Incredible Wellness Destinations: Jasmine Voltan Of Cape of Senses On The Secrets To Creating The Perfect Wellness Destination
An Interview With Wanda Malhotra
Avoid technology: We can offer our guests all the peace and tranquility we promise, but the real secret to truly unplugging is abandoning phones, PCs, and tablets. If not at home, at least in your room. Avoiding any connection with the rest of the world is essential to allow your mind to abandon itself to total relaxation.
The pandemic has shaped the way we travel and live, with a growing trend leaning towards health, wellness, and a holistic lifestyle. More than ever, individuals are seeking not just getaways, but immersive wellness retreats that help rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul. Destinations that provide a serene environment, unique wellness offerings, and an unparalleled experience are in great demand. In this interview series, we are talking to property owners and hospitality companies who are at the helm of these wellness havens. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jasmine Voltan.
Jasmine Voltan, 30, is the SPA Manager at Cape of Senses. Born in Desio, near Milan, Italy, she holds degrees in Public Management, Tourism and Hospitality Management, and Beauty Management. With a career spanning from small SPAs to luxury hotel SPAs and destination SPAs in the Dolomites, she now leads the Senses SPA at Lake Garda with dedication and expertise.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
I have always been a lonely child, preferring the company of older people rather than children my age because I learned so much from them. I grew up with my paternal grandmother, a seamstress, who taught me to sew, recognize fabrics, and do cross-stitch, though I sometimes cut what I wasn’t supposed to! My family has always been close-knit, teaching me the importance and value of family.
From a young age, I was accustomed to sacrifices; at six, my mother took me to swimming lessons three days a week and dance lessons on the other two days. As I grew older, I pursued synchronized swimming competitively, representing Italy in the national team at world championships while managing my studies.
What or who inspired you to pursue your career? We’d love to hear the story.
I have always felt a desire to instill tranquility and well-being, offering people an escape from routine and a chance to find time for themselves. This inspiration has driven me from the beginning and continues to guide me every day. I love to observe and listen; even though I am a quiet person, I carefully consider how to improve situations and anticipate needs. I often put myself in my guests’ shoes to better understand their expectations and how they would like to feel.
None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Was there a particular person who you feel gave you the most help or encouragement to be who you are today? Can you share a story about that?
I was a very introverted and reserved child, but I grew up in a family that always encouraged me to take chances and react to situations, even if it meant making mistakes and learning from them. Their encouragement was “silent,” without too much clamor or boasting. They simply offered advice or explained their point of view, but I always understood it as their way of believing in me.
Additionally, I cannot overlook the impact of my years in competitive sports. Practicing sports at any level teaches respect for teammates and opponents, the value of sacrifice and dedication to achieve your goals, and the importance of tenacity and determination. These lessons have stayed with me throughout my life.
It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share the funniest or most interesting mistake that occurred to you in the course of your career? What lesson or takeaway did you learn from that?
I was making a reservation for treatments for two ladies, a mother and daughter. The mother felt swelling in her legs and needed a dedicated massage. Once the reservation with the mother was finished, I turned to the daughter and asked if she would also like to have this massage with her mother. Smiling, she took off her bathrobe and replied, “It would be nice, but I would have to pay half the price,” showing me her prosthetic leg.
I apologized instantly and was fortunate to find a girl who had fully accepted her situation to the point of laughing about it. This experience taught me the importance of observing carefully and listening to the guest’s needs before making any assumptions.
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Why does that resonate with you so much?
I don’t have a single life lesson quote that always accompanies me; it varies depending on the moment and my state of mind. Currently, I would say, “If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine; it’s lethal.” I’m generally not a fan of big, long-lasting changes, but I love adventure and believe this saying highlights an essential aspect of a happy life, as routine can be truly lethal in every area — personal, relational, and professional. A company that never introduces innovation is not destined to last over time.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?
We opened the doors of Cape of Senses and the Senses SPA a year ago, and our priority is to expand the sensorial journey to the fullest. We are committed to offering our guests impeccable service with attention to detail, constantly trying new things while respecting and embracing nature and catering to our guests’ needs.
OK, thank you for all of that. Let’s now shift to the core focus of our interview about wellness destinations. Let’s dive deeper into this together. Based on your research or personal experience, why do you think travel can lead to better wellness? Can you share a story?
One of the incredible benefits of travel is that it promotes physical activity. Whether it’s walking the streets of a new village, taking long walks by the lakeside, or climbing a mountain, travel takes us away from the office chair and the sofa at home. Travel also promotes good brain health by keeping our minds active. When we are in a new place or faced with new experiences, our brain is stimulated and remains active, taking it as a positive challenge to adapt to the new surroundings, thus improving cognitive perception. I have personally noticed these benefits since I started including those activities in my daily routine, embracing last-minute bookings, and experiencing the true essence of places.
What are a few things that distinguish your property from thousands of wellness properties around the world?
Cape of Senses sits on the side of a mountain about 1,000 feet above sea level. The first thing that strikes guests as soon as they walk through the door is the view — a spectacular 180° panorama of Lake Garda to the west. In the evening, when the weather allows, guests can enjoy clear star-filled skies. Very few properties can offer such privileges.
The large olive tree garden is another highlight of the property. Our guests find themselves immersed in nature, far from the frenzy of the main roads, which is perfect for abandoning themselves to absolute silence and calm. This combination of tranquility and breathtaking views is what makes us unique and is a key part of our philosophy, focusing on the senses.
What type of experience do you want your visitors to have when they visit?
As the name Cape of Senses suggests, everything in the resort, especially in the spa, has been designed to stimulate our guests’ senses. Our goal is to provide an authentic sensory experience. We have developed treatments that engage touch through cold stones, hot stones, clouds of soap, and lavender flower showers. Hearing is enticed by the sounds of Tibetan bells or Hawaiian music during dedicated treatments. The sense of smell is delighted by the scents of citrus scrubs and basil-flavored olive oil, which envelop the guest in a fragrant embrace. Aside from the breathtaking views, our Chef and his team delight our guests with carefully prepared dishes from local and Italian traditions.
What makes your property a beautiful escape for a body and mind recharge?
The resort’s distance from any source of noise, such as the lakefront or busy roads, allows guests to enjoy an almost resonant silence. Thanks to the size of the resort, even at full occupancy, all guests can find their privacy. Whether travelers participate in a morning yoga session, indulge in one of our magnificent treatments, or simply sit in the garden with a good book, they will always be accompanied by an atmosphere of profound calm. This serene environment allows guests to deeply relax, achieve inner peace, and promote a greater connection with nature.
Can you share any transformative stories or testimonials from guests who visited your property?
Discretion is very important for anyone working in this field and at these levels, but one thing I notice very often is the difference in behavior between the arrival and departure of our guests, or even before and after a treatment.Guests sometimes arrive under stress and pressure for multiple reasons, and we have observed that by the second day of their stay, their attitude often changes, with rigidity and tension giving way to a much more relaxed mood.
It also happens that guests come directly to book treatments, explaining their mental and physical status. Once the treatment is finished, they often leave the cabin almost unable to speak or remember where their room is because we can convey exactly what they need through the treatment and the hands of our therapists.
Why do you think the experience you offer is so needed nowadays?
I believe that the world is moving faster and faster. Technology is advancing, social media is increasing, work is becoming more demanding, and climate change and wars remain worrying issues. It is impossible to live in today’s world perfectly relaxed because our minds are continually stressed by thousands of pieces of information every day. At least once a year, everyone should dedicate time to rest their mind, unplug from reality, and forget the daily frenzy. We work hard to offer the best service to our guests so that the purpose of their holiday has the maximum effect and they can derive the greatest benefit from it.
Do you think travel enhances our mindfulness, optimism, or sense of gratitude? How? Can you please explain with an example or story?
Yes, absolutely. First of all, I believe that the well-being resulting from a trip begins even before making the booking, when you start thinking about destinations, imagining a typical day, and considering the activities you can do. Some studies have shown a connection between travel, increased creativity, and a deeper sense of awareness and personal growth. Traveling helps us encounter ourselves, leading to greater self-awareness. These experiences lead to happiness, optimism, and a great deal of gratitude for having the chance to experience all of this. It’s a very simple formula: the happier you are, the healthier you are. And the healthier you are, the more you see things in a totally different light. Aside from studies, I’d use myself as an example of how the thought of planning a trip already changes my mood. When I’m in different places, I feel like I can explore, become more creative, and train myself to see things differently, not only while I’m traveling but also when I’m back.
What are your “5 Habits You Should Develop In Order Make Travel Into An Opportunity For Wellness & Personal Growth?”
1 Avoid technology: We can offer our guests all the peace and tranquility we promise, but the real secret to truly unplugging is abandoning phones, PCs, and tablets. If not at home, at least in your room. Avoiding any connection with the rest of the world is essential to allow your mind to abandon itself to total relaxation.
2 Sport: On holiday, we have no excuses. We can find time to dedicate to physical well-being or maintain our sports routine. At Cape of Senses, we have a well-equipped gym open 24/7, allowing training even on rainy or cold days. If you prefer outdoor activities, there are endless possibilities, from water sports on the lake to mountain walks, including one that starts directly from the resort entrance.
3 Try new things/activities: Trying new things allows you to come into greater contact with your being, revealing what you like, what you are capable of, and what makes you happy. You can participate in our holistic activities or sauna sessions for the first time, treat yourself to new treatments that set your senses in motion, or take a ride on an authentic Italian Vespa. Seeing new places, trying new things, and meeting new people helps us gain greater awareness, promoting personal growth and increasing self-esteem.
4 Relax/slow travel: Especially during a holiday dedicated to well-being, it is essential to rest, relax, and find time for everything that makes us feel good. Traveling with a busy schedule of activities and places to explore becomes physically and mentally stressful. Slowing down the pace of travel and focusing on quality rather than quantity encourages a deeper connection with the destination, allowing you to fully appreciate what it can offer.
5 Food: Eating is essential for well-being, and food is fuel for our bodies. Why not try local food? This is one of the essential ways to know your travel destination. After all, we are in Italy, the perfect destination to enjoy excellent traditional Italian food while sipping local wine. Sit in our restaurant, admire the view above Lake Garda, and let yourself be carried away by the tastes of our cuisine. We know that eating is one of life’s pleasures, and we should be grateful for that.
Based on your experience, where do you see the future of wellness travel heading in the next 5–10 years?
We can’t deny the impact that COVID-19 has had on the population. Although we have now all overcome the “fear” phase of safety measures, we have not forgotten the negative impact of the pandemic on psychophysical well-being, including increased stress levels, and negative effects on private and working life, sleep quality, and physical well-being. A very worrying fact is the increase in stress among young people (18–34 years old), who report higher levels of negative tension compared to other age groups.
It is no coincidence that the spa and wellness industry is growing rapidly worldwide. According to research from Grand View Research, the global spa industry is expected to reach $136.3 billion by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 10.5%. This growth is driven by a dramatic increase in demand for wellness and anti-aging treatments, the emergence of new youth targets, and the desire for increasingly personalized rituals.
I believe the spas of the future will aim to offer tailor-made, personalized services using innovative instruments that combine cutting-edge technology and a scientific approach for optimal results. Technological innovation and scientific research are rapidly transforming the world of well-being. Recent technological advancements have opened up new possibilities for exploring the physical and cognitive enhancement and improvement of human beings.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we both tag them 🙂
Honestly, I’ve never thought about it, and I don’t think I have a particular person in mind, but it would be nice to have lunch with a woman who is a source of inspiration and confidence. She should convey inner strength and genuineness through her words without ever being haughty.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
They can subscribe to our “lago-letter” through our website at https://www.capeofsenses.com/en/ to keep up with all the wonders of Lake Garda year-round! Also, follow us on our social media channels at https://www.instagram.com/capeofsenses/ .
Thank you for these really excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent on this. We wish you continued success.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com .
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