I’ve just finished a stay at the Cloister on Sea Island, Georgia for a robust conference, The Southern C. The #tscsummit, as it’s referred to on social media, is all about networking with small businesses and truly connecting, collaborating, and creating new things together. I feel so energized and hope to fill your feeds with content very soon. For now, I want to share some practical things I’ve learned not from the Summit, but from the Cloister.
The Cloister is beyond luxurious. From the moment you drive on property, you feel secluded and away from all of life’s distractions. There’s a notable and distinct difference in how they make a hotel room feel more like home and more relaxing than your own house. You know that saying “it’s the little things?” Well, the Cloister does the little things right and in a big way. Here’s a few things I’ve picked up on:
[one] Greet individuals by name. Okay, okay, so it’s not a new rule (really, none of these are new), but greeting someone by name goes a long way. It adds a personal touch and makes a guest feel like they aren’t a guest; like they belong and they’re part of the crowd. From the moment I drived on property and told the gatekeeper I was checking in and told him my name, he took my one response and told the valet and the check in desk that I was arriving. Upon pulling up to unload, the valet greeted me, the doorman, and the check in desk. WOW does that make you feel special!
[two] Cohesive and on theme art can really bring a room together. My room had three separate pieces of art on two different walls, They were all prints, but well framed and marsh scenes. What is it about a landscape that is so peaceful? I think I need to add a landscape piece of art to my bedroom at home.
[three] Less pillows can be a good thing. As a pillow fanatic, I can’t believe I’m saying this. I usually want layers and levels of pillows on a king bed. The simple all white bed with two rows of pillows was enough to be inviting but the simplicity adds to the relaxing, distraction free aesthetic.
[four] Keeping a space neat and tidy can really do volumes for your overall stress and anxiety levels. A nightly turn down service and having the room ready for bed upon entering at the end of the day immediately melts stress away. Each night, my hair accessory cords were neatly wrapped, my steamer cord wrapped, slippers by my bedside, water ready, etc. So maybe it’s really a maid is what can ease anxiety levels, ha! In all seriousness, putting away something when you’re finished using it takes away clutter. Again, it’s the simple things…
[five] ready for relaxation. I want to somehow incorporate this into my closet or bathroom at home. I already leave my slippers by my bedside, ready for me to slide into them for cozy feet at the end of the day. Another added luxury–having a robe on a hook right by the shower ready for comfort. I may need to add a hook or two to accommodate this.
[six] Leave some blank space. Obviously, there’s no personal belongings in a hotel room and only phones and chargers on nightstands. Having clear surfaces allows for a clear mind and a clear mind can easily relax and fall asleep. And we all want that!
All these little things, particularly the neat and tidy aesthetic, made me want to keep up. When I returned to my neat room, I would immediately clean out my bag from the day and dispose of my gum wrappers, kleenexes, old agenda, etc. It’s easier to maintain!
I hope I can incorporate these simple things in my life at home to create a more relaxing environment.
