Laura Powell

Latest Stories

Hotels

Rethinking Luxury Hotel Design to Connect Guests With Nature

It seems like every hospitality brand these days is eager to jump on the wellness bandwagon. Most do so by adding a gym or throwing a yoga mat in the room. But some luxury hotels are taking a more esoteric approach, namely through biophilic design.

Laura Powell, Skift | 5 years ago

Rethinking Luxury Hotel Design to Connect Guests With Nature

Luxury

Why the Hot Springs Movement Is Gaining Steam in the United States

The ancient Greeks did it. So did the ancient and not-so-ancient Romans, Japanese, and Chinese. Heck, even some of the founding fathers of the United States did it too. But despite its illustrious past, the idea of taking the waters has never really caught on in the United States, until now. Hot springs could be on the verge of a major wellness moment.

Laura Powell, Skift | 5 years ago

Why the Hot Springs Movement Is Gaining Steam in the United States

Luxury

The Paradox of Claiming Green Credentials While Imposing on Mother Nature

When hospitality companies claim to be all about sustainability, perhaps they need to think twice before setting up shop in fragile environments.

Laura Powell, Skift | 5 years ago

The Paradox of Claiming Green Credentials While Imposing on Mother Nature

Food and Drink

Park Hyatt’s Blade Runner: Knife Concierge Offers Cutting-Edge Service

It’s not enough for the waitstaff at The Argyle Steakhouse in San Diego to pick up on the personalities of their customers. The staff of this high-end Park Hyatt Aviara eatery also has to learn about the personalities of their steak knives.

Laura Powell, Skift | 5 years ago

Park Hyatt’s Blade Runner: Knife Concierge Offers Cutting-Edge Service

Airlines

Who Is Next on the Flight-Shaming Agenda?

Greta Thunberg's climate activism is a thing of beauty. The fact that a teenager from the small country of Sweden can have such a powerful impact on world opinion is inspiring. But another Swedish environmental sensation, known as flygskam (flight shaming), might need a bit of tinkering.

Laura Powell, Skift | 5 years ago

Luxury

Luxury Can No Longer Exist Without Considering the Locals

Costa Rica is one of the few countries that considers social progress as a key metric of tourism industry success. That's why tourism industry entities, including luxury hotels, are encouraged to train and hire locals. Opportunities create a wealth ripple effect.

Laura Powell, Skift | 5 years ago

Luxury Can No Longer Exist Without Considering the Locals

Luxury

Inspirato CEO Predicts Subscription Model Will Spur Followers in Luxury Travel

Introducing a subscription model to the travel industry could lead to a transformation in the way companies sell their products. On the other hand, it may be a challenge to get travelers to lock themselves into one brand over a period of time — unless, of course, there is an attractive perceived value.

Laura Powell, Skift | 5 years ago

Inspirato CEO Predicts Subscription Model Will Spur Followers in Luxury Travel

Business Travel

Dear Travel Marketer, Intention Matters More Than Experience

Experience is passé. Today's top luxury marketers have moved on to a new way of looking at the customer journey. It's now about intention. High-end brands that can align their own intentions — beyond making a profit — with those of their customers have the potential to foster true-blue relationships.

Laura Powell, Skift | 5 years ago

Dear Travel Marketer, Intention Matters More Than Experience

Business Travel

Embracing the Role of Romance in Luxury Marketing

Romantic love and a night at the opera might seem the stuff of chick flicks and cheap paperbacks sporting Fabio’s bare chest. But one expert says luxury marketers should pay heed to both subjects if they want to build deep and lasting relationships with their clients.

Laura Powell, Skift | 5 years ago

Embracing the Role of Romance in Luxury Marketing

Luxury

How Boutique Hotel Brands Build an Opening Buzz

Luxury lifestyle brands are popping up all over the place. In order to distinguish themselves against more traditional competitors, the new kids on the block are taking great pains to integrate themselves into their neighborhoods. One strategy is inviting neighbors to play a role in grand openings.

Laura Powell, Skift | 5 years ago

How Boutique Hotel Brands Build an Opening Buzz