Experience & learn. Take a few moments before you leave to give yourself permission to experience and learn something new, with a humble heart and mind.
The pandemic has shaped the way we travel and live, with a growing trend leaning towards health, wellness, and a holistic lifestyle. More than ever, individuals are seeking not just getaways, but immersive wellness retreats that help rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul. Destinations that provide a serene environment, unique wellness offerings, and an unparalleled experience are in great demand. In this interview series, we are talking to property owners and hospitality companies who are at the helm of these wellness havens. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Micah Spicer.
Micah is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Ancient Lore Village in Knoxville, TN. With years of dedicated experience in the luxury hospitality industry, he joined the team at Ancient Lore Village 3 years ago, just a few months before their opening. Micah is passionate about creating unique, immersive experiences for their guests and is driven to help build a brand that is focused on positivity, togetherness, and unity in a time where the world seems to focus on the negative things that divide us.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
Igrew up in East Tennessee, where the Smoky Mountains were my playground. I was always a curious child and from the earliest memory I have, I always held a sense of adventure. My parents worked a lot, and my two older brothers were typically doing their own thing, so this gave me plenty of time to spend outside and create a world of my own imagination.
By the time I was 15, I was off on my first trip outside of the United States. I traveled with a group of students, and we spent two weeks in Barcelona. I had always dreamed of going to Europe and exploring the world, but I never thought I would have that opportunity so fast. I absolutely loved it, and little did I know this was just the beginning of my never ending “travel bug”. Between the time I was 15 to 22, I traveled to 8 different countries and went on 10 international trips. I cannot begin to tell you how wonderfully this shaped my worldview and showed me how beautiful it can be to open your eyes to people and cultures different than your own. Each time I visited a new place I became a student of that land and the people who lived there. I am incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel so much and am very grateful to those who helped make those trips possible.
After taking a break after high school to pursue photography, design, and my own travel endeavors, I went to college as a non-traditional student and ended up graduating with a French degree and spent almost the last year of my schooling living in France. Unfortunately, the last five months of that I spent locked down in France during the pandemic. I could write an entire book on those five months alone.
To this day I still travel as much as I can, whether in country or out of country. I’ve found that one of the best teachers in life is the journey of a traveler. I hope that I never stop traveling, and even more that I never stop learning from those around me.
What or who inspired you to pursue your career? We’d love to hear the story.
There wasn’t a specific person who inspired me, rather I believe that through all the travel I did growing up, there was a desire that developed in me to provide unique opportunities and experiences to others, inspired by my own travels and experiences. I wanted to create that sense of awe and wonder for other people, a sense that I had and continue to have when I travel. The hospitality industry was the simple answer to my career search. I knew that I could take the experiences that I had gathered from all my journeys and use them to help create fun experiences for others. I also hoped to help other people avoid the mistakes I made along the way. For example, when visiting another country for the first time, be sure to make yourself aware of the common cultural practices, greetings, foods, and transportation methods. If not, you might find yourself as I was, hanging off the side of a bus in India as it drove away because I thought it polite to step off the bus quickly to let others off. Little did I know, there is no capacity to those busses and if you don’t stay on the bus until your stop, the only spot left is often on the outside steps of the bus where people hold on to you, so you don’t fall off as it moves. True story.
None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Was there a particular person who you feel gave you the most help or encouragement to be who you are today? Can you share a story about that?
There are several people who I would say have made an incredible impact on my life, shaping me to be who I am today: my parents, two very wise women who became like grandmothers to me, my oldest brother, and my French professor in college. Of all those people, I would have to say my older brother has encouraged and shaped me the most. He has supported me on all my endeavors and life journeys, whether personal or professional. We haven’t always seen eye to eye, but even in our disagreements, he has always encouraged me to be me, to show love to everyone, and to never limit my dreams. For that I am forever grateful.
It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share the funniest or most interesting mistake that occurred to you in the course of your career? What lesson or takeaway did you learn from that?
Years ago, when I was doing work for some NGOs in India, we produced a film to be shown at a women’s conference in FL to raise money to rescue and take care of children who were born into brothels. It was all an amazing experience; however, we made a small mistake that in the end was inconsequential overall, but quite embarrassing. In the video we had titles and text to help narrate the story and move the video along. Well, there was a simple typo and we ended up spelling “women” wrong in one of the un-narrated story pieces. We spelled “women” wrong in a video at a women’s conference! We only found out after it was shown at the conference, and someone informed us. While we still helped to raise $30,000, it certainly reminded us that you can never check your work too much and that some of the most resounding mistakes can reside in the most obvious places. I do my best to go back over and check things multiple times, as well as have others check behind me for any projects to this day.
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Why does that resonate with you so much?
“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
I think this puts into perspective that, barring certain mental health conditions, no matter your childhood, your past, your present, or your potential future, you have a choice to control your mind and your actions. No one forces us to be or do any of these things mentioned above. The choice is ours and we must choose wisely. We cannot blame these internal choices on others. And as Maya Angelou says, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?
We are currently working on some very exciting expansion projects both onsite and offsite. What I can discuss now is our amazing onsite expansion. We are in the process of adding 5 luxury treehouses and two more underground homes. This will expand our retreat accommodations to 14 dwellings and a total occupancy of 50 guests. Our mission is quite simple: to create a world where people from all different backgrounds can gather together in peace and harmony, in a place where only genuine goodness exists. After leaving Ancient Lore Village, we hope that our guests continue to spread peace and goodness to others wherever they may go.
OK, thank you for all of that. Let’s now shift to the core focus of our interview about wellness destinations. Let’s dive deeper into these together. Based on your research or personal experience, why do you think travel can lead to better wellness? Can you share a story?
Travel has always been a source of refreshment for me, and I believe it is the same for many others as well. When I travel, I am physically transported to a different location, which also gives my mind permission to go somewhere else as well. When I find myself in a new location it is an opportunity to see, think of, and feel things from a different perspective. It offers a clean slate and I feel like I am in a completely different world. For me, this is where I can find healing and wellness. When I travel for vacation and relaxation, I try to go to places where I know cell phone reception or my connection to work and daily stressors are limited, if not cut off. Simply put, travel doesn’t force wellness or rejuvenation, however it provides the opportunity to embrace it, starting with physical and mental freedom.
What are a few things which distinguish your property from thousands of wellness properties around the world?
- Our story. It is very rare that you find a wellness property that is based on a story, on a book in fact. Often people start with a concept and then create a story to help build their brand. We started in reverse. Our founder, Tom Boyd (86 years old), wanted to share a story about uniting people from all backgrounds and cultures, to send a positive message in the midst of a very divisive world. He did this in hopes of creating more joy and unity, using mythical and ancient characters to tell that story. Then he brought that story to life by building Ancient Lore Village in hopes of making his dream of a better world a reality. He has certainly done that!
- Our mission. Continuing from what I shared above, Tom’s message of unity and positivity has become the very heart of our brand and our business. In everything we do we have this in mind. Even more, we want to continue sharing this message beyond our Village and beyond our city. We hope that as our brand grows, so will the reach and impact of our mission.
- Our immersive environment. Ancient Lore Village is truly like no place on earth. As soon as you come on property you are transported into a world of magic, mystery, and wonder. With the enchanting architecture, stunning gardens, and integration of our story throughout the Village, you will never want to leave!
What type of experience do you want your visitors to have when they visit?
We hope that each guest takes advantage of the atmosphere and allows themselves to disconnect from the stress of life and reconnect, not only with themselves but also with others. In fact, we have no TVs in our rooms. We want to encourage people to disconnect from technology and simply take in a breath of fresh air. From peaceful hiking trails to ancient natural boulders, to a 40-foot cascading waterfall, it’s not hard to find your own hideaway and just be. Lastly, we hope that after leaving Ancient Lore Village, our guests continue to spread peace and goodness they have found to others wherever they may go.
What makes your property a beautiful escape for a body and mind recharge?
There is something so healing about nature. In fact, it is essential. There is nothing that compares to the sweet breeze of spring, the warm embrace of summer’s glow, the grounding reminders of autumn’s change, and the soothing quiet of winter’s snow. That is why we like to focus on the nature around us in regard to a full mind and body recharge.
Growing our own herbs, sourcing local vegetables and meat whenever possible, providing experiences that spark your imagination, and offering activities such as axe throwing, archery, and hiking, that engage both your mind and body are just a few things that we use to provide opportunities for our guests to make the most of their stay.
It is also important to know that the goal isn’t always to turn off your mind. Rather, we hope that our guests find their minds awakened to greater wellness through creativity and inspiration. From the moment you enter the Village you are transported to a different world, a world where you can be whoever you want to be. Here at Ancient Lore Village, you get to write your own fairytale.
In addition, Ancient Lore Village is an outdoor-based property. Other than the dwellings themselves, the registration building, and a small indoor gathering space, the rest of our property is outdoors. We wanted the focus to be on allowing our guests to be in nature no matter the season, which is why our large gathering spaces are all very unique outdoor venues, able to be weatherized in accordance with each season’s conditions.
Can you share any transformative stories or testimonials from guests that visited your property?
About a year ago, a family brought their mother to stay at the Village for a couple of days to savor and create a few last memories with her. She unfortunately had a debilitating disease that was soon to take away her body and mind. Our team went out of their way to make this the most magical and special time for this family. Upon their departure, the family was in tears thanking our team for making this experience beyond any of their hopes. They said that the environment at the Village provided them with such peace in such a sad situation and that they will always remember these moments in the most positive light. We have several stories just like this. This is one of the many reasons we exist: providing people a peaceful, unifying, and positive environment to gather in, whatever the occasion may be.
Why do you think the experience you offer is so needed nowadays?
We need places that focus on unity and positive change in the world. There is so much negativity and division out there that we need a reminder that kindness and respect do more good than a sharp tongue and distasteful words. Ancient Lore Village provides more than a fun, unique place to stay. We provide an opportunity not only to escape and recharge, but to grow.
Do you think travel enhances our mindfulness, optimism, or sense of gratitude? How? Can you please explain with an example or story?
I certainly think travel provides the opportunity to enhance mindfulness, optimism, and sense of gratitude, but it doesn’t promise it. Travel often provides us with new experiences and exposure to things outside our norm. When this happens, it either expands our understanding of the world, often positively, or it triggers a defense mechanism or wall that produces excuses and reasoning to try and keep the status quo in our lives. For most people, I do think travel opens people’s minds to greater things and we return home with greater mindfulness, optimism, and gratitude. I think one of the most important things to do before or when you start your travel journey is to remind yourself to be open to new and good things. Just a crack in the door of openness and positivity can easily lead to a wellspring of all good things.
What are your “5 Habits You Should Develop In Order Make Travel Into An Opportunity For Wellness & Personal Growth?”
1 . Experience & learn. Take a few moments before you leave to give yourself permission to experience and learn something new, with a humble heart and mind.
2 . Be where you are. Make sure to intentionally remove yourself each day from access to work, phone, email, computer or anything/anyone else that might be a source of stress during your travel. Even just an hour each day can make an enormous impact on your wellness experience.
3 . Leave room for spontaneity. If everything is meticulously scheduled out, you will be paying more attention to your watch than truly experiencing what is around you. You might miss the opportunity to experience what you need most.
4 . Do something new. Even if you have traveled to this location a thousand times, newness always brings an opportunity for growth.
5 . Rest. Truly rest and let your body and mind heal. Sleep in a little. Have some fresh fruit and nourish your body. Don’t be afraid to make time for this, in fact that may be the only way it happens. Traveling with wellness and personal growth in mind doesn’t equal cramming in as many experiences as you can. Being mindful and aware during 2 experiences is by far more satisfying than doing 10 things in one day just to fit in as much as you can.
Based on your experience, where do you see the future of wellness travel heading in the next 5–10 years?
I certainly see wellness travel becoming more common and mainstream. As life in general becomes more complicated and stressful, people will be looking to spend their vacations and weekends searching for simplicity and reprieve. We are already seeing a huge rise in wellness travel and beyond that, those looking for something unique. Quickly fading are the days where canned experiences are the go-to choices for vacations.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we both tag them :-)
There are so many people I’d love to have lunch with, so I hope it’s okay to mention two!
I recently learned about an amazing woman, Jessica Nabongo, who is the first documented black woman to travel to every country in the world. She told Travel & Leisure that “The world is our neighborhood”, and “For me, home is in people. You can find home in many different places, even if it’s your first time visiting.” This definitely resonates with me, and I can only imagine the lessons learned from all the incredible experiences she has had. I think her life experience and perspective ties in so well to our brand and mission here at Ancient Lore Village, and lunch with her would be amazing, and no doubt fun.
Secondly, I’d love the opportunity to have coffee or lunch with Raul Leal, the current CEO of SH Hotels & Resorts and previous CEO of Virgin Hotels. Raul has also held several other amazing positions and titles in his 35-year career in the industry. He has truly done amazing things in the hospitality world and keeps a keen focus on fostering incredible luxury experiential stays for guests and creating workplaces devoted to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Raul knows exactly what it takes to launch and build a successful brand, while remaining innovative and inclusive. I’d be honored to have even a few minutes of his time to learn from him and share experiences!
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Please visit our website at ancientlorevillage.com and subscribe to our newsletter in the footer to follow our journey. We have some really exciting projects ahead. This is just the beginning! You can also follow me on LinkedIn to learn more about our journey.
Thank you for these really excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent on this. We wish you continued success.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com .
