Meet Todd Shaw, Spa Director at The Peaks Resort & Spa, Telluride

I had the good fortune of meeting Todd Shaw a couple years ago at an ISPA Media Event in L.A. purely by chance.  It was one of the moments you ask a stranger if can join them at their table top so you have a place to grab a quick bite and I totally lucked out. Todd is one of the most genuinely nice guys in the wellness travel space. Easy going, humble and fun to talk to, little did I know that Todd was about to take on a huge leadership role as  Chairman for the International Spa Association (ISPA).   When I saw him again this year, it was like seeing an old friend.  I was happy to catch up with him on his newest role as Spa Director at The Peaks Resort and Spa.

What comes immediately to mind when you think of wellness? ​

Wellness is a state of harmony in the mind, body and spirit, the art of feeling good. The spa industry provides an opportunity for our population to explore modalities, services, experiences and products that support wellbeing and the opportunity for people to build their team. Wellness is not about doing one thing it’s about identifying areas of opportunity in your life and lifestyle and addressing each of these as parts and as a group. Spas offer teams of professionals who’s experience can support on a micro level, focusing on specific opportunities, and macro level, as part of a team taking a global approach to an individual’s constitution. Spas are accountable to provide the knowledge, environment and guidance for success and the individuals are accountable to take action. Wellness takes work and the amount of noise in our life’s now makes that even more challenging but by building your team of wellness professionals you can find the support you need to truly find your harmony.

What are some keywords and phrases that describe wellness and why?

• Accountability: Be accountable for your choices, your actions, your thoughts and work toward doing things that create positive environments for you to flourish. Only you can make a difference, there is plenty of support out there but it’s up to the individual to decide, commit and act
• Honesty:  Be honest with yourself. What have you done to support yourself in a positive state of wellbeing?
• Confidence:  Believe in yourself. I believe in you! You can do anything you put your mind to and I am sure if you make a commitment to yourself to experience the highest enjoyment of life, I am sure you can.
• Commitment:  Be committed to the process, it’s not about one choice it’s about all choices and it takes time. Wellness is like knowledge, it takes a lifetime to gather so practice everyday
• Your Health:  What’s the most important thing in your life? I hope you said your health. Without your health nothing else matters, take an active interest in it and make it a priority.
• Except Imperfection:  Wellness is an evolution, it is not a revolution. Adjust, respond, act, refocus, tweak, reflect, plan and improvise but just keep moving forward, making decisions that support your quest. There will be set backs, difficulties and disappointments but you will get back on track
• Patience:  Wellness takes time. Think in terms of your lifetime, Engage in the process.
• Be Realistic:  Wellness is not immediate, we can do things in the spa to make you feel good today, this week and support you on your quest but be realistic in your goals. What can you accomplish in “X” amount of time? Or where can you get? Be realistic and set goals you can realistically achieve and then celebrate those victories!
• Attitude:  Have a good attitude toward life, be positive, accepting, and opened minded
• Gratitude:  Be grateful and practice gratitude, good things will follow

In your mind what's the difference, if any, between wellbeing and wellness?

I would define Wellness as being the journey to a positive state of mind, body and spirit and wellbeing as the current state.

What's your personal approach to well-being?

Currently my approach to wellness is a simple one that I try and commit to everyday.

• Fitness:  I don’t kill myself, I just do some active exercise in the gym for 30 minutes.
• Hydrate:  Staying hydrated makes me feel good so I practice drinking a gallon every day.
• Nutrition:  Salads, vegetables, lean proteins, fruits, the stuff we all know we should eat, I try and eat that as much as possible so when I do have something not as healthy I don’t think about it at all.
• Breathing:  I practice breathing, breathing is autonomic, it take no conscious effort, but I challenge you to take a conscious approach to breathing a few times a day
• Gratitude:  I practice it, I say I am grateful out loud so I can hear myself say it and have It register as reality
• Volunteer:  It gives me a greater sense of purpose
• Sleep:  I try and get good sleep every night
• Goof off:  Everything I do isn’t that great for me, I like goofing off, going to a party, having fun and drink a little, What the heck… its life right? Enjoy it!

 What's Telluride's USP on wellness?

In Telluride you are surrounded by nature, the energy of the mountains, the amazing skies, the incredible climate, animals and birds playing in a protected environment. It’s an oasis to find your center without interruption, without the outside noise of our modern society. We are isolated and with that brings a sense of clarity and community. The people who live and visit here are caring, thoughtful and supportive and it creates a pure sense of community not experienced in many places. The environment in Telluride allows you to explore our world through outdoor activities and feel the energy of nature and the endorphins of sport. After a day playing, relaxing, and enjoying Telluride you can’t help but make healthy decisions because you want to feel so good so you can do it again tomorrow!  The people here are natural healers, it exudes from their hearts and will instantly set a sense of calm over you. Add all that to a 42,00 sf. spa with full health club and practitioners and healers that have international training experience in different modalities and training techniques and it’s the perfect combination to practice your wellness journey and not even realize you’re doing it.

For more information visit:  www.thepeaksresort.com | Relax at the Peaks Spa