Written by Lisa Shkoda, RDN-AP, FAND

Summer brings vacations, outdoor activities, backyard gatherings, and longer days in the sun. It also brings a challenge that affects people of all ages: staying hydrated.
At NEXDINE Hospitality, hydration is more than meeting fluid needs. Through Tasteful Sips, NEXDINE’s enhanced beverage program, our teams continuously look for innovative ways to combine wellness, culinary creativity, and hospitality.

Whether it’s an aromatic tea, a refreshing smoothie, a fresh juice, or a seasonal infused water featuring fresh ingredients, small touches can make a meaningful difference in the guest experience. By offering variety, visual appeal, and convenient access, we help make healthy choices easier and more enjoyable.

Making Hydration More Appealing

Water plays an essential role in nearly every function of the body. It helps regulate body temperature, supports digestion, transports nutrients, and contributes to energy levels and cognitive performance. Even mild dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. Older adults are particularly vulnerable, as the sensation of thirst often decreases with age, making dehydration easier to overlook.

The good news? Hydration does not have to be boring.

One of the simplest ways to encourage hydration is to make it attractive, accessible, and enjoyable. Across many of our communities, hydration stations have become a creative way to promote wellness while enhancing the guest experience. Filled with colorful combinations of fresh fruits, herbs, and seasonal produce, such as cucumbers, watermelon, mint, citrus, and other seasonal ingredients, these stations transform hydration into something people look forward to. The visual appeal alone often encourages people to stop, fill a cup, and stay hydrated.

 

As Stella Leone, RD, from McLean in Simsbury, Connecticut, shares:

“Residents and guests love having hydration station readily available when they enter the building. The variety of fruit- and vegetable-infused waters encourages residents to drink more, and guests often leave inspired to try similar combinations at home.”

Beyond encouraging hydration, programs like Tasteful Sips create opportunities for connection, conversation, and meaningful hospitality.

Hydration Across Every Generation

Hydration is important across every environment we serve, from schools and corporate dining to healthcare and senior living. While hydration needs and preferences may vary, one principle remains the same: people are more likely to drink fluids when appealing and convenient options are available.

For children and students, fruit-infused waters can provide a fun introduction to new fruits, vegetables, and flavors. In corporate dining settings, hydration stations, smoothies and fresh juices offer refreshing options that support wellness and productivity throughout the workday. In healthcare and senior living environments, creative hydration programs can help support overall health while making healthy choices easier and more enjoyable.

As Nikole Yellin, RD, LDN, Nutrition Care Manager at John Knox Village of Florida, shares:

“Honestly, I love it. The hydration stations with the infused water have been such a nice touch. A lot of residents don’t always feel thirsty or think to drink water, so having something that catches their eye, is easy to grab, and tastes good, helps a lot.”

More Than Water

Hydration can come from a variety of sources. In addition to water, people can increase fluid intake through:

  • Fruit infused waters
  • Herbal and unsweetened iced teas
  • Fresh fruit smoothies
  • Water rich fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, cucumber, oranges, and strawberries

These options can add flavor, variety, and nutritional value while helping people meet their hydration goals.

Fun Fact

Did you know?

Watermelon is approximately 92% water, while cucumbers contain about 95% water, making them two of summer’s most hydrating foods.

Hospitality Meets Wellness

This summer, consider adding a splash of color to your hydration routine. A pitcher of cucumber water, a glass of citrus infused water, or a refreshing fruit smoothie may be all it takes to turn hydration from an obligation into something people genuinely enjoy. Simple. Refreshing. Hydrating. Sometimes the smallest hospitality touches make the biggest impact.

Signs of Dehydration

  • Dry mouth
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Dark colored urine
  • Increased confusion or irritability
  • Muscle cramps

Hydration Tip: Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Sip fluids consistently throughout the day, especially during hot weather and outdoor activities.