truly connects to all facets of life, much more than most realize.
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For many, the concept of wellness may appear as "trendy," but esteemed pro, Luna Maye, director of wellness and spa for the W Philadelphia, knows that the pursuit of well-being is a way of life, and not just a fad. Through extensive experience in sound therapy and luxury hospitality, Maye has learned that wellness truly connects to all facets of life, much more than most realize.
These "golden threads," she noted, bring practitioners and clients together through practices like sound meditation, bodywork and mindfulness. Maye sat down with WellSpa 360 to discuss why contrast therapy is favorite trending service, the power of energy cleansing after a long day of work and why it's okay for self-care to look different everyday.
1. What was your first job in the spa/wellness industry?
My first opportunity as a full-time sound therapy practitioner was at Haven Wellness in Fishtown. The owners really saw me and welcomed me with open arms to build out community programming for sound bath experiences.
2. What is your favorite memory of your time working in this industry?
Over the last eight years as a full-time sound therapy practitioner and recording artist, and the last 14 years as a luxury hospitality professional, I have been continuously inspired by how the intersection of wellness, music, hospitality, art and culture can speak to and connect all people from all walks of life. One thing to highlight is how connective all of these things can be for us. From supporting with sound therapy in a home birth, to executives closing a multi-million dollar deal, to women’s circles with four generations present, to sober-curious state-of-the-art ambient concerts and supporting professional athletes reach peak performance mentally and emotionally, I’ve been humbled by the golden threads that connect us, and the role wellness practices, sound meditation and artful hospitality play in making that so.
3. What do you love about spa and wellness?
When I think about the world that we as a team welcome our guests into every day, it’s a world where they can connect to their true nature, even in the heart of the city.
4. What new wellness trends do you find most exciting?
Contrast therapy 100%. I do it a minimum of three to four times a week. To me, it’s not a trend because it’s something our ancestors have been doing for generations. That’s the thing about true wellness, so much of it is transcending the concept of trend, and stripping away to the tried and true ways in which we would work with the natural biochemistry of our bodies and how they connect with nature.
5. What’s the first thing you do after a long day at work?
An energy cleanse. I do a few rounds of breathwork to open and clear the pathways of the physical and emotional body, and I use a cooling spray in our spa office fridge that’s there for the whole team to refresh, reset and release the energies of others, and come back to center and our own energy and selves.
Related: The Growing Trend of Contrast Bathing to Boost Recovery
6. What’s your favorite wellness treatment to receive and why?
My favorite AWAY Spa treatment to receive is our Go Deep Massage and Daily Facial. I strength train and carry tension from that and office posture to which I find so much physical and energetic release through the patterns of motion and pressure in the body treatment.
7. What’s your greatest accomplishment?
Listening to what my five-year-old self would want and seeking her approval over anyone or anything. Along with overcoming darker seasons of mental and emotional health, and being a space of acceptance for the heavier emotions of life within myself and within others. A more tangible answer to the question could be how I was able to provide for myself from the age of 21 and build a career as a hospitality and wellness professional, sound therapy practitioner, and recording artist where I allowed all passions to merge together and follow the vision of my heart without compromising my truth.
8. What advice do you have for someone just getting started in the industry?
Trust yourself and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Pay respect to those who came before you, and seek to follow what lights you up, not what the algorithm says will get you more engagement. Wellness is not a trend, it’s a way of life – so define what being well means to you, and shine the light of your heart unapologetically, and leave space to welcome others to do the same.
9. What’s one thing you can’t leave the house without?
My trace mineral-infused water bottle and KA! Tincture.
10. What’s your guilty pleasure?
Italian Hoagies; it’s in my DNA, my mother had them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner when she was pregnant with me! Liberty Kitchen in Fishtown, Philadelphia is the spot to go!
11. Who or what inspires you?
My friends and community. I am so in awe of how we have all evolved together as a chosen family, and celebrated each other through the different stages of life and expression. My beloved too, he’s a private guy so I won’t mention his name, but that man has shown me the essence of discipline, devotion and commitment to self and our love.
12. How do you practice self-care?
It changes day to day. Honestly, some days it’s nothing more than just coming home, hopping into my oversized furry robe, and being in a quiet cozy space with myself.
13. What is on your bucket list?
I want to live an extended period of time abroad in Europe. I feel really connected to how Italian and Dutch people live their lives and my feminine energy feels really at home there. Also, I dream of doing my JOURNEY Ambient Concert under the Aurora Borealis with an Orchestra – it will happen!
14. What's on the horizon for AWAY Spa?
This team is incredibly special and talented. I’m grateful to support them and shine a conscious spotlight on how they show up each day in service to our shared vision for each other and our guests. You can also expect an even more elevated level of guest experience and a folding in of immersive state-of-the-art wellness experiences that invite our spa guests to explore their own definition of what it means to be well from the inside out.
