SCOTTSDALE, AZ—What does it mean to live well? It can be tricky to define because wellness is subjective. For some, it means to feel strong, be free of illness or have a healthy zest for life. It can mean all these things and more.
Grant Lessard knows this to be true. He’s the new director for Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, a 44,000-sq.-ft. resort spa that fuses fitness, wellness, nutrition and spa services here in a luxury hotel setting. He brings three decades of industry experience to his new role, along with a diverse background in holistic health care and traditional healing therapies. Lessard is also a member of the resort’s executive committee.
“Since the beginning, it’s been my goal to expose the public to healthy offerings beyond the typical spa fare, to showcase how comprehensive a wellness getaway can really be,” said Lessard. “This philosophy aligns with Well & Being Spa as the core mantra is to ‘Live It Well.’ We’re able to show guests how to do just that through our luxury spa treatments, cutting-edge fitness classes, new programming (such as RevIV intravenous therapy), nutrition counseling and more.”
In a Q&A with Hotel Business, Lessard outlines his wellness goals and what excites him about joining the team at Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
What drew you to the concept at Well & Being Spa?
I’ve had my eye on the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess ever since I left Arizona and, more so, since its partnership began with Trilogy Spa Holdings and the spa became the flagship Well & Being. When the opportunity presented itself to be a part of this wellness concept, I thought it was a perfect fit. Being a part of the executive committee allows me to be involved with initiatives at the conceptual level and have a voice that reaches beyond the walls of the spa.
With your varied background of expertise, what do you hope to bring to the company?
The spa has had some fantastic direction and has an exceptionally strong team in place. I’ll be able to offer some insight in training for a luxury experience and finesse some of the current processes to round out the guests’ journeys.
What are some new initiatives happening under your direction?
There will be enhanced fitness offerings, such as vibrating foam rolling classes, pully boosted wall yoga and a new Well & Being Spa menu.
How will you infuse new energy into the program?
There are a few additional offerings we’re working to integrate into our programming, including 4dPro bungee fitness classes, Hypervolt percussive treatments (vibration therapy) and a Halotherapy (salt therapy) booth installation.
What can guests look forward to in the future?
I’ll have to play this one close to the chest, but we have a number of exciting projects in the works that will shake things up and keep fitness engaging and fun.