Imagine stepping out of a business meeting in another city and actually unwinding. You could head to your luxurious guest room and read a book by the fireplace or eat a meal specially designed to enhance concentration. Or -- if you are the adventurous type -- you could embark on a spiritual cleansing ritual with a Native American mystic.
These are just some of the amenities provided in the new Better Business package at the Inn of the Anasazi in Santa Fe, N.M. "It cleanses the toxicity brought on by stress and puts a person in the right frame of mind," says Bob Boulogne, chief operating officer of Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, which owns Anasazi and several other properties. In addition to the Better Business Package -- which costs $220 per night -- Rosewood has other ways to make corporate travel more pleasant, from on-site personal trainers replicating guests' home routines, to hotel employees transporting you to and from the airport.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN. Creating a haven away from home is a more important part of the road-warrior experience. Travel numbers are reaching pre-September 11 levels and as a result, airports are more crowded, planes are fuller, and lines are longer. Recent fuel-price increases are also prompting about 28% of company travel managers to fly more employees in coach class, and two-thirds to rethink transportation purchasing strategies, according to a study released this month by the National Business Travel Assn.
Packages like Rosewood's are becoming more common among big-name hotel chains. Guests at Hyatt hotels in Hong Kong, Dubai, and Bangkok can enjoy massages, steam showers, and other spa treatments in their rooms. All new Park Hyatt hotels are also now built with in-room spa capabilities. The "W" chain, part of Starwood Hotels and Resorts (HOT), offers "sensory meetings" which feature mood music and aromatherapy.
Some companies are also trying to make their employees' trips more comfortable. This month KPMG launched its Athletic-Minded Traveler Web site, which provides information on fitness centers, running routes, and healthy restaurants in popular business destinations.
IN-FLIGHT SPA. Though relaxing upon arrival is important, often the key to a successful business trip is getting into a stress-free zone before the plane lands. Overnight flights -- used by many business passengers -- can leave travelers particularly frazzled.
Last month, JetBlue (JBLU) -- which does not have a first-class section -- introduced "shut eye" service in conjunction with Bliss spa on its 150 daily transcontinental flights. All customers receive mint lip balm, body butter cream, an eye mask, ear plugs, and a gift certificate for a hot-cream manicure. "There are a lot of things that will bring us back to profitability, and that's not pulling away a pillow or having someone pay for a bag of peanuts," says Eric Brinker, JetBlue's director of brand management and customer experience. JetBlue lost $42.4 million in the fourth quarter last year.
SECURITY VIPS. Even the Transportation Security Administration seems to understand the challenges of business travel. By the end of the year it plans to introduce the Registered Traveler Program in 10 to 20 airports. A voluntary service, it will allow passengers who pass extensive background checks to dodge full scrutiny when passing through member airports.
But not everyone is in favor of the idea. Companies whose employees fail background checks are told that simple fact -- without explanation. Privacy is also a concern. Now, business customers are left to decide whether saving a few extra minutes at the airport is really worth it.
In the meantime, travelers like Harry Adjmi, president and Chief Executive Officer of clothing company One Step Up, will have to grab comfort where they can. For the past 30 years, Adjmi has flown six times a year to Asia and once a month domestically. On long trips, he has a few staples -- extremely comfortable clothing, slippers, and music. For a look at other ways to lighten life on the road, check out these slide shows:
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