This news comes as the brand is witnessing exponential growth and disrupting the fitness and wellness space. Both Smith and Granden bring a wealth of knowledge in the finance and operations categories, looking to utilize their experience to make Upgrade Lab’s entry into Boise seamless. Both Idaho natives and fitness enthusiasts, they are eager to bring the future of health and wellness to their home state.
Upgrade Labs, the premier biohacking center, helps members reach their highest level of physical, cognitive and cellular performance through proprietary technologies. Each location offers services that help members become smarter, faster & stronger, resulting in a more rejuvenated & resilient version of themselves. The services offered help members spend less time exercising, decrease recovery times, and retain higher levels of concentration and tranquility. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and expert Biohacker Technicians, Upgrade Labs helps its members live their lives to the fullest potential.
Upgrade Labs is looking for single and multi-unit franchise partners that are passionate about upgrading humanity and want to introduce biohacking into new communities. Including the franchise fee, the initial investment for an Upgrade Labs location ranges from $663,000 to $1,070,000.
Netflix. Wine. Chocolate. Or maybe it was HBO Max, margaritas and nachos. So many choices for all of us stuck at home during the pandemic, aaaaand maybe those choices weren’t as healthy as they should have been. Hopefully, we didn’t take any years off our lives binging “Ted Lasso.”
I don’t think Dave Asprey has any such fears. “I identify as 28 percent old,” he tells FT Senior Editor Beth Ewen. “I’m going to live to be 185. Chronologically I’m 49, but I’m 11 years younger biologically.” Asprey is the founder of Upgrade Labs, a franchise that seeks to provide wellness products and services designed to make us live longer, healthier and better lives.
Indeed, Upgrades Labs is just one of many featured in our cover story on new-age wellness franchises that are taking off. In fact, one brand received $140 million in Series C funding from a private equity firm and attracted an investment from former NFL football player Tim Tebow.
Imagine this: The Big Squeeze, a compressor that pushes cellular waste from the lower body, finally being flushed out by the kidneys. Or, The Cold HIIT, which applies cold compresses around your arms and thighs to “mimic the beneficial hormone-boosting effects of a long workout in 20 minutes,” Beth reports. My favorite: The Cheat Machine. “It can add up to a week’s worth of lifting in 15 minutes,” Bryan Torrellas, assistant manager at the Santa Monica location of Upgrade Labs, tells Beth. For someone who has lifted weights for years, I am raising my hand for this one.
These services and others, like IV drips, red light therapy, cryotherapy and more, are the offerings to consumers, who are lining up. You’ll have to read our coverage to find out more about the concepts, what they can promise, and finally, what they deliver.
Continuing with our overall health, beauty and wellness package, we have coverage of Ellie Mental Health, an outpatient counseling and therapy clinic with 16 corporate locations in Minnesota and 125 franchises signed to be developed in other major cities.
As with many franchise founders, the duo who launched the brand were trying to solve a problem: In this case, too much red tape with accessing mental health services. And, as we all know, COVID wasn’t easy on our collective mental health, either, so there is more demand than ever.
WellBiz Brands, which owns concepts Amazing Lash, Drybar, Elements Massage, Fitness Together and Radiant Waxing, was dealt a blow when COVID shutdown locations temporarily. No matter, because the company, which acquired two brands in 2021, made a rebound almost to full recovery by the first quarter of 2021, reports FT Senior Writer Matthew Liedke.
“For sure, COVID was a challenge for personal services,” WellBiz CEO Jeremy Morgan tells Matthew. “One-on-one with another person services certainly added a challenge. However, I think the resilience of our brands and categories really showed up. These clearly are brands that matter and that our members flocked back to as soon as they felt comfortable.” It’s a statement we all like to hear—a business being back.
We have more in this issue, including contributing writer Nancy Weingartner Monroe’s conversation with Phil Zeidman, a longtime franchise super lawyer retiring after 60 years, about what he learned and experienced during a storied career.
And our own Nick Upton, technology editor of sister publication Food On Demand, launched his Tech Stack column this month, covering technology in the franchise sector. It’s changing quickly, so we’ll rely on Nick to keep us current.
Pick your poison: wine, margarita, kombucha or coffee, we give you permission to sit down and read. It may not add years to your life, but we can guarantee you’ll be informed and entertained for a couple of hours.
May 18, 2022 // Franchising.com // SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Upgrade Labs partners with JD Hamilton, Niki Hamilton, Deb Hamilton, Thomas Jaeckel and Rachael Jaeckel to bring the concept to Salt Lake City, Utah.
“JD, Niki, Deb, Thomas and Racheal will show the Salt Lake City community that we can actually upgrade ourselves,” said Founder and CEO, Dave Asprey. “It’s not enough to just try to be healthy, we give you the exact steps to be faster, stronger, and resilient without even breaking a sweat.” The Hamiltons provide expertise in the business, healthcare, and operations categories, with backgrounds in corporate and healthcare management. As JD and Niki approach a new career challenge, their experience and passion for fitness provide the perfect fit for Upgrade Lab’s entry into Salt Lake City. Rachael carries an extensive background in accounting in finance, while Thomas brings to the table his sales and marketing expertise.
The Jaeckels were introduced to biohacking and its benefits in 2009 after three members of their family were diagnosed with Celiac disease. The Jaeckels experienced an improved quality of life following the innovative methods and techniques of biohacking. Passionate about fitness and integrating it into their everyday life, the group is eager to introduce their fellow Utahns to the future of health and wellness. Deb Hamilton brings to the table over two decades of franchise ownership experience after successfully operating a restoration service franchise. After finding retirement unfulfilling, Deb decided to join her family and provide her business ownership expertise.
“Since the 2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City has been at the forefront of fitness innovation,” said JD Hamilton. “So, introducing the Salt Lake City area to a brand that is challenging the way we see health and wellness is a unique and special opportunity for us.”
The brand helps members reach their highest level of physical performance & restorative abilities through unique technologies, giving dramatically better results in less time than they would spend exercising the old way. Each Upgrade location offers many innovative performance services such as The Cheat Machine, a patented, motorized resistance and computer software adaptive technology that gives you a week’s worth of resistance training in just 15 minutes. Additionally, Upgrade Labs pairs its performance services with a unique range of recovery services including The Big Squeeze, an FDA-approved full body detox massage and lymphatic drainage technology that gently removes excess water, slims the body, and expels toxins to improve the immune system. Members report having stronger immunity, reduced inflammation, increased energy, enhanced longevity, improved sleep quality, and much more.
“It’s not fair that only billionaires, celebrities and professional athletes can use technologies to become superhuman,” said Asprey. “Upgrade Labs is here to bring these possibilities to everyone. Like Bulletproof®, Upgrade Labs is one more step in my plan to Upgrade Humanity.”
Salt Lake City — Upgrade Labs, the world’s first Human Upgrade™ Center and brainchild of Bulletproof® Coffee founder Dave Asprey, continues its expansion by partnering with JD Hamilton, Niki Hamilton, Deb Hamilton, Thomas Jaeckel, and Rachael Jaeckel to bring the concept to Salt Lake City, Utah. This news comes as the brand is witnessing exponential growth and disrupting the fitness and wellness space.
“JD, Niki, Deb, Thomas, and Racheal will show the Salt Lake City community that we can actually upgrade ourselves,” says founder and CEO, Dave Asprey. “It’s not enough to just try to be healthy, we give you the exact steps to be faster, stronger, and resilient without even breaking a sweat.”
The Hamiltons provide expertise in the business, healthcare, and operations categories, with backgrounds in corporate and healthcare management. As JD and Niki approach a new career challenge, their experience and passion for fitness provide the perfect fit for Upgrade Lab’s entry into Salt Lake City. Rachael carries an extensive background in accounting in finance, while Thomas brings to the table his sales and marketing expertise. The Jaeckels were introduced to biohacking and its benefits in 2009 after three members of their family were diagnosed with Celiac disease. The Jaeckels experienced an improved quality of life following the innovative methods and techniques of biohacking. Passionate about fitness and integrating it into their everyday life, the group is eager to introduce their fellow Utahns to the future of health and wellness. Deb Hamilton brings to the table over two decades of franchise ownership experience after successfully operating a restoration service franchise. After finding retirement unfulfilling, Deb decided to join her family and provide her business ownership expertise.
“Since the 2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City has been at the forefront of fitness innovation,” says JD Hamilton. “So, introducing the Salt Lake City area to the leading brand that is challenging the way we see health and wellness is a unique and special opportunity for us.”
The brand helps members reach their highest level of physical performance & restorative abilities through unique technologies, giving dramatically better results in less time than they would spend exercising the old way. Each Upgrade location offers many innovative performance services such as The Cheat Machine, a patented, motorized resistance and computer software adaptive technology that gives you a week’s worth of resistance training in just 15 minutes. Additionally, Upgrade Labs pairs its performance services with a unique range of recovery services including The Big Squeeze, an FDA-approved full body detox massage and lymphatic drainage technology that gently removes excess water, slims the body, and expels toxins to improve the immune system. Members report having stronger immunity, reduced inflammation, increased energy, enhanced longevity, improved sleep quality, and much more.
“It’s not fair that only billionaires, celebrities, and professional athletes can use technologies to become superhuman,” says Asprey. “Upgrade Labs is here to bring these possibilities to everyone. Like Bulletproof®, Upgrade Labs is one more step in my plan to Upgrade Humanity.”
Upgrade Labs is actively seeking franchise partners across the United States and Canada with a goal of awarding 100 licenses by the end of 2022. As the brand begins its franchise expansion, it is looking for single and multi-unit franchise partners that are passionate about upgrading humanity and want to introduce biohacking into new communities. Including the franchise fee, the initial investment for an Upgrade Labs location ranges from $663,000 to $1,070,000.
Founded in 2017 and franchised since 2021, Upgrade Labs is the world’s first Human Upgrade™ Center and brainchild of Dave Asprey, founder of Bulletproof® Coffee and Father of Biohacking. Biohacking \ ˈbī- ō- ˌha- kiNG \ noun, the art, and science of using technology and the environment around you in order to have full control of your biology. Upgrade Labs, the premier biohacking center, helps members reach their highest level of physical, cognitive, and cellular performance through proprietary technologies. Each location offers services that help members become smarter, faster & stronger, resulting in a more rejuvenated & resilient version of themselves. The services offered help members spend less time exercising, decrease recovery times, and retain higher levels of concentration and tranquility. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and expert Biohacker Technicians, Upgrade Labs helps its members live their lives to the fullest potential. Membership packages are available and include a tailored selection of services. For more information, please visit https://www.upgradelabs.com/.
Dave Asprey, founder of Bulletproof coffee, joins Paris to talk bio-hacking. Are you asking yourself “What the heck is bio-hacking?”? Listen to find out how to live longer, what you should be eating, sleep practices and so much more! If you like to feel good, Paris is going to show you how!
The creator of the Bulletproof Diet, and innovator of Bulletproof Coffee, Collagen Protein supplements and many more advances in commercial wellness products, Dave’s mission is to empower the entire globe with information and knowledge that unlocks the Super Human in everyone at any age. The proof of these advancements are better sleep, energy, and expanded capacity for all. Be a better partner, parent, provider, and overall human being in every aspect of life.
So, how did Dave combine the world of Biology and Biohacking with Franchising?
In this episode, Erik dives in with Dave to discuss how he brought biohacking to the mainstream and made it accessible to everyone.
Topics Discussed in today’s episode:
#Biohacking
#StrategicHiring
#Franchising
#MedicalFranchises
#NonMedicalFranchises
#BulletproofCoffee
and much more!
Growth is much easier when you’re surrounded by like-minded, driven people. The Franchise Tribe Mastermind is full of successful Franchisees who are looking to shortcut the path to success and add value to other people while developing a tight-knit community along the way.
Sound like a good fit for you? Check out FranchiseTribe.com for more info!
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Erik Van Horn is a franchising specialist, and expert in multi-unit, semi-absentee franchise business ownership. From entrepreneur to regional developer, and investor to consultant, Erik has worn many hats over the last two decades, which has provided him unique insight into complex aspects of the industry. If you’re a franchisee, a franchisor, or one aspiring to be, subscribe to the Franchise Secrets channel and visit www.FranchiseSecrets.com for even more tactical and practical tools to help you buy, grow, and sell franchises like an expert.
Dave is the founder and CEO of Upgrade Labs. Upgrade Labs is the world’s first biohacking facility. Biohackers use cutting edge technology to exponentially improve your health at the cellular level.
Dave Asprey is an entrepreneur, the founder of Bulletproof Coffee, a four-time New York Times bestselling science author, and host of the top 100 podcast The Human Upgrade (formerly Bulletproof Radio) with 200 million downloads and counting.
News outlets like the Today Show, CNN, Wired, Good Morning America and Dr. Oz, have featured the “Father of Biohacking” because he started the biohacking movement and hosts the largest and longest-running biohacking conference worldwide.
Working with world-renowned doctors, researchers, scientists, and global mavericks, Dave has spent 20 years and nearly $2 million taking control of his own biology and pushing the bounds of human possibility.
I hope you enjoy today’s discussion with Dave Asprey from Upgrade Labs the world’s first Human Upgrade™ Center.
After two years of cancelled trips and attempting to find rest and relaxation at home, the gradual reopening of the travel industry comes as a welcome development for wellness-seekers around the globe. With the pent-up demand for travel and wellness, it’s no surprise Americans are shaping their trips around services designed to improve physical and mental health—a recent American Express survey found that 76% of respondents want to spend more on travel that supports their well-being.
And while hotel and resort spas took a hit during the pandemic—reporting a 42% dip in revenues—the industry is on the upswing with the global wellness tourism market expected to grow to a value of $919 billion this year, according to the Global Wellness Institute.
From customized sleep programming to in-room workouts to elevated spa experiences, it’s never been a better time to travel for wellness. Whether you’re travelling alone or with a loved one this Valentine’s Day, these hotels offer rest, relaxation and revitalization to get you through the winter months.
This trendy downtown LA hotel attracts visitors and locals alike to its rooftop for Pilates, yoga and sound bath sessions led by Pamela Johnson, founder of The Bridge Mind Body Movement, and to its pool for synchronized swimming classes choreographed by Aqualillies, the world-renowned synchronized swimming company.
But the real standout experience here is found in the hotel’s “Rest and Recovery Suite” which comes outfitted with a FORME personal workout mirror, Beam health supplements and a Hyperice self-massage tool. You’re setting yourself up for a rested stay in advance by ordering your own customized PLUTO pillow while couples will rest well on their Eight Sleep mattress, which adjusts to each partner’s temperature throughout the night. Don’t miss the healthy eats at onsite restaurant, Café Fig.
Set on a remote island off the coast of Newfoundland, floor-to-ceiling windows in every one of Fogo Island Inn’s 29 guestrooms connect you to nature with epic views of the rugged coastline and Atlantic ocean. Tuning into nature is also experienced on a guided hike where foraging experts lead a tasting of wild ingredients with healing properties. The experience is included in the inn’s “Be Still, Be Well” wellness retreat which makes the perfect Valentine’s gift. Daily yoga and meditation classes will be held by the owner of the local business Wild Cove Wellness while creative workshops range from candle making to pottery sessions in the Fogo Clay Studio. All the senses are delighted: with sound therapy sessions, special music performances and a traditional outdoor winter meal made with clean ingredients.
Indulge in sandalwood and rose aromatherapy with a “Love Myself Massage” or the scents of strawberry and rosehip during an “All for Love Facial”—two of several Valentine’s treatments on offer through the month of February at La Quinta’s 23,000-square-foot spa. With 38 treatment rooms and seven private whirlpool baths, the go-to wellness destination is a Valentine’s Day retreat for couples and singles alike. Also on offer throughout the love-themed month is a romantic multi-course prix fixe dinner inspired by the surrounding Coachella Valley at the resort’s fine dining restaurant, Morgan’s in the Desert.
Fitness-lovers are sure to be wowed by Hotel X’s 90,000-square-foot fitness center, the largest of its kind in the country. With four Olympic-sized tennis courts, eight squash courts, a TopGolf swing suite, plus daily fitness classes in the dedicated spin, pilates and hot yoga studios, there is something for everyone. Those feeling hesitant to share fitness equipment will want to book a Wellness Suite which has everything you need for an in-room workout: free weights, resistance bands, and a treadmill or spin bike, plus refreshments like cold-pressed juices from local favorite Greenhouse Juice Co.
For an extra special Valentine’s Day, consult the onsite “Romance Concierge” for add-ons like rose petals, tea light candles and the “Perfect Love Story” where the hotel decorates your room with balloons attached to your personal photos. Luxurious treatments at the Guerlain Spa—Canada’s first from the famous perfumery—are splurge-worthy with views of Lake Ontario complimented by champagne and French sweets savoured in the spacious post-treatment relaxation room.
The latest addition to the popular Proper brand, this hotel attracts locals and visitors alike for unique wellness programming staged across stylish Kelly Wearstler-designed digs. Their new “Wellness Retreat” package includes rooftop yoga sessions curated by holistic health coach Soha Panah and the opportunity to shadow Executive Chef Chang at a local farmer’s market tour.
You’ll also find locals tasting Portuguese-inspired fare at the beloved onsite dining institution Caldo Verde and taking in the views from the rooftop restaurant Cara Cara. Special Valentine’s Day dining experiences at both are rounded out with decadent chocolate-focused desserts. Those looking for a spa experience will want to check out 3,000-square-foot Surya Spa at the sister property in Santa Monica, where Ayurvedic programming ranges from massages to cooking classes to meditation sessions.
With over 40-acres of trails, a stone fire hearth, three waterfalls and natural cold plunge pools, Glen Falls House makes a romantic getaway for New Yorkers looking to escape the city. Skiers will want to hit the slopes on nearby Hunter and Windham Mountains. Apres-ski relaxation is found in the new six-person outdoor cedar barrel sauna. Nature lovers can also book an outdoor massage with onsite Reiki master and connect with the surrounding forest in a sound bath session. Healthy foodies will appreciate the organic ingredients used at onsite restaurant, Trotwood. The flowers that garnish dishes are also used to decorate the lobby, and can be found in the products at the hotel’s apothecary, Heart’s Content.
Indulge in a multi-course Valentine’s feast at onsite restaurant CIRCA 55 where dishes like vegan mushroom scallops and bone-in ribeye cater to omnivores and vegans alike. Wellness-seekers won’t want to miss Upgrade Labs—the first-ever biohacking facility—and the newly renovated fitness center. Take a dip in the heated, star-studded pool (Angelina Jolie famously jumped in after her Golden Globe win)—the largest of its kind in Beverly Hills—and rest up in one of sixteen custom penthouse suites complete with marble details and floor-to-ceiling views of the LA skyline.
With a late checkout of 2pm and special Valentine’s brunch menu—a leisurely breakfast in bed overlooking the Chicago River and Lake Michigan is sure to be a memorable one. You’ll never want to leave your room with themed amenities like strawberry and basil-infused water and chocolate-dipped strawberries and in-room spa services like a couple’s massage.
For a standout wellness experience, book the hotel’s unique Vitality Suite which comes with gym equipment, a Peloton bike and water rower for personalized workouts streamed from your TV screen. Refuel with a special “vitality menu” and your own personal in-room refreshment center. Customizable water pressure in your shower, a la carte pillow menus, immersive sound therapy and luxurious Lunya sleepwear ensure optimal recovery too.
You don’t need a partner to be treated this Valentine’s Day with the Fairmont Spa Century Plaza’s “Self-Love” spa treatment. A 60-minute massage with a rose quartz eye mask is complimented with love pouch-making, pistachio and rose chocolates and a prosecco cocktail. The couples spa package gets you the same services plus 30 minutes in a private suite following your side-by-side massage. Upgrade to the complete package, available from February 14-20, to receive a complimentary bottle of champagne or wine, breakfast for two, one night accommodation and an intimate dinner at onsite French brasserie, Lumeiere, with a soundtrack of live music performed by a string quartet.
Even if you miss the Valentine’s Day deals, the Fairmont Century Plaza makes for a wellness retreat in the heart of Los Angeles, with its meditation program developed in partnership with Three Sages, state-of-the-art fitness facility and luxurious spa amenities, which range from a Himalayan salt room to aromatherapy steam room to a bath hammam.
For alpine enthusiasts, few experiences compare to a visit to the Great White North in the middle of winter. Just 20-minutes outside the capital of Whitehorse, glass chalets await with spectacular views of the Northern Lights and surrounding winter wonderland enjoyed from the warmth of your bed. Warmth is also found in the onsite Finnish sauna and infrared sauna where guests can detox after a day of arctic adventure. Couples will want to book the “Romantic Wellness and Relax Weekend” package which includes a romantic 3-course candlelit dinner, morning yoga flow and two night’s accommodation, plus private use of the sauna, fitness facilities and hot tub.
Whether you’re travelling alone or with a loved one, Canyon Ranch’s “Love Reigns: How to Live With an Open Heart”retreat running February 10-13 is the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day. Led by “love activist” and author of Big Love: The Power of Living with a Wide Open heart, and Just Love, Scott Stabile, the three-day retreat will teach you how to cultivate love for yourself and others, with the relaxing redwoods as the backdrop.
Like all Canyon Ranch locations, a dedicated care team tailors your stay to your needs and healthy cuisine made with local ingredients caters to all food preferences. Extensive spa services draw inspiration from the healing practices of Thailand while daily wellness activities range from restorative yoga to forest bathing to creative art classes. The real highlight, however, is the accommodation—soaring treehouses that invite the outdoors in with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Spring-fed thermal pools offer hydrotherapy at this healing resort set on 77 acres of New Mexico’s high desert. Couples will love the cozy fireplaces and private courtyards attached to the one- and two-bedroom casitas. Impress your loved one with a “Soak in the Love” package which includes a $150 resort credit towards private soaking, spa services or dining; a bottle of champagne and chocolates; two spa robes and access to resort activities, like daily yoga, and the saltwater and thermal pools.
Honoring a history that dates back to 1947 with decor that blends old-world charm and mid-century modern, it’s no wonder the Villa Royale was once frequented by Hollywood stars. Today, it continues to attract creative romantics to its red-roofed Spanish villas and popular onsite bar and restaurant, Del Rey for its Spanish-inspired menu. Home to more than 50 large-format oil paintings by previous artists-in-residence, the intimate property is sure to impress the art-lover in your life.
While there is no onsite spa or fitness center, complimentary bike rentals and Provenance Well+Fit Kits keep guests active while a partnership with boutique day spa Grounded offers in-room massages. Plus, three pools with sweeping mountain views, private cabanas and fire pits surrounded by twinkling lights are sure to set the mood. For the complete romantic experience, couples will want to opt for the “Treat Yourself” package which includes complimentary champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and a couples massage.
Set on 4,600 acres overlooking Table Rock Lake and the surrounding Missouri Ozark Mountains, this popular resort is a nature-lovers paradise (it was created by conservationist and founder of Bass Pro Shops, Johnny Morris after all). Five golf courses, a 50,000-square-foot activity center and countless outdoor activities will keep fitness fans busy, while the nature-inspired, 18,000-square-foot spa and salon—think, timber ceilings and cozy fireplaces—offer a wide variety of treatments. Steam rooms, saunas, an ice room and heated indoor grotto pool make for a detoxifying treatment prior to your romantic couples massage.
Plant-forward cuisine from Michelin-starred chef John Fraser served on a lush outdoor patio make onsite restaurant Ardor a go-to for local wellness-seekers. Locals also love the 6,2000-square-foot spa for its use of similarly plant-centric treatments, like the latest RENEW treatment which utilizes OSEA’s cult-favorite Undaria Algae products. Those looking for the complete spa experience will want to opt for the “Escape to Wellness” package which adds a $225 spa credit to your two-night stay.
The new RENEW treatment is also offered to couples as part of the hotel’s “Romance Package” available Wednesdays through Sundays, February 16-27. A private car transfer gets you to the hotel for an early check-in into the custom-finished Penthouse, complete with a welcome bouquet arranged by Bloom & Plume. A two-hour photoshoot in a location of your choice is followed by a three-course dinner at Ardor. Champagne breakfast in bed is complimented with a late check-out and a departing goodie bag of gifts from the spa.
With a Himalayan salt stone sauna, eucalyptus-infused steam room and vitality bar at the Drift Spa, plus two lagoon-style pools with views of the Pacific Ocean, this beachside resort makes a relaxing getaway year-round. But couples visiting this Valentine’s Day will want to opt for the “You, Me and the Sea” which gets you $100 credits to put towards dining and the spa, two breakfasts, a welcome sparkling wine and late checkout. Take the relaxation a step further with the “Romantic Couple’s Spa Escape” package which includes two glass of sparkling wine, a rose lotus mist and hot stone massage at the Drift Spa. The same package is available through February 27th for solo travellers as part of the spa’s “Self Care February” promotion.
Veuve Clicquot Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries set the mood for a romantic stay with Eau Palm’s special “Bubbles for Couples” promotion running through the month of February. In addition to two nights in a luxury room or suite, it includes a welcome cocktail, breakfast for two on your room’s private balcony and a multi-course dinner in your own cabana overlooking the ocean.
You’ll be spending lots of time soaking up the sun, with the Eau Spa’s new terrace complete with verdant gardens, tea presentations and spa cuisine. Inside, relaxation awaits in one of the 42,000-square-foot facility’s 19 treatment rooms where aromatherapy is combined with color and sound therapy for an immersive experience. It’s no surprise Eau Spa is one of the 48 spas in the world to receive Forbes Travel Guide’s five-star rating.
From sunrise salutations in the “Celestial Yoga Dome” to sage cleansing workshops to fireside s’mores under the desert sky—experiences here are sure to impress the wellness-lover in your life. Nestled in the arid Coachella Valley, you would be remiss to miss out on the standout experience here—soaking in the mood-enhancing mineral waters of their 600-year-old natural hot spring. Known for its healing effects, the water is low in sulfur (so it doesn’t smell) and teak soaking tubs are surrounded by palm trees, making for a romantic retreat. Superfoods and CBD are incorporated into unique spa treatments—think, dry brushing for lymphatic drainage and LED light therapy to cleanse the pores—that take place in nine newly constructed, private treatment houses.
From IV therapy to vitamin shots to blood tests—this resort’s new health optimization program, Next|Health,is certainly not your average hotel wellness experience. Upon arrival, guests are set up with a care team to tailor your stay to your unique health needs. Whether you’re looking for a reiki master, astrologist, chiropractor, acupuncturist, masseuse or esthetician—the spa has seemingly every expertise on deck. The wellness enthusiast in your life will surely be won over by the in-house spa offerings, but one-of-a-kind experiences like helicopter rides and whale watching are sure to impress as well. It’s no surprise the Four Seasons Resort Maui was the honeymoon location of choice for the latest season of The White Lotus.
Set on 200 acres in the Santa Monica mountains, and with limited WiFi, no cell service and a packed daily schedule that includes everything from guided hikes to sound baths to restorative yoga, The Ranch makes it easy to unplug and unwind. Week-long retreats are all-inclusive style with vegan cuisine and fitness classes included at every price tier. Private packages are splurge-worthy with personalized programming, secluded spaces for meals and classes, daily massages and informational sessions like nutrition talks and cooking demonstrations. The Ranch defined the luxury boot camp when it opened 12 years ago, and it continues to do so today.
Plant-forward dishes served on the sand overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean sea, it’s no surprise Sanara’s flagship Real Coconut Restaurant attracts locals and visitors—vegans and omnivores—alike. But nourishing cuisine aside, “Sanara” translates to “you will heal” and with several unique treatments on offer—think, traditional Mayan healing, reiki, lymphatic drainage and reflexology—Sanara’s therapists do just that. Couples will want to book the “Inner Love Package” for a couple’s massage, aromatherapy and energy cleansing. A dedicated yoga space set four feet above the sand provides a tranquil setting for daily yoga and sound healing sessions while earthy, air-conditioned rooms include personal touches like a yoga mat, hammam towel and private garden courtyards.
Known for their chef-led culinary experiences, Ojai Valley Inn’s Valentine’s dining specials do not disappoint. An indulgent three-course menu—think, black truffle risotto and braised short ribs—is on offer at The Oak while the more upscale restaurant, Olivella, features a five-course chef’s tasting menu with splurge-worthy dishes like locally caught spiny lobster and Snake River Farms Wagyu ribeye. While taste buds are delighted, so too is the rest of the body at the newly renovated, 31,000-square-foot spa. For a splurge-worthy upgrade, opt for one of the “Spa Penthouse Suites”: 1,500-square-foot accommodation with soaring ceilings, marble bathrooms and fireplaces, and a private outdoor area overlooking the Topatopa mountains.
History buffs will love having breakfast in bed in a hotel that has hosted the likes of Elvis Presley, Nat “King” Cole and British royalty since opening in 1927. Also included in the Rosewood Romance package are hand-dipped chocolate strawberries and sparkling wine. While the hotel is known for its history, its wellness amenities are equally as impressive. The Alchemy of Sleep program pairs you with a spa therapist to address your specific sleep needs. One- and three-night packages help you recharge and reset with sleep-inducing massages, facials and water yoga sessions in the hotel’s heated salt water indoor pool. In-room amenities range from a sleepy tea to forest bathing experience to a lavender beauty set—all designed to encourage deeper slumbers.
Beloved New York City wellness institution The Well has teamed up with Auberge Resorts for a unique destination sure to impress the wellness-lover in your life. Set on 180 acres of lush tropical rainforest, guests connect to nature through holistic programming that blends Eastern and Western healing rituals. From hydrotherapy in the heated jet pool to an aromatherapy steam room to the infrared sauna, there are a wide variety of treatments on offer, each one beginning with a purifying herbal exfoliation.
When you’re not at the spa, personalized itineraries keep you busy with yoga classes, riverside meditations and guided hikes under the forest canopy. With five restaurants, eight treatment rooms and luxurious accommodations overlooking the Talamanca Mountains, it’s no surprise Hacienda AltaGracia has been named one of the world’s 50 best resorts by Conde Nast Traveler.
Available year around, THE WELL Integrated Experience is a four-day customized retreat that centers on longevity, with a focus on purification and restoration. THE WELL’s Health Coach will help curate a personalized journey through mindful movement, unique bodywork and ancient rituals. It’s all about connecting with Pachamama or Mother Nature, and is inspired by the surrounding natural wonders of Costa Rica and their healing power. Guests can add THE WELL Integrated Experience onto a minimum of 5-night stay.
With private soaking tubs and outdoor patios overlooking the surrounding mountains and vineyards, the newly renovated studios at Solage make for a romantic getaway. But what sets the property apart is the 20,000-square-foot spa where guests experience hydrotherapy by alternating between five geothermal pools. Couples will want to opt for the “Wellness Escape for Two”—a modern take on the traditional Calistoga mud bath with a three-part detoxifying series and couples mudslide treatment—or the “Prelude to Romance” package which sets the mood with in-room rose petals. Fitness fanatics will love the wide variety of complimentary classes on offer—think, aqua pilates and vinyasa yoga—and high-quality equipment in the fitness center.
Whether you’re seeking adventure with a moonlight manta ray snorkel or beachfront relaxation, this resort—set on the idyllic Kauna’oa Bay of the Big Island—has something for every couple. Customized romantic dinner experiences include a four-course dinner in one of five outdoor venues—like the third tee at the Mauna Kea Golf Course—with add-ons like a personalized bottle of prosecco, photography and solo guitarist. Break a sweat with a Peloton workout in the fitness center followed by a Balinese and Hawaiian-inspired treatment at the spa, like a couples massage in the spa’s special couples suite.
Mayan healing techniques meets modern science for a wellness retreat designed to purify and cleanse the body and soul. The latest “Sacred Soulmates Retreat” does just that, through private consultations with an on-property shaman. Spa treatments focus on building positive energy while ancestral ceremonies, like the Temazcal steam house experience, provide a serious detox. Busy bodies will love the fitness center overlooking a cenote and the Mayan forest, and the nearby golf course, complete with a luxurious club for post-game libations. For a romantic getaway, book the “Blissful Romance” package which includes a couple’s massage, romantic pool decoration with a bottle of wine, daily breakfast and accommodation in a king suite with a private pool.
Set on 1,300 acres of lush greenery, it’s no surprise this resort is a go-to retreat for New Yorkers looking to escape the city rush. Inspired by the Sanskrit word “Yovan,” which translates to youthful, everything here is designed to heal the mind, body and soul—from the personalized Eastern-inspired therapy programs to the morning yoga to the Ayurveda-inspired food. Couples will want to opt for the Valentine’s Day package which includes your choice of treatments—think, outdoor massages and salt glow therapy—a glass of champagne, couple yoga classes and all meals. With a 68,000-square-foot spa and countless hiking trails in the surround Catskills Mountains, you’re sure to leave YO1 feeling refreshed.
Those looking for a special Valentine’s Day experience will be hard-pressed to find any package that compares to The Peninsula’s Sleepcation. Upon arrival, a personal butler escorts you to the Peninsula Villa, a two-story suite complete with a private patio and hot tub. You’re then chauffeured in your own Rolls Royce to Hästens Mattress’ Flagship Sleep Spa on Beverly Boulevard for a private sleep consultation. Your mattress of choice will be delivered to your Peninsula Villa, just in time for a Caviar & Champagne breakfast in bed the following morning. Other highlights include a candlelit chocolate fondu dessert prepared by the hotel’s Michelin star chef and a 90-minute couples massage. Take-home goodies include the mattress, Cartier bracelets, Hästens pajama set and a monogrammed Peninsula Frette sheet set.
If you miss the Valentine’s experience, visit in March for new wellness offerings like plant-based dishes and sleep-promoting aromatherapy.
Newly renovated rooms now have outdoor decks with private soaking tubs overlooking the ocean, perfect for a romantic getaway. Also new to the resort is a new medical-grade ventilation system that keeps Sierra Mar—an airy restaurant where the local bounty is served cliffside—safe. Couples will want to opt for a couples treatment room in the Post Ranch Spa for stunning views of the Ventana Double Cones. You’re sure to leave the Post Ranch Inn refreshed with their new Sleep Program created in partnership with sleep doctor Dr. Michael Breus. The add-on to reservations of two nights or more includes a sleep-inducing dinner, special sleep spa treatments, a gift bag of sleep goodies and access to Dr. Breus’ video series, “Sleep Sessions.”
With one of the top-rated golf courses in the southwest and 225 miles of trails on the nearby Sonoran Desert Preserve, this 27-acre resort offers no shortage of outdoor activities. Unwind after a day of exploration with a Thai Bodywork massage at the award-winning Spa Avania. From the Himalayan salt room to the Spa Wave—a program that synchronizes sound waves to a vibration massage—you’re sure to leave feeling refreshed. Couples will want to book the Casita Suite, a 2,450-square-foot Gainey House featuring a private entrance, wood-burning fireplace, multi-level private patio and rooftop deck.
Wellness-seekers will love wellness itineraries customized to your needs, with activities like personal workout classes, hikes along the Greenbelt and dips in the Barton Creek natural spring-fed pools (with a Mercedes rental to get you there). From couples yoga sessions to kid-friendly Valentine’s craft-making classes, this urban resort also has several add-ons to make your stay more romantic. Featuring a lush Valentine’s floral installation, the Mansion’s oval library makes a romantic backdrop for photos, complete with a selection of canapes and sweet treats made by the Estate’s award-winning chefs. Foodies will also love the five-course tasting menu at onsite restaurant Lutie offered February 11 through the 14th, or a picnic for two, which includes champagne and a selection of gourmet, locally-sourced bites.
Biohacking facility looks to increase its footprint in the Gem State
March 18, 2022 // Franchising.com // SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Upgrade Labs, a Human Upgrade™ Center and brainchild of Bulletproof Coffee founder Dave Asprey, partners with Hailey Smith and Becky Granden to bring the concept to Boise, Idaho.
“This partnership with Hailey and Becky marks another milestone in achieving Upgrade Lab’s growth potential,” said Founder and CEO, Dave Asprey. “This goes to show that biohacking isn’t just a trend, but a lifestyle that is being sought after by customers and franchise partners alike.”
Both Smith and Granden bring a wealth of knowledge in the finance and operations categories, looking to utilize their experience to make Upgrade Lab’s entry into Boise seamless. Both Idaho natives and fitness enthusiasts and they are eager to bring the future of health and wellness to their home state.
“We’re thrilled to be joining the Upgrade Labs team, becoming a part of the brand that is challenging the way we see health and wellness,” said Smith.
The brand helps members reach their highest level of physical performance & restorative abilities through unique technologies, giving dramatically better results in less time than they would spend exercising the old way. Each Upgrade location offers many innovative performance services such as The Cheat Machine, a patented, motorized resistance and computer software adaptive technology that gives you a week’s worth of resistance training in just 15 minutes. Additionally, Upgrade Labs pairs its performance services with a unique range of recovery services including The Big Squeeze, an FDA-approved full body detox massage and lymphatic drainage technology that gently removes excess water, slims the body, and expels toxins to improve the immune system. Members report having stronger immunity, reduced inflammation, increased energy, enhanced longevity, improved sleep quality, and much more.
“It’s not fair that only billionaires, celebrities and professional athletes can use technologies to become superhuman,” said Asprey. “Upgrade Labs is here to bring these possibilities to everyone. Like Bulletproof, Upgrade Labs is one more step in my plan to Upgrade Humanity.”
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – With increasing consumer demand for AI driven integrated performance and wellness services,Upgrade Labs, the world’s first Human Upgrade™ Center and brainchild of Bulletproof Coffee founder Dave Asprey, continues its expansion by partnering with Hailey Smith and Becky Granden to bring the concept to Boise, Idaho. This news comes as the brand is witnessing exponential growth and disrupting the fitness and wellness space.
“This partnership with Hailey and Becky marks another milestone in achieving Upgrade Lab’s growth potential and reflects the quality of the franchisees that are investing in our future,” said Founder and CEO, Dave Asprey. “This goes to show that biohacking isn’t just a trend, but a lifestyle that is being sought after by customers and franchise partners alike.”
Both Smith and Granden bring a wealth of knowledge in the finance and operations categories, looking to utilize their experience to make Upgrade Lab’s entry into Boise seamless. Both Idaho natives and fitness enthusiasts and they are eager to bring the future of health and wellness to their home state.
“We’re thrilled to be joining the Upgrade Labs team, becoming a part of the brand that is challenging the way we see health and wellness,” said Smith. “Seeing how quickly the brand has taken off in its home state of California, we’re confident that this concept will continue to thrive across Idaho and across the nation.”
The brand helps members reach their highest level of physical performance & restorative abilities through unique technologies, giving dramatically better results in less time than they would spend exercising the old way. Each Upgrade location offers many innovative performance services such as The Cheat Machine, a patented, motorized resistance and computer software adaptive technology that gives you a week’s worth of resistance training in just 15 minutes. Additionally, Upgrade Labs pairs its performance services with a unique range of recovery services including The Big Squeeze, an FDA-approved full body detox massage and lymphatic drainage technology that gently removes excess water, slims the body, and expels toxins to improve the immune system. Members report having stronger immunity, reduced inflammation, increased energy, enhanced longevity, improved sleep quality, and much more.
“It’s not fair that only billionaires, celebrities and professional athletes can use technologies to become superhuman,” said Asprey. “Upgrade Labs is here to bring these possibilities to everyone. Like Bulletproof, Upgrade Labs is one more step in my plan to Upgrade Humanity.”
Upgrade Labs is actively seeking franchise partners across the United States and Canada with a goal of awarding 100 licenses by the end of 2022. As the brand begins its franchise expansion, it is looking for single and multi-unit franchise partners that are passionate about upgrading humanity and want to introduce biohacking into new communities. Including the franchise fee, the initial investment for an Upgrade Labs location ranges from $663,000 to $1,070,000.
Founded in 2017 and franchised since 2021, Upgrade Labs is the world’s first Human Upgrade™ Center and brainchild of Dave Asprey, founder of Bulletproof® Coffee and Father of Biohacking. Biohacking \ ˈbī- ō- ˌha- kiNG \ noun, the art and science of using technology and the environment around you in order to have full control of your biology. Upgrade Labs, the premier biohacking center, helps members reach their highest level of physical, cognitive and cellular performance through proprietary technologies. Each location offers services that help members become smarter, faster & stronger, resulting in a more rejuvenated & resilient version of themselves. The services offered help members spend less time exercising, decrease recovery times, and retain higher levels of concentration and tranquility. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and expert Biohacker Technicians, Upgrade Labs helps its members live their lives to the fullest potential. Membership packages are available and include a tailored selection of services.
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