Pulse March 2020 | Page 53

“Coming here, it’s refreshing because everyone wants to help everyone else. If businesses pull together, we make stronger businesses for everybody. That, for me, is quite special.” — Jane Turner, Spa Director, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa Partnerships can also foster a sense of connection, as Miraval has with Ben’s Bells. Marxer heard Maré speak at an event, and he knew he had to incorpo- rate her passion into Miraval. Instead of simply sitting with the grief of losing a child, Maré decided to turn her energy into cultivating something to make the world a better place. She is now one of Miraval’s speakers. “That relationship, it’s wonderful for us,” Marxer says. “Not only do we have the opportunity for our guest to learn about the initiative, which aligns with our values, but it also generates a sense of connection to Tucson as a whole. That provides a richness of ex- perience for our guest. I think that’s really something they seek.” “You can go anywhere on vacation and you’d like to have a distinct con- nection with that place, not just sur- rounding and scenery but the local culture. Many of the things we bring in are indicative of the Tucson vibe. It’s intriguing to people who come from other countries and other areas of the world to touch something close to this place. We all, to some level, have interest in expanding our hori- zons.” And for spas, the greatest way to do that is to tap into local resources. While it may seem like common sense to work with other local busi- nesses, that isn’t always the case, as Turner discovered. “I’m from the UK, and it isn’t done as much there,” she says. “Coming here, it’s refreshing because everyone wants to help everyone else. If busi- nesses pull together, we make stronger businesses for everybody. That, for me, is quite special.” n MARCH 2020 ■ PULSE 41