Check out some of the Spa Talk features that we've posted to our website over the past few months. It's so interesting to hear all about how these spa directors got to where they are today and the challenges they've faced (and continue to face) in the industry.
Spa Talk: New York Spas Weigh In On New Landscape: American Spa recently hosted a roundtable for spa directors from Manhattan and the New York area. In attendance were Lori Kruk, spa director for the newly opened Aman, New York; Jasmine Warren, spa director, Opus Spa at Opus Westchester, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection; Rita Rroku-Berishaj, director of spa at the just-opened The Ritz-Carlton Spa New York, NoMad; Bruce Schoenberg, owner, Oasis Day Spa, which is in its 25th year; and Christine Mariconti, spa director at Miraval Berkshires.
Spa Talk With Safyie Reid Jean-Pierre of The Ritz-Carlton, LA: Meet Safyie Reid Jean-Pierre, spa director of The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Los Angeles, who started working in the hospitality and spa industry 22 years ago. For her, the most challenging parts of being in the spa industry are the changing times and expectations. The spa industry is dynamic and changes continuously to accommodate customers’ requirements and tastes.
Spa Talk With Rachel Patane of Spa Pechanga at Pechanga Resort: Meet Rachel Patane, spa manager of Spa Pechanga at Pechanga Resort Casino (Temecula, CA), who started working in the hospitality industry in her early 20s. Some of the challenges she faces are the occasional team member turnover, adapting to change, and being able to quickly respond to new trends if need be.
Spa Talk With Alina Medyanikova of Conrad Spa Los Angeles: Meet Alina Medyanikova, spa director at Conrad Spa at Conrad Los Angeles, who started her career working in the spa industry when she was 17. What has surprised her most about the spa industry is the incredible support system. "There are always so many people willing to support me," she says. "I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful team because all of this wouldn’t have been possible without them."
Spa Talk With Adrienne Willis of Spa Fjör at Hotel Viking: Meet Adrienne Willis, spa director at Spa Fjör at Hotel Viking (Newport, RI), who started her career working in salons in 2004, but moved over to the spa and hospitality industry in 2010. She prides herself in her ability to connect with her team. "I know that any success I may have in my career is always there because of the team I have with me," she says. "Connecting with them and cultivating a caring and honest relationship has always allowed me to generate success in my industry."
Spa Talk With Teresa O’Farrell of Dorchester Collection: Meet Teresa O’Farrell, global head of wellness and spa for Dorchester Collection. She thinks that there are exciting times ahead for the spa industry. "The foundations are there now for the industry to work alongside health professionals to provide alternative health care for all with a major focus on preventative health options," she says. "There are some exciting wellness technologies that will play a huge part in the future of wellness treatments."