lagniappe
Arielle Feinberg
spa director , the Westin diplomat resort & spa , hollyWood , Florida
Even before she took over the 14,000-sq-ft ( 1,300-sq-m ) Heavenly Spa by Westin at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa this past May , Arielle Feinberg was no stranger to high-profile positions , overseeing spas at properties including Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa , The Resort at Singer Island and The Willard Hotel in Washington , D . C . Despite her professional success , however , Feinberg still wishes she had more time for her family — particularly her identical 2-yearold twin boys .
What is something most people don ’ t know about you ? I have always wanted to learn how to fly helicopters and jets .
What is your favorite travel item ? A Bounce laundry sheet . It keeps everything fresh in the suitcase , and you can use it as a lint roller , sunglass cleanser and many other things !
What is on your nightstand ? One of my sons ’ John Deere trucks .
What was your most embarrassing moment on the job ? My general manager was providing a tour for investors and walked in on a guest receiving a bikini wax . It was by far the most embarrassing and awkward moment for everyone .
What celebrity would you most like to meet and why ? Condoleezza Rice . She ’ s insanely intelligent , and I would love to go running with her .
Why have you pursued a career in spas , particularly hotel spas ? I love the energy from travelers from all over the world . Enhancing their stay and creating moments of magic is so powerful and really makes you feel like you have helped someone . There is nothing better than making people smile and then seeing them again a year later — if not sooner .
If you weren ’ t in your current line of work , what would you be ? Most likely working for the FBI or Secret Service .
Who are your role models ? My parents . My mother , a dance teacher , and my father , an art teacher , have gone above and beyond to help not only my sister and myself , but also fostered many struggling teens along the way — saved lives because of the time , patience and heart they have given . They continue to practice ongoing assistance for those not as fortunate and yet have maintained an incredible marriage and dedication to their own family . I can only wish to be as impactful and admirable as they are to this day .
What was your most memorable spa experience ? Spa Bambu at Florblanca in Costa Rica . The spa couldn ’ t be any more indigenous to the area . It was in the middle of the jungle where you could hear the monkeys playing , the air had a sweet warm scent and the structure of the spa was made up of bamboo , enveloping you in a safe and pure way .
What is the single biggest key to creating a successful spa experience for a guest ? Truly listening to the guest ’ s needs and going above and beyond by preparing before they get there and leaving them with a feeling of peace .
72 HOTELS September 2014 www . hotelsmag . com