member PersPeCtIves
mirbeau Inn & spa emphasizes the mental wellness of its employees’
mental wellness, who then provide better care for spa-goers.
originally established in Skaneateles, new York, in 2000,
mirbeau has expanded its romantic, impressionistic brand
of escape to three additional northeastern locations.
establishing a true sense of sanctuary begins with one’s
employees, says Spa Director Pamela maes: “our
employees are critical to our entire guest experience, so we
make sure that they’re in a safe environment, lead a
healthy and balanced lifestyle, and model the lifestyle that
we preach. every time they interact with a guest, they’re an
example of that and able to pass it along.”
maes works year-round to ensure her employees feel
mentally well and emotionally supported. in the past,
mirbeau has offered team-based fitness and exercise
challenges to its employees and rewarded winners with free
spa treatments or two-person dinners at its onsite dining
room. additionally, maes organizes an annual employee
celebration at the main Skaneateles location in which every
attendee receives a gift card to a local business. Says maes,
“Sometimes our properties can be crazy and there’s a lot
going on; maybe we take some time away from their
family. this is our way to give back to them” so that they
can bring work and life back into balance.
the mental health of both employees and guests are
fostered in frequent community workshops hosted onsite.
Past workshops have included reiki and guided relaxation
techniques; classes that focus on emotional intelligence
have been a particular hit. “a psychologist teaches people
to recognize the different emotions they feel, what causes
them and how to overcome them,” says maes. “the
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workshops identify the causes of anxiety and provide
people with the tools they need to navigate them.”
maes has seen increased demand for mental-health-
focused treatments and has adjusted her spas’ menus to
reflect this. for larger groups, mirbeau has organized
private group meditations and yoga classes. Yoga is offered
daily, and mirbeau recently added a meditation class that’s
available to day spa guests: “Guests can take this no-sweat
meditation class in their spa robes,” says maes, “and
people have responded positively to it.” many yoga classes
also end with an optional meditation and aromatherapy
session “that increases the meditative benefits.”
Wellbeing for all
Both spas see mental health as an essential component of
overall wellbeing; both spas envision themselves as
stewards of mental wellness in their communities. By
caring for their employees, guests and even non-guests,
five Wellbeing Studio + Spa and mirbeau inn & Spa are
examples of how spas worldwide can lift the mental health
of an entire community. n
f e at u r e d s o u r C e s
betsy abrams
Pamela maes
Owner Spa Director
fIve WellbeIng mIrbeau Inn & sPa
studIo + sPa