Evermore Orlando Resort Launches Relational Wellness Strategy
Evermore Orlando Resort partners with social scientist Kasley Killam to introduce relational wellness, tackling global loneliness through meaningful travel.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Wellness travel is surging alongside a growing global concern regarding loneliness.
- Evermore Orlando Resort partners with social scientist Kasley Killam to foster social health.
- Skift Research notes 36% of travelers plan to spend on health and wellness activities in 2026.
- The World Health Organization estimates one in six people worldwide experience loneliness.
Wellness travel is evolving into a new dimension as loneliness and social isolation emerge as critical global health concerns. According to Skift Research, 36% of travelers plan to allocate budgets for health and wellness activities during their trips in 2026. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in six people globally experience loneliness, prompting the hospitality sector to reconsider what wellness outcomes travel should ultimately deliver for guests.
Traditionally, the wellness category has focused heavily on individual restoration, including spa treatments, fitness routines, sleep optimization, nutrition, and longevity. However, as social connection becomes a more urgent part of the broader wellbeing conversation, the hospitality industry now has a unique opportunity to explore how travel can actively strengthen interpersonal relationships.
This exact philosophy anchors the new relational wellness strategy at Evermore Orlando Resort, as discussed in an episode of Skift’s Good Morning Hospitality podcast. The resort has partnered with social scientist Kasley Killam, author of “The Art and Science of Connection,” to integrate social health principles directly into guest experiences, employee culture, programming, and outcome measurement.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Integrating social science principles into hotel design and hospitality operations marks a significant departure from conventional individual-centric amenities. As properties like Evermore attempt to quantify relational wellness outcomes, this model could establish new benchmarks for urban hotels and smaller properties looking to cater to multigenerational families and groups seeking meaningful digital detox and connection.
Evermore Hospitality President Elizabeth Mullins and Killam sat down with Skift Studio to discuss how this strategy is taking shape. Mullins pointed out that as individuals connect increasingly with AI and digital devices, human-to-human connection declines. Travel provides dedicated time for people to bond with those they care about, particularly as multigenerational family group travel continues to grow.
"Decades of research show that human connection is as important as exercise and nutrition. People with strong relationships are happier, but also have better mental health, physical health, and longevity."
Kasley Killam
Killam highlighted concerning baseline data, noting that 72% of Americans spend in-person time with loved ones no more than twice a month, with many managing it only once or not at all. This widespread craving for in-person experiences and phone reduction is where hospitality can step in. Evermore's infrastructure was built specifically to accommodate this, featuring large homes sleeping up to 32 people, a central bay area drawing guests together, and multi-person water slides designed for shared memories.
Source: Skift
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