Meet Lara Iglesias, Exhale Bal Harbor's spa director, who transitioned to the spa industry in 2012 after a decade in operations and sales in fitness clubs and restaurants.
What has surprised you most about the spa world?
This industry certainly keeps you on your toes! These days, media and high-tech innovations change the game every day. At Exhale we do it all—spa, fitness, and boutique retail. We strive to give our guests exceptional and personalized service every day while keeping up with the trends.
Where do you think the industry is heading?
There is a growing transition to focus on wellbeing from the inside out. It’s no longer just about the point-in-time spa experience. It’s about creating a lifestyle of self-care and fitness. Exhale has 29 locations nationwide, so clients can maintain their wellness routines in many cities to which they may travel.
What is the strangest client request you’ve fielded?
One guest would request that we turn the music off so he could play his old-school rap and hip-hop.
What is the most bizarre treatment you’ve experienced?
I once experienced a red wine bath during a vacation in Spain. I can’t speak for the anti-aging or antioxidants benefits of the therapy, but it was worth repeating.
What new spa treatment would you like to try?
I’ve never had a laser beauty treatment—but I’d love to try it.
What’s your go-to spa treatment?
Exhale’s new 90-minute Glow Body Scrub + Massage therapy—it’s the best of both worlds—a 30-minute scrub followed by an hour of massage. You don’t have to choose, and it is great for dry winter skin or to get you beach-ready.
If you could work in any other profession in the world, what would it be?
I’ve definitely wondered to myself, what would life be like as a hotel and spa auditor? It sounds like a pretty cool job—travel, new experiences, and the hospitality industry.