Spa Insider

We’re joined by legendary spa and wellness consultant Amy McDonald -- former Miraval spa executive and Global Wellness Summit’s Leading Woman in Wellness -- for a conversation that challenges how spas should think about growth.Amy didn’t follow a traditional path. She built her career (and helped shape some of the world’s most successful wellness properties) by staying relentlessly curious.In this episode, we'll unpack how curiosity becomes a competitive advantage: the questions every spa owner should be asking, how to avoid costly mistakes, and why the best operators don’t chase new trends.

She used to open for Britney Spears.Now she opens spas that make every guest feel like a celebrity.Christina Stratton owns multiple spas, built and sold a boutique spa management firm, and later shaped guest experience globally as Chief Experience Officer at Arch Amenities.On this episode of Spa Insider, we explore what music and spa hospitality have in common:How do you take someone on a journey?How do you create moments that feel personal — even when you’ve done it hundreds of times before?How do you design an experience people don’t just enjoy, but feel?From stage to spa, Christina brings a unique perspective on connection — and what it takes to build something that resonates at scale.

In this episode, Nicole Stewart, Spa Director at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards, walks us through her 18-month journey launching a luxury spa at a destination resort in Appalachia. Nicole shares the lessons she learned along the way — from staffing challenges and training for service excellence to designing experiences guests genuinely remember.This conversation blends practical insight with heartfelt reflection on leadership, mental health, inclusivity, and why taking care of yourself is essential when your job is taking care of others.

In this episode of Spa Insider, John Cowan, CMO and Co-Owner of Universal Companies, sits down with Tony Angel, Director of Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, recently named the #1 Best Hotel Spa in the U.S. by USA Today.Tony shares what it truly means to deliver an exceptional guest experience, from the small, thoughtful touches to the deeply personal service moments that guests remember long after their visit. He offers powerful insights into how creating emotional connections and personalized experiences can boost guest retention, elevate your spa’s reputation, and leave a lasting impact.Whether you run a luxury spa or a solo practice, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways on building unforgettable guest journeys, empowering your team, and turning every visit into something guests want to relive—and share.