As a top spa industry executive with decades of experience in the spa and wellness industry, Jim Root recently joined We Care Spa (Desert Hot Springs, CA) as managing director. His hospitality career has included leadership roles at various resorts, including Rancho La Puerta, Enchantment Group with Miiamo, Glen Ivy Hot Springs, Sea Island Company, Miraval, and Meadowood Napa Valley. Known for creating and wellness programming, property development, and management for destination and resort spas, he excels in creating cohesive relationships across teams and delivering unique experiences. As a past chairman of the International Spa Association (ISPA), Root continues to be an active and engaged member of the organization.
In his new role at We Care Spa, he brings a fresh perspective to the renowned wellbeing retreat. “My focus at We Care Spa will be on supporting the timeless wisdom rooted from the founding family, with traditions spanning almost 40 years to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit,” says Root. “While at the same time, I will put emphasis on enhancing and elevating the property, to effectively support the program of personalized growth and innovative wellness experiences.” Here, he shares how his 47 years in the industry has shaped his thinking about wellness and the industry.
What does wellness mean to you?
To me, wellness means whatever path, journey or equation that brings a person happiness, calm, meaning and courage in the moment while supporting healthy aging over time.
What are your favorite things to do to maintain your personal wellbeing?
Taking time to swim and walk, to watch the sunset and the night sky, to be fully engaged at work and home, and to practice being kinder than necessary.
Is there a specific fitness activity that you love and why?
Outdoor swimming. Purposefully moving through the water is both fun to experience and feels “cleansing” on many levels.
What is your greatest wellness achievement?
Being vibrantly happily and engagingly alive every day.
What person in wellness do you most admire and why?
Deborah Szekely. Many years ago, Deborah showed me that wellness/wellbeing is a personal choice and an opportunity to share and support others from within, not just a business or profession to simply position, promote, leverage, or manage.
What do you think is the most exciting wellness innovation you have recently discovered?
I am not a follower of “wellness innovation,” as it relates to technology, but I certainly see all that is out there. I appreciate more authentic conversations with meaningful action around the topic of mental wellbeing in the workplace and at home through techniques including motivational interviewing and think this practical high- touch innovation is so much more meaningful and needed than an app for that.
What is your idea of balanced healthy happiness?
Well, balance implies equality which I think is an unreasonable place or goal to attain. I prefer more of an appropriate integration perspective knowing it is an equally appropriate moving place we find ourselves in everyday and why they call it a practice.
Do you have a secret health or wellness tip you would like to share?
Be kinder than necessary.
What is your favorite place for a healthy vacation or escape?
Anywhere with water that is open to the sky and quiet.
Is there a particular wellness company or brand that truly impresses you with their efforts and why?
I’ll say no at this point, but there is certainly a great deal of announcement and effort to promote a spectrum of offerings. There is too much focus on business and new offerings with too many conversations with colleagues, peers, and guests that lament an environment of intention that is not supported on the ground in practical practice or connection. I’m reminded of the old bumper sticker: “Think Global, Act Local” and so appreciate the quiet acts and efforts that go on every day with people in service to others.
What is your favorite self-care routine?
It is to every day contribute at home and work, to swim and walk, to watch the sky, and to remember to be kinder than necessary.
What is your go-to for de-stressing?
To take a breath or two, and go from there.
What aspect of your wellbeing do you struggle with the most, or would most like to improve?
Patience and acceptance
How do you celebrate small victories?
I celebrate with a big smile and by sharing the victory.
What brings you joy?
To really be in the moment, to see and not just notice, to appreciate whatever there is around me no matter what it is, and to receive it all without judgement.
