Spa Talk With Shane Upson of Lapis, the Spa at Fontainebleau Miami Beach

Shane Upson has been in the hospitality industry for 29 years. He got his start in the spa industry working at the front desk, and since then has held leadership roles at many top spas in the U.S., including Away Spa at W South Beach (Miami Beach, FL) and W Las Vegas; Waldorf Astoria Spa at Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas; and Serrano Spa at Yaamava Resort & Casino (Highland, CA), which was named a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star spa early this year. Most recently, Upson was named director of spa and wellness at Lapis, the spa at Fontainebleau at Fontainebleau Miami Beach (FL). Learn more about Upson, his path to where he is today, and his thoughts on the future of spa and wellness.

Photo credit: Shane Upson

What was the path that led you into the spa industry? 

I graduated from culinary school at age 17 and realized that my personality was too strong for the confinements of a small kitchen. I got involved in the entertainment industry before working at the front desk of a spa. Within a year, I landed a leadership role there. I then became an executive in cosmetics and fragrance at Saks Fifth Avenue, which led me to work for small-scale beauty brands scaling them up. However, I realized that I wanted to work with teams again and cultivate their growth and passion for the industry, so I went back to the spa industry, working at the spas at InterContinental Century City (Los Angeles), then W Los Angeles, W South Beach, W Las Vegas, The Diplomat Beach Resort (Hollywood, FL), Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas, and Yaamava Resort & Casino before landing my dream job at Fontainebleau Miami Beach.

What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of being in the spa industry?  

The most challenging currently is hiring the right talent, but I believe that the mindsets of leaders should have evolved as well, and instead of looking for strict experience, we should embrace and develop potential for our future of the industry. Most rewarding is working alongside some of the most amazing and unique personalities, leading by example, and supporting their growth and success as a mentor and inspiration officer.

What is your proudest accomplishment? 

I have two. The first is that I truly dreamed of being at Lapis, the spa at Fontainebleau for many years. It was my dream job. The moment that I was offered the job, I cried. It was a moment I will never forget. I’m also so very proud of Serrano Spa being awarded a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award. Working there was one of the toughest years of my life professionally, and that award was the icing on the cake for my team because of their passion and commitment to being the best. It is the little spa that could.

What has surprised you most about working in the spa industry?  

What has surprised me most is how rewarding the work is. It’s truly a blessing to love what you do and get paid to do it. I am surrounded by the most empathetic professionals in the industry that support and build one another up. It’s an amazing feeling.

Where do you think the industry is heading? 

The industry is heading into an era that combines technology, science, and holistic ritual experiences. Guests can now experience a wellness ritual with all of its Zen and also embrace the future of technology optimizing results and experiences.

What positions have you worked in that you feel have been most influential to your career?  

I feel like all paths led me to this moment. Combining my passion for food, beauty, wellness, and marketing have really set me up for success. When you have a person who has a multitude of experiences, you get the best of all worlds.

Was there a time you had to make a decision in your career that ended up changing your destiny?

When I made the decision to leave the food and beverage world and pursue my passion in beauty and wellness. The unknown can be scary as you venture out. I have always said to my teams, “The unknown will always be the unknown until you try it. Then you try it again, and you master it.” Evolution of self happens in the most uncomfortable of spaces, and I love to grow.

If you could work in any other profession in the world, what would you be?  

I’d be a motivational speaker. I love to build people up and support their truth, however that may look for them. I believe that each of us has such beautiful stories and we can all learn from one another. Using my voice and my journey to inspire others has always been a passion of mine. If my experiences can change someone’s life in the smallest or biggest way, my spirit will live on in those threads of connection.

How would you sum up your personal philosophy?  

Do right, be right, and right will come!

How do you like to spend your time away from work? 

I love to cook. I love Lizzo, my two dogs, my partner, and the special people in my life. My motivation outside of work is to create memorable moments with those that I love and deserve my precious time.

What are your three greatest priorities in life?  

Happiness, love, and connection.

What’s the best advice you’ve received? 

Be present in the moment. You will never get to live this moment again, so make it memorable and enjoy it.