Meet Luong Dieu Huong, acting spa and gallery manager at Banyan Tree Lang Co. and Angsana Lang Co. (Thua Thien Hute, Vietnam).
American Spa: How many years have you been involved in the spa/hospitality industry?
Luong Dieu Huong: I have worked in hospitality industry since 2006 and I have been involved in the spa field since 2012, when I began to work with Laguna Lang Co.
AS: What was the path that led you into the spa industry?
LDH: At the beginning, I didn't think I would join the spa service industry, however, I changed my mind when I had a chance to work with the Banyan Tree Group. As you might know, Banyan Tree Spas are very popular, and a position within the Banyan Tree Group is coveted worldwide, That’s the reason why I’m be here today.
AS: What are the most challenging and most rewarding parts of working in the spa industry?
LDH: The most challenging thing for me is having to learn and understand about anatomy as well as the many kinds of products used at the spa. It's also difficult learning how to maintain the spa's standards and provide the best experience for our guests. This is challenging for me but on the other hand, it has really helped me a lot in terms of learning and developing my career.
AS: What is your proudest accomplishment?
LDH: We’ve been open since 2012, and with the strong support from hotel management and our lovely team members, we were named Outlet of the Year in 2016 and 2017.
AS: What has surprised you most about the spa world?
LDH: When everyone hears the word spa, they think that it is good for relaxing and improving blood circulation and nothing other than that. However, I’ve realized that spa is a synthetic art and requires specific elements. It requires therapists to understand the sequence of each kind of treatment. There is an art of coordinating therapists techniques with the right products. It requires the therapist to understand the psychology of the client and have knowledge of their symptoms in order to give the best recommendations to the guest.
AS: What are your spas focusing more on these days?
LDH: We’re more focusing on the high-touch, low-tech approach that celebrates the human touch and the use of natural ingredients such as herbs, spices, fruits, and flowers. It is based on the use of aromatherapy, the therapeutic sense of touch, and a fusion of techniques from the East and West to refresh and rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit.
AS: If you could work in any other profession in the world, what would it be?
LDH: Since you must be hospitable in the spa industry, I do think I would do well in the hospitality industry as well.
AS: What are two things we don't know about you?
LDH: First, I hate losing and am ultra-competitive in most things I do. if I lose, I will train and train until I can win. Second, I eat super fast. Whenever I go out to eat with friends, I have to remind myself to slow down, otherwise I’ll finish my meal in just a few minutes
AS: What's the best advice you've ever received?
LDH: I have always adored the sincere advice of my supervisor: 'step out of your shell, then you will see the outside world.'
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