How thoughtfully managed animal encounters can support attendee wellness and leave a lasting impression
Sometimes the most memorable part of a hotel visit isn’t the lobby or guest room, it’s the furry (or perhaps feathered) friend waiting to meet you.
Across the hospitality industry, a growing number of properties are incorporating ethically managed animal encounters into the visitor experience. Animals can help reinforce a property’s identity, honor local culture, support sustainability initiatives and offer attendees a chance to slow their minds and connect with the natural world.
A growing body of evidence suggests that positive interactions with animals can help reduce perceived stress, improve mood and encourage social connection. A 2018 study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) concluded that human-animal interactions may positively influence emotional well-being and social engagement, and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) has compiled numerous peer-reviewed studies examining the psychological and physiological benefits of spending time with animals.
These experiences can offer a refreshing complement to more traditional wellness programming while offering attendees a strong sense of place—and an incentive to return.
Here are three properties that prove a hotel’s most memorable and valued amenity isn’t always a modern gym or a luxurious spa—instead, it may be an animal that offers a moment of connection and peace on a hectic day.
Six Senses Crans-Montana
At first glance, the flock of Valais Blacknose sheep wandering the grounds of Switzerland’s Six Senses Crans-Montana might seem like a photogenic addition to the luxury alpine resort in Switzerland—after all, their distinctive black faces and curly white fleece have earned them plenty of international recognition.
However, the sheep weren’t brought to the property solely for the aesthetics. They were brought to the property to naturally maintain portions of the landscape through grazing, reducing the need for mechanical mowing while supporting the resort’s broader sustainability initiatives.
The agricultural practice has existed for centuries and aligns well with Six Senses’ emphasis on environmental stewardship and regenerative hospitality.
“Sustainability should not remain behind the scenes; it should be experienced authentically,” says Jean-Yves Blatt, general manager of
Six Senses Crans-Montana. “With the Valais Blacknose sheep, we not only want to offer a unique guest experience but also demonstrate how respect for nature and responsible luxury naturally come together within our resort.”
The sheep provide something equally valuable to meeting attendees—the opportunity to step outside, take a breath and reset between sessions. Rather than adding another structured wellness activity to the agenda, planners can encourage attendees to explore the grounds during breaks, where spontaneous encounters with sheep become part of the experience.
The sheep have also become an extension of the resort’s brand identity. Guests can now purchase a plush version of the animal for $45, with all proceeds contributed to the property’s Sustainability Fund.
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
Few hotels have embraced an animal ambassador quite as unique as the one at JW Marriott El Convento Cusco.
Nestled within a beautifully restored 16th-century convent in the heart of Peru’s historic city of Cusco, the property regularly welcomes Panchita, a local alpaca who has become a furry celebrity among visitors. Brought to the hotel by her owner for appearances, Panchita greets visitors, poses for photos and serves as an approachable, culturally relevant introduction to one of Peru’s most iconic animals.
Her role extends beyond an Instagrammable marketing tactic as well. Many of Panchita’s visits coincide with demonstrations led by local women that showcase traditional wool weaving techniques, giving guests the opportunity to learn firsthand about centuries-old craftsmanship that remains an important part of Andean culture.
In 2019, the property launched a Valentine’s Day campaign featuring Panchita in personalized “Love Gram” videos that guests could purchase and send to their loved ones. The playful promotion helped cement her reputation not just as an anticipated visitor, but as the heart of the hotel’s brand identity.
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar
At Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in The Bahamas, wellness comes packaged with a splash of pink.
The resort’s wildlife sanctuary is home to its famous Caribbean flamingos, offering guests the
opportunity to observe one of the Bahamas’ most iconic species through carefully managed encounters designed around education, conservation and animal welfare. Rather than encouraging interactions that prioritize entertainment, the experiences emphasize the birds’ natural behavior while minimizing unnecessary stress.
The property’s Flamingo Yoga offering combines mindful movement with the peaceful presence of its ambassador birds. The class aims to transform a familiar wellness activity into an immersive experience that attendees can’t easily replicate elsewhere.
Guided flamingo encounters are also available, inviting participants to learn about the birds’ biology, habitat and conservation while interacting with animal specialists, creating an educational component that extends beyond a typical photo opportunity.
Instead of treating attendee well-being and destination immersion as separate, Baha Mar integrates them, highlighting that some of the most unforgettable event moments include leveraging humans’ special connection with animals.
