“Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.” – Katie Reed
Discovering the Westin Annapolis Hotel: A Wellness-Focused Stay
When preparing for significant events like a thru-hike or marathon, business travel can disrupt your routine, leading to challenges in maintaining your fitness and health goals. A week spent in a hotel, filled with lengthy meetings and dining out, often makes it difficult to adhere to your well-constructed plans.
Recognizing this need, many hotels have begun catering more to the health and wellness of their guests. My recent experience at the Westin Annapolis Hotel in Maryland illustrated how such accommodations are evolving. This establishment prioritizes health, wellness, and sustainability, successfully addressing the diverse expectations of travelers.
Wellness Factors
Healthy Eating
The menu at the hotel features a dedicated section for “Superfoods,” allowing guests to kick-start their day with optimal nutrition. These menu items are designed to provide energy, rich in antioxidants, and low in calories—making it easier to maintain healthy eating habits while traveling.
During conferences, dietary needs can pose a challenge. The staff strives to accommodate various requirements, such as offering coconut milk for coffee. While the quality of restaurant food is commendable, there may be limitations during conference meals, often lacking in variety for those with dietary restrictions.
A Good Night’s Rest
The Westin Annapolis offers spacious rooms, equipped with blackout curtains and plush beds designed for relaxation. Although the mattresses lean towards firmness, they are outfitted with cozy comforters and a selection of pillows, ensuring a restful night for guests.
Maintaining Your Workout Routine
One of the greatest hurdles of business travel is adhering to your workout routine. Long days spent in conference rooms can hinder exercise plans. The Westin combats this challenge with options including a 24-hour fitness center, pool, and outdoor running routes. They even provide workout clothing and shoes for a nominal fee—eliminating some packing stress.
During my stay, while preparing for a half marathon, I found it difficult to carve out time for running amidst a demanding schedule. Inquiries at the front desk revealed a well-marked running route through the town, with both 3-mile and 5-mile options available. Despite initial hesitations, I managed to complete a 5-mile run, appreciating the delightful scenery along the way.
Post-run, the calming atmosphere of the pool area provided a perfect retreat. With its gentle lighting and inviting temperature, the pool area offered a serene environment, supplemented by a hot tub—ideal for soothing sore muscles after workouts, despite its loud ambiance when activated.
For those less inclined to run, the fitness room is well-equipped with weights and machines to alleviate stress after a busy day.
Sustainability Factors
Water Conservation
This hotel is dedicated not only to wellness but also to environmental friendliness. A trend among hotels is to reduce water usage by requesting guests to forgo daily room service, allowing for towel reuse and limited bedding changes during stays.
Incentives for Eco-conscious Choices
Guests participating in sustainable practices can also benefit from financial incentives. For instance, opting out of room service can yield a $5 daily credit, redeemable at the front desk. This option not only promotes sustainability but also offers financial relief for guests.
Conclusion
In summary, the Westin Annapolis Hotel excels in supporting guests with health and fitness goals. However, the charge for internet access remains a drawback, and many travelers may find this practice unwarranted, particularly those visiting for business purposes.
For those seeking an environment that facilitates health-conscious living while exploring Annapolis, the Westin Annapolis Hotel is a commendable choice.
*The opinions expressed in this post are my own. My stay at the Westin was for a work-related conference, and I was genuinely impressed with their commitment to wellness.
