Recently opened in January 2023, THE WELL at Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection (www.aubergeresorts.com/chilenobay) touts itself as a one-stop shop for travelers’ wellness needs. The space is 15,000 square feet and has 10 treatment rooms, all dedicated to addressing guests’ physical, mental and spiritual well-being during their stay at the award-winning oceanfront resort—and beyond.
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Recently opened in January 2023, THE WELL at Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection (www.aubergeresorts.com/chilenobay) touts itself as a one-stop shop for travelers’ wellness needs. The space is 15,000 square feet and has 10 treatment rooms, all dedicated to addressing guests’ physical, mental and spiritual well-being during their stay at the award-winning oceanfront resort—and beyond.
Programming is inspired by the traditional healing practices of Baja California, balanced with modern technologies and experiences to perfectly blend science and nature. Immersive Mexican experiences, health coaching, seasonal retreats, sessions with visiting healers, mindful movement classes and more are all on the menu. Guests can enjoy yoga, meditation and water spinning, as well as advanced bodywork that supports better health inside and out.
Amenities also abound. The Bath House delivers bespoke rituals to ground and balance the senses. Meanwhile, the Reflexology Pool naturally relaxes the nerves, and the Nap Garden cabanas provide a tranquil haven.
To learn more about this renowned facility’s approach to holistic wellness, WellSpa 360 spoke with Megan Mulholland, vice president of brand and marketing at THE WELL; and Vivianne Garcia-Tunon, senior vice president of development and operations at THE WELL.
What unique amenities set the spa apart?
Mulholland: Every guest’s wellness journey begins at The Bath House, where they attune their mind, body and spirit: the smell of local herbs to clear the mind; the vibrations of the grounding sound bowl to attune the body and spirit at a cellular level; the touch of hot and cold experiences to boost the lymphatic system and awaken the mind; the taste of fresh juices full of antioxidants to nourish the body; the sight of oneself in nature.
Featuring a pebbled floor to stimulate the reflex points and calm the nervous system, the Reflexology Pool allows guests to activate their senses through a self-guided therapy. As the warm sunlight filters through the lush bougainvillea, the deluxe Nap Garden offers the perfect spot to sip on refreshing beverages from the purifying menu and experience a nap for a restful afternoon.
How do you choose treatments for your menu?
Mulholland: Our treatment menu combines modern medicine and ancient healing. We offer a range of services each tailored to support guests’ unique needs, every time. We have a set of core service offerings at each of our locations, along with signature treatments that draw upon local healing techniques at each individual location.
Rebozo & Flow, an immersive experience exclusive to THE WELL at Chileno Bay, promotes deep relaxation by combining a private restorative yoga class with a rebozo massage, which can be traced back to indigenous Mexican cultures.
Related: Reflexology Pool, Celestial Bathing & More Immersive Amenities at The Well at Chileno Bay
How do you hire and train quality staff?
Garcia-Tunon: Our priority is to hire team members with a genuine interest in healing, bodywork and well-being. We do our part to build positive relationships with the local therapy schools to ensure they see us as an employer of choice.
THE WELL’s education department trains therapists for six to eight weeks before opening in a variety of foundational techniques as well as advanced therapies. These vary by location and local talent.
How are you marketing the spa?
Mulholland: We have a robust database of engaged members, guests and brand fans of THE WELL and Auberge Resorts. Our marketing efforts primarily focus on speaking to those audiences, which of course each brand is simultaneously nurturing and growing independently of one another.
We also have a captive audience of resort guests and neighboring residents, who we engage through our menu of services, curated seasonal programming and more. In many cases, our programs and experiences draw new guests to the resort, as well.
What do you do to retain quality spa professionals?
Garcia-Tunon: We incentivize spa professionals with opportunities to attend advanced continuing education courses, participate in new openings as part of the task force, visit sister properties and benefit from team member development plans for future growth.
What is your most unique wellness offering?
Mulholland: Celestial Bathing is a spiritual therapy that layers ancient traditions with modern techniques. It begins with a candlelit evening ritual, then guests float in the serene outdoor pool looking up at the moon and stars for a sensory biodynamic water treatment unlike any other.
What is your most popular treatment?
Mulholland: Our most popular wellness offering is The Method, a five-step advanced bodywork modality that helps build a healthy body for better range of motion, increased energy, healthy aging and improved skin.
How do you foster outstanding service?
Mulholland: Our team members are the most important representation of our brand and the most impactful element of a guest’s experience. We spend a lot of time and training to ensure they are well-versed in the core values and pillars of our brand (and believe in them!) to authentically reflect those elements in how they service and interact with our guests.
Our standards for service are rooted in delivering on our mission: to help people make wellness part of their every day. If our team sets out every day with that mission in mind, that’s a really great place to start.
