By Lia Gorbach By Lia Gorbach | October 2, 2024 | Style & Beauty, Feature,
Last month, AWAY Spa introduced a fresh slate of programming and a Director of Wellness and Spa.Luna Maye, the new Director of Wellness and Spa
A new era of luxury wellness has commenced at W Philadelphia’s AWAY Spa. Under the expert guidance of Luna Maye, the recently named Director of Wellness and Spa, the tranquil escape ushered in four experiences, including a Zen Den, Zero-Proof Wellness Beverage Menu, Associate Wellness Engagement and Decompress at AWAY. Rejuvenating treatments combined with immersive wellness programming ensure every guest leaves serene and refreshed. Here, Maye reflects on her plans for the beloved spa.
How does it feel to join the AWAY Spa team?
It feels fulfilling and aligned. I feel this role, and my return to hotels and hospitality is a well-balanced culmination of the last 15 years of my career where hospitality, wellness, music, art and community get to be fully expressed and my artist fully welcomed in a corporate environment.
How would you describe your approach to wellness?
Inclusive, grounded, real, dynamic and most of all, remaining connected to nature. In a world where we’re told we need to buy or seek something outside of ourselves to feel our best, I find a lot of comfort in knowing nature has so much of what we need to feel supported. I believe luxury wellness should be more accessible, where you don’t have to buy something to experience it.
What is your definition of what it means to be well?
For me, “to be well” means first cultivating safety in my being as a foundational baseline and, from that, doing no harm to myself or others and, at best, being of service to something beyond my own self. I do this through being aware of what I eat and consume, sound meditation, prioritizing body movement, time in nature, cycle syncing, prioritizing play, creative expression and having soft yet clear emotional boundaries with myself and others.
Which areas of wellness do you hope to focus on in your new role?
I look forward to continuing to focus on spotlighting local makers and practitioners through our retail and body programming experiences. And, perhaps the most fulfilling, I have the opportunity to introduce and explore wellness practices with my colleagues, ensuring that when we take the time to care for ourselves, we can better take care of our guests.
How do you hope to build upon the space AWAY Spa has created?
As we enter this next chapter, we will more closely partner with Comfort Zone, our sustainable luxury skincare line, in its mission to make both body and planet more healthy, vital and beautiful. We will introduce more sound and body experiences, welcoming locals and hotel guests to disconnect from the city, even if just for a moment. In that spirit, all-day access to WET Deck is included with all facial and massage treatments, ensuring that your wellness experience goes beyond the four walls of the spa.
Which programming are you most excited to implement?
I’m feeling really excited about opening our AWAY Spa and other inspired spaces at W Philadelphia for immersive wellness programming that spotlights local practitioners and creatives in their craft and purpose. Think winter artist book clubs in our Chill Lounge, pilates paired with a post-class dip in the pool, inspired panel discussions about real-life things, women’s circles under the full moon on our 49th-floor terrace or a group cold plunge therapy circuit on WET Deck.
Photography by: Courtesy of Brand