YogaAway LLC, is a leading international lifestyle company founded by Bija Bennett, providing innovative yoga and wellness programs, products and consulting services for the hospitality industry. From 2004 to 2011, YogaAway was the exclusive world-wide provider of yoga products and services for Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

The Challenge

In 2004, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts was launching its new StayFit@Hyatt™ program, which became one of the first hotel chains to introduce state-of-the-art fitness centers, high quality cardio and strength-training equipment, with a fitness concierge. At the time, yoga was just becoming a major health trend, and Hyatt was looking to incorporate it into its new programming for fitness-conscious business and leisure travelers on-site.  

Bija’s international lifestyle company, YogaAway, LLC, was designed for the specific needs of this emerging market — business and leisure travelers and people on the go — providing them with new ways to increase their productivity, improve their health, and maintain their lifestyle, whether at home or on the road. Bija realized this was a natural fit for Hyatt’s needs.

The Solution

In 2005, YogaAway partnered with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts to create exclusive programming catering to the fitness-conscious business and leisure traveler. Bija and team designed a series of multimedia programs, products, and services for all Hyatt brands, both international and domestic. These programs were designed to create a real value-add for guests who wanted to stay in shape on the road. Bija’s team diversified both the offerings and the delivery platforms, addressing the travelers’ specific needs, including fitness, stress reduction, mental clarity, and enhanced sleep programs.

YogaAway produced a series of individual content packages across a variety of platforms, such as 1) scheduled yoga classes, private consultations, and corporate group sessions in Hyatt’s spas with certified YogaAway trained instructors; 2) in-room products including yoga videos, wellness tips, yoga mats, hanging mat bags and totes; 3) ongoing in-room videos for fitness, stress, focus, and sleep; and 4) events and wellness retreats at various Hyatt resorts.

The Results

YogaAway™ became a significant part of the Stay-Fit@Hyatt™ program, and became an award-winning series of offerings for international spas and resorts. These programs, products, and services were available in 214 Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, in 44 countries, totalling over 90,000 rooms. In 2005, 143 U.S. properties were added to the portfolio, which continued to grow YogaAway’s reach.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation is an American multinational hospitality company that manages and franchises luxury hotels, resorts, and vacation properties. As of March 25, 2018, Hyatt has 777 properties in 54 countries. Fortune magazine has ranked Hyatt #186 on its list of “America’s Best Employers” for 2018.