On-site retail, experiences, and brand partnerships are driving sales in the hospitality space.
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The hospitality sector is pioneering a new approach to strategic partnerships with wellness and fitness brands, as well as branded products available for purchase via on-site retail spas, shops, and more.
These partnerships are creating revenue-generating touchpoints that extend far beyond traditional room rates. These collaborations are transforming how hotels monetize their guest relationships while delivering added value that justifies premium pricing.
W Austin‘s partnership with PVOLVE is one example of this trend. The collaboration began organically when a member of the hotel’s AWAY Spa attended a pop-up class hosted by PVOLVE’s downtown location prior to its early 2025 opening.
This connection led to a comprehensive partnership that includes daily class access for hotel guests through the destination fee structure, with classes available at PVOLVE’s studio just two blocks away. The hotel also facilitates private group sessions and individual instruction with advance notice.
The partnership extends beyond basic class access, too. During summer months, W Austin hosted monthly PVOLVE classes at its WET deck rooftop pool area, with PVOLVE members receiving complimentary pool access regardless of class attendance.
This cross-pollination of customer bases demonstrates how hospitality brands can leverage partnerships to attract new audiences while providing existing guests with premium amenities.
Hotel ZaZa has taken a product-centric approach through its ZaSpa partnerships, particularly with skincare brand KNESKO.
The hotel’s “Catch the Glow” treatment integrates KNESKO’s gold-infused serums with traditional spa services, combining citrus-amber body polish, hydrating treatments, and full-body massage.
Originally designed as a limited summer offering, guest demand has been strong enough that the hotel is considering permanently extending the service.
The strategic value lies in ZaZa’s plans to enable in-room product ordering, allowing guests to purchase KNESKO products and have them delivered directly to their suites while on-property.
This creates an additional revenue stream while extending the spa experience beyond the treatment room so guests can continue their wellness routine throughout their stay.
Other hospitality brands, like the Lake Austin Spa Resort, have invested in cutting-edge wellness technology as their spin on this approach.
Thanks to an exclusive North American partnership with Gharieni for Satori wellness loungers, guests can book these binaural sound beds that utilize proprietary frequency technology to induce deep relaxation states within minutes.
Since January 2025, the resort has sold 200 sessions through its dedicated Satori Wellness Menu, which offers 40 targeted programs addressing everything from sleep optimization to mental clarity.
These partnerships represent a sophisticated evolution in hospitality retail strategy. Rather than simply offering amenities, properties are creating integrated experiences that command premium pricing while generating multiple revenue touchpoints.
Guests pay destination fees for access, book private sessions at elevated rates, and purchase products to extend the experience beyond their stay.
The model works particularly well in an increasingly competitive hospitality market, where properties must differentiate themselves beyond location and traditional amenities.
By partnering with established wellness brands, hotels and on-site retail arms gain access to proven methodologies and products while sharing customer acquisition costs. The wellness partners benefit from premium venue access and exposure to high-value clientele who are already in a spending mindset.
For retail marketers, these collaborations offer insights into how physical experiences can drive product sales and brand engagement. The hospitality setting provides a controlled environment where customers are relaxed, open to new experiences, and willing to invest in premium offerings.
The trend suggests that successful hospitality-retail partnerships require authentic alignment between brand values and customer expectations. W Austin’s fitness-focused partnership with PVOLVE aligns with its active lifestyle positioning, while ZaZa’s luxury skincare integration matches its luxury spa atmosphere. Lake Austin’s investment in advanced wellness technology reinforces its position as a destination for serious wellness seekers.
As these partnerships mature, expect to see more sophisticated integration between hospitality experiences and retail products. Hotels will function as experiential showrooms for wellness brands, while wellness companies will provide hotels with differentiated amenities that justify premium pricing structures.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kaleighmoore/2025/09/17/fitness-studios-and-spas-are-the-new-hotel-boutiques/
