Lifestyle

How Private Hotsprings Can Transform Wellness Tourism with Its Lithia-Inspired Innovations

Published

3 months ago

February 12, 2025

Michelle Langton

Photo by Private Hotsprings

By Michelle Snow

Private Hotsprings resort features exclusive infinity-edge pools fed by natural hot springs, attracting wellness tourists to British Columbia’s remote wilderness. Tina and Alex Genzer are expanding beyond hospitality with Lithios Beverages, a drink line incorporating lithia-rich mineral water from the springs. The new venture aims to bring the therapeutic benefits of the resort’s natural waters to consumers worldwide.

Enchanted By Nature

Tina and Alex are familiar with entrepreneurship. Before embarking on their journey to British Columbia, the pair successfully ran a boiler installation and construction business in Toronto, specializing in snowmelt systems. While Alex, a former Air Force pilot, honed his engineering expertise and cultivated a strong public presence with CBC and News Talk 1010 appearances, Tina led business operations with her signature entrepreneurial flair.

Tina Genzer recalls how their lives changed when they discovered the Kootenay region’s natural hot springs. “We were captivated by the serenity of this place,” she says. The couple started acquiring chalets that blend luxury and nature. Today, Private Hotsprings offers three properties: the Cedar Log Cabin with a waterfall and lake access and two chalets featuring the world’s only infinity-edge hot spring pools.

The couple’s leadership style has been instrumental in the company’s growth. The Genzers have carved out a niche that remains untouched by competitors by prioritizing exclusivity and direct customer engagement over conventional review systems. “Our mission has always been to create a serene retreat where guests can unwind, rejuvenate, and reconnect with themselves,” Alex Genzer explains.

Lithios Beverages

Tina and Alex’s idea for Lithios Beverages emerged during a restorative evening at the hot springs, inspired by the therapeutic effects of lithia-rich waters. Since its successful debut in New York earlier this year, which sold out within days, the brand is now planning to partner with a major U.S. distributor to enter the growing health and wellness beverage market.

The Genzers are well-positioned to leverage this opportunity, as Lithios Beverages aligns with their brand ethos blending the purity of their mineral springs with health-conscious choices. “Lithios is not just a beverage, it is a lifestyle,” says Tina Genzer. “We aim to provide the same rejuvenation and vitality our guests experience, no matter where they are.”

A Rising Tide for Wellness Tourism

Wellness tourism thrives on authenticity and connection to nature, two qualities that Private Hotsprings exemplifies. The company has tapped into a lucrative market segment that prioritizes unique and restorative experiences over mass tourism by offering exclusive access to mineral-rich hot springs in a private setting.

Competitors in the wellness industry have begun to explore similar models, but only some can rival Private Hotsprings’ distinctive offerings. The company’s first-in-the-world infinity-edge pools and meticulous curation of guest experiences give it a significant edge.

The Next Phase

Despite these challenges, the Genzers remain optimistic about the future. Their dual focus on Private Hotsprings and Lithios Beverages allows them to innovate within two complementary markets.

The next phase of their journey includes expanding Lithios Beverages across the U.S., emphasizing sustainability and transparency. Lithios Beverages has opened up its next round of funding to scale its operations.

The Genzers are also exploring ways to share their story with a broader audience. “We want investors and guests alike to understand the heart and vision behind what we do,” Tina says. “It is not just about running a business, it is about creating something meaningful and lasting.”

Tina and Alex Genzer have created an example of success that other industry players will undoubtedly seek to emulate by blending luxury with nature and leveraging their lithia-rich waters for global impact.

Lifestyle

Why Classical Dance Is Thriving on Instagram

Published

9 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Michelle Langton

For centuries, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak have been treasured for their elegance, complexity, and storytelling prowess. But in recent years, these age-old traditions have found an unlikely stage: Instagram. From intricate mudras to rhythmic footwork, young dancers are captivating audiences worldwide, all in the span of a 60-second reel.

So, what’s fueling this revival of classical dance on a platform known for trends, filters, and viral challenges?

Instagram, with its visual-first format, has become an ideal space for artists to share their craft. Classical dance, rich in visual storytelling, translates beautifully into bite-sized performances that are accessible and engaging for modern audiences.

“Reels are short enough to grab attention but long enough to convey the essence of a classical piece,” says one of Spardha’s dance teachers, actively creating dance videos for the Instagram page of Spardha School of Music and Dance, an online platform for performing arts education. “You don’t need an elaborate stage or hours of performance; a simple backdrop and good lighting can bring your art to life.”

On Instagram, young dancers bring a fresh approach to traditional art. They skillfully blend classical compositions with trending audio tracks, often choreographing pieces that resonate with younger audiences.

These videos show how classical dance can be relevant in today’s world as young artists reinterpret popular songs in classical style. Such performances respect the tradition, make it accessible to a larger audience by making classical dance relatable.

Social media has also given classical dancers something they’ve never had before: a global audience. Platforms like Instagram allow Indian artists to reach audiences in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.

And the feedback loop is immediate. Unlike traditional performances, which are confined to auditoriums and limited audiences, Instagram reels receive likes, comments, and shares in real time, creating a sense of community and encouraging more engagement.

The rise of online platforms for learning music and dance like Spardha School of Music and Dance has further fueled this trend. Spardha provides structured lessons in classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Kathak, and even Bollywood, making them accessible to young learners regardless of their location.

“Many of our students have taken what they’ve learned and showcased it online,” says a representative from Spardha. “It’s incredible to see them not just learn the art but also innovate and present it in ways that inspire others.”

By offering online classes, Spardha ensures that classical dance is no longer restricted to physical studios, enabling dancers to connect with their culture through dance no matter where they are in the world.

The success of classical dance on Instagram lies in its ability to blend heritage with modernity. The younger generation, armed with smartphones and a passion for preserving their roots, is making classical dance both aspirational and accessible.

Dance has always been about expression, and Instagram is just a new way of reaching people.