Sonal Uberoi is a global wellness expert and founder of Spa Balance, a boutique consultancy working specifically with hotels to help them tap into the full potential of their wellness offering. Sonal has worked with major hotels across the world enabling them to attract a more discerning guest, build a loyal and committed customer base, attract and retain quality talent and increase profitability, without breaking the budget. In a Q&A with Asian Voice, she spoke about her book The Wellness Asset, businesses and challenges of being a woman.
Q - Tell our readers a bit about your book. Why should they read it?
I wrote this book to show hoteliers, even the sceptical ones, that wellness does indeed make business sense. And no matter how urban or midscale your property is, incorporating wellness into it in a meaningful and coherent way will yield substantial dividends.
Q - What kind of research and personal observations went into attempting such a timely and truly relevant book?
During my research, I met some truly inspirational hoteliers. 50 passionate men and women who are leading the way, seeing wellness as a core part of hospitality.
They understand that today’s guests want experiences that are fulfilling, memorable, shareable.
These hoteliers have a vision that stretches far beyond short-term profitability.
Q - How easy or difficult is it to make Asians understand and bring about a shift in mindset that wellness is an asset?
In my experience, hoteliers in Asia know that wellness is something they need to offer but struggle to define their wellness offering in a way that makes them stand out from the competition and also makes them money without a sizable capital outlay and no return on investment.
Q - What are the challenges of being a woman in our society for you, who is brilliantly informed and sound-minded about businesses, finance and the creative aspects of communication, considering women in our community still yearn to have a voice?
Being from an Asian background, I appreciate the challenges women face. However, increasingly companies recognise the value of an inclusive culture. We’re seeing female powerhouses taking on C-suite roles.
I’ve been blessed with a family where boys and girls were given the same opportunities. I started work with this mindset.
Q - What according to you is the key takeaway from the pandemic for all businesses, especially the health, lifestyle and wellness sector?
There is incredible power at the intersection of tourism and wellness. We’ve travelled for millennia to heal, regenerate and explore new territories. Hotels are a great place to facilitate this exploration and for people to disconnect, re-connect and live meaningful experiences. This intersection can profoundly and positively impact people.
