The Director of Wellness & Spa is responsible for the strategic leadership and operational excellence of all wellness and spa offerings at Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. This role defines and elevates the holistic wellness vision of the property, curating immersive and transformational experiences that integrate spa, fitness, mindfulness, and nature-based practices, while reflecting the Reserve’s sense of place and cultural authenticity.

The Director ensures the seamless execution of daily operations, drives financial performance, and fosters a culture of anticipatory service and care among our Ladies and Gentlemen. The role balances business acumen with experience curation, positioning wellness as a key differentiator of the guest journey and reinforcing Nekajui’s standing as a benchmark in ultra-luxury wellness.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Wellness Management, Business Administration, or related field. Master’s degree or specialized certifications in wellness or integrative health preferred.
• Minimum 6–8 years of progressive leadership experience in spa, wellness, or luxury resort environments, preferably within ultra-luxury brands.
• Proven experience in concept development, pre-opening, or repositioning of wellness and spa offerings is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of holistic wellness disciplines, including mindfulness, movement, recovery, and integrative well-being.

• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams (spa, fitness, wellness practitioners) in high-touch, service-driven environments.

  Technical & Professional Expertise

• Deep knowledge of luxury spa operations, wellness programming, and guest experience design.
• Strong financial acumen, including P&L management, budgeting, forecasting, and revenue optimization.
• Expertise in premium retail strategy and product curation aligned with luxury positioning.
• Familiarity with global wellness trends and the ability to translate them into culturally relevant, place-based experiences.

• Proficiency in spa management systems and standard business applications.

  Leadership & Behavioral Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to inspire and lead teams through purpose, empathy, and emotional intelligence.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect authentically with guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, and senior leadership.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to balance creativity, operational discipline, and financial performance.
• High level of adaptability and innovation in a dynamic, evolving environment.

• Commitment to Ritz-Carlton Gold Standards and creating a culture of excellence, belonging, and continuous improvement.

  Additional Requirements

• Fluency in both English and Spanish is required.
• Flexibility to work extended hours as required in a pre-opening and luxury resort environment.

• Passion for wellness, sustainability, and creating meaningful human connections.

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES

Wellness Strategy & Experience Curation

• Defines and continuously evolves the holistic wellness strategy of Nekajui, ensuring alignment with Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s philosophy and sense of place.
• Curates immersive wellness experiences integrating spa, fitness, mindfulness, and nature-based offerings rooted in Guanacaste.
• Embeds wellness across the guest journey in collaboration with Rooms, Culinary, and Experiences.

Managing Spa Operations and Budgets

• Oversees all spa and wellness operations, ensuring exceptional standards in service delivery, cleanliness, and facility presentation.
• Selects vendors for spa retail operations and manages contract agreements.
• Oversees retail product research, selection, purchasing, and product display aligned with luxury positioning.
• Manages supply inventories and purchasing control, including uniforms and operational resources.
• Monitors actual and projected sales to ensure revenue goals are met or exceeded.
• Ensures all spa facilities and equipment are maintained to the highest standards.

Managing Spa Sales and Marketing Strategy

• Develops and executes spa and wellness positioning aligned with ultra-luxury guest expectations.
• Creates and coordinates special services for groups, including gifting programs, amenities, turndown experiences, personalized invitations, and contract addendums.
• Develops and manages spa promotions, including gifting programs, retail initiatives, co-marketing efforts, and seasonal events.
• Ensures spa and wellness offerings are fully integrated into all property marketing and brand storytelling.
• Identifies and recommends new products and enhancements to maintain competitiveness and innovation.

Managing Spa Revenue Management Strategy

• Drives experience-led revenue strategies that balance profitability with brand positioning.
• Monitors and manages payroll function in alignment with business needs.
• Manages operations to budget by reviewing financial statements, forecasts, and payroll reports.
• Controls spa-related expenses including guest amenities, linen, professional products, décor, and supplies to achieve or exceed financial goals.

Ensuring and Delivering Exceptional Customer Service

• Demonstrates visible leadership in guest hospitality, creating a culture of anticipatory and personalized service.
• Empowers Ladies and Gentlemen to deliver exceptional and meaningful guest experiences.
• Continuously analyzes service performance and implements improvements to elevate the wellness journey.

Conducting Human Resources Activities

• Reviews guest feedback, comment cards, and satisfaction results to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Develops and implements corrective action plans, ensuring alignment with property leadership and continuous improvement.
• Recruits, interviews, and hires management and operational Ladies and Gentlemen aligned with business needs and brand culture.
• Develops, implements, and maintains onboarding and training programs specific to spa and wellness operations.
• Administers performance management processes and supports leadership development.
• Establishes clear business goals and individual development plans.
• Builds and sustains a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment.
• Encourages open communication, engagement, and feedback through an “open door” approach.
• Ensures consistent communication of business objectives, expectations, and recognition of performance.
• Celebrates successes and recognizes contributions in alignment with Ritz-Carlton culture.

Innovation, Sustainability & Community Integration

• Integrates sustainable practices into all spa and wellness operations, including product sourcing and waste management.
• Promotes local ingredients, artisans, and wellness traditions as part of the guest experience.
• Drives partnerships, visiting practitioners, and innovative programming to continuously evolve the wellness offering.
• Aligns wellness initiatives with Community Footprints and responsible luxury principles.