Meet with Patricia Fuertes Bolaños, spa manager at Onda Spa at the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort (Guanacaste, Costa Rica).
How many years have you been involved in the spa/hospitality industry?
I have been in the spa and hospitality industry for 10 years, since 2004.
What was the path that led you into the spa industry?
I started as beautician and at the same time I was working on my Physiotherapy degree, followed by a master’s degree in spa management. My commitment to making people feel better and healthier has motivated me since the beginning.
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of working in the spa industry?
The most challenging part at a hotel spa is getting the other hotel departments to feel that our main goal is to provide pure wellness and wellbeing to our valued guests. The most rewarding part is the feedback from guests, to know that we are helping them reach their highest state of relaxation.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
The feeling that in all the spas I manage, a talented and committed team is created, ensuring that they feel passion for excellence.
What is the most bizarre treatment you’ve experienced?
The most bizarre treatment I experienced was a detoxifying and anti-aging ritual, which included a soursop scrub, followed by a guava aromatic and nourishing body wrap, and finishing with a coyol wine-relaxing bath. This is a treatment we are going to offer soon at Onda Spa.
What new spa treatment would you like to try?
Wolke 7 Cloud 9. It is from 2012, but I love its concept and all-encompassing mind-body effect.—Compiled by Jessica Morrobel