Benefits of Wellness Programs Extend Beyond Guest Experience
For Yagmur Quillin, serving clients comes naturally. After graduating from University of Maryland, she worked in sales and marketing for a home-building company and, most recently, as a realtor for clients in Maryland and Delaware. Her experience was driven by a desire to create environments where people feel valued and cared for, which she uses now in her role as well-being experience manager for Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina (Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay) in Cambridge, Md.
As Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay’s new well-being experience manager, Quillin assists with creating and enhancing teambuilding, spa, and golf experiences for resort guests. Quillin’s passion for the hospitality industry grew quickly as she began to recognize how closely wellness is woven into the guest experience, from culinary offerings to spa packages and teambuilding activities. Here, Quillin shares how she brings fresh ideas to build on the resort’s focus on overall well-being and how she collaborates with event planners to customize engaging and unforgettable experiences good for the mind, body and soul.
Why was it important to Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay to create a new position focused on group wellness and experiences?
Wellness and teambuilding activities have become essential for many groups and individuals looking to create meaningful connections, improve team dynamics, and promote a sense of relaxation and well-being. From mindfulness and wellness sessions to creative and teambuilding experiences, the well-being experience manager role aims to enrich the guest experience, differentiate the resort, and meet the evolving needs of our clients.
How might group wellness and experiences enhance Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort’s appeal?
Emphasizing group wellness and experiences sets Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort apart by offering unique, customizable activities beyond the standard hotel stay. It appeals to both leisure and corporate clients by providing engaging options, like guided meditation, local water sports, and teambuilding events, to enhance relaxation, foster connection, and create memorable experiences.
What is your vision when it comes to group wellness, health, and fitness activities?
My vision is to create experiences that not only promote physical
well-being but also foster mental and emotional balance. I aim to design activities that bring people together in a supportive environment, encouraging both individual growth and team cohesion. Whether it’s through guided meditation or fitness challenges, I focus on offering tailored experiences that address the unique needs of each group, helping them to reconnect with themselves and each other while discovering new paths to a healthier lifestyle.
Why are wellness activities important for groups and work teams when they travel?
Wellness activities provide a vital opportunity to recharge and reconnect outside the usual work environment. These activities help reduce stress, boost morale, and enhance team cohesion, making attendees more effective when they return to their tasks. Traveling can be demanding, and wellness activities ensure teams maintain their physical and mental well-being, ultimately leading to better collaboration, creativity, and productivity.
What are some of the new wellness options and group experiences at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort?
Some of our newest offerings include wellness activations as an alternative to traditional coffee breaks, guided sunrise kayaking, and programs combining fun outdoor activities with service opportunities. We also offer cooking classes with our executive chef, which focus on creating balanced, wholesome meals using fresh, local ingredients.
How can you customize wellness activities for meeting groups?
I always ask about the groups’ goals and preferences, then tailor activities, such as guided meditation, yoga, or cooking classes, to fit their objectives and schedules. I might select specific essential oil rollers for wellness activations, such as focus or energy, depending on the group’s needs. We can also collaborate on branding, like adding business logos to golf balls. I can organize a charity run to align with a group’s mission. My goal is to cater to clients’ specific needs and preferences, ensuring a personalized and impactful experience. I am always open to hearing ideas from clients and strive to bring their visions to life.
What do you hope guests gain from the wellness options and experiences at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort?
My hope is guests feel empowered to take what they’ve experienced here and incorporate it into their daily lives, whether it’s adopting new self-care rituals, making healthier lifestyle choices, or simply finding more time for mindfulness and relaxation. Ultimately, I want guests to leave with a renewed sense of vitality and a deeper understanding of how they can nurture their physical and mental health long after their visit.
How can guests apply the health and wellness practices at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort as part of their personal approach to physical and mental health?
Guests can continue to benefit from their stay by adopting a range of practices long after their visit. They can start their day with gratitude journaling, incorporating balanced nutrition habits, spending time outdoors, or integrating self-care into their daily routine. Some guests might dedicate more time to physical activity for mental and physical health. Our experiences offer guests a range of valuable takeaways.
