Wanderlust, or a strong desire to travel, is this month’s theme in honor of Patrick Huey, who has spent the last 5-6 years circumnavigating the globe. Recent studies show that traveling has a proven positive impact on well-being;
1. women who go on vacation at least twice a year have a significantly lower risk of suffering a heart attack than those who only travel every six years or so. Men who do not take an annual vacation have a 20 percent higher risk of death and a 30 percent higher risk of heart disease.
2. travel reduces stress – three days after a vacation trip, travelers report feeling less anxious, more rested and in a better mood. Interestingly, these benefits last for weeks after the end of the trip.
3. travel increases creativity – “Experiences abroad increase both cognitive flexibility and the depth and integrative nature of thinking, the ability to make deep connections between different forms” (A. Galinsky, Columbia Business School)
4. travel increases happiness and satisfaction – Most people are happier when they are traveling and don’t have to worry about work.
So book your next trip and tell your boss it’s for your health, not to mention your sanity! Patrick Huey is Montage International’s Corporate Director, Spa Operations and a seasoned executive with over 15 years of experience in the health, wellness and spa industry. Huey joins Montage International from Minor Hotels International and MSpa, where he was Corporate Director of Spas – Asia, responsible for developing and implementing the business strategy for the Asian Spa Division. Prior to that, Huey was Corporate Director of Spa, Fitness and Tennis for Sandals Resorts International. During his time at Sandals Resorts International, Huey successfully launched the brand’s Red Lane Spa and Fitness Brands, which included 23 operational spas, fitness and tennis programs throughout the Caribbean and over 600 employees in the division.
Huey has also held various management positions at renowned hotel brands such as Viceroy Hotel Group, Four Seasons Hotels and Equinox Fitness. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Spa Association.
Interview
Which is your favorite continent and why?
I have to admit that Asia is my favorite continent. Especially Southeast Asia. The cultures are ancient, and the sense of time and history is part of the people’s DNA; you can feel it everywhere. I love the energy of the dense population; the rhythms of life have a certain musicality when so many people interact with each other.
Must haves/travel tips for long-haul flights?
Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. I need an aisle seat, whether I’m flying first class or business or coach class. I’m also the type to stand up and stretch on long flights because I can’t sit still for long. Noise-canceling headphones are a must!
What is your favorite spa treatment?
I recently had a lomi lomi at Spa Montage Kapalua Bay. It was my first lomi lomi in probably 10 years. I had forgotten how wonderful this service is and how effective it can be to relieve muscle tension. It was a complete experience and the therapist performed the service flawlessly.
Fun facts about you
I have a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from Yale University and a Bachelor of Arts in Creative/Nonfiction Writing, English Literature and Theater from Vanderbilt University.
