Director of Wellness Curation & Wellbeing Relais & Châteaux

Park Hotel Kenmare is one of Ireland's most distinguished luxury destinations, renowned for its heritage, warm hospitality, and exceptional standards of service. The hotel is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the opening of a brand-new, world-class spa, a transformative wellness destination designed to be unrivalled in Ireland and respected internationally. This spa will not follow trends; it will set them. Its new identity is envisioned not only as a complement to the hotel's brand, but as a distinct expression in its own right. The branding will be grounded in themes of sustainability, nature, and an authentic sense of place. Inspiration will be drawn directly from the natural beauty and biodiversity of its surrounding landscape. The spa will retain a clear connection to Park Hotel Kenmare, ensuring coherence whilst allowing the spa to build its own unique identity. It will emerge as a brand that embodies respect for nature, thoughtful design, and a contemporary vision of wellness.

Role Purpose

The Director of Wellness Curation & Wellbeing will be a visionary leader responsible for conceptualising, launching, and operating an incomparable spa experience at Park Hotel Kenmare. This is a rare opportunity to create a flagship wellness destination from the ground up, establishing a new benchmark for luxury spa experiences in Ireland and beyond.

The role combines strategic leadership, creative vision, operational excellence, and commercial acumen, while embodying the hotel's philosophy of inviting and inclusive service.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Lead the successful opening and ongoing evolution of a world-class, destination spa.
• Translate the hotel's values and sense of place into a distinctive spa philosophy and guest journey.
• Position the spa as a must-visit international wellness destination, integrated seamlessly with the Park Hotel Kenmare brand.
• Identify global wellness trends and innovations while maintaining authenticity.

Guest Experience Excellence

• Curate exceptional, highly personalised spa journeys that exceed guest expectations at every touchpoint.
• Establish uncompromising service standards that reflect understated luxury, warmth, and expertise.
• Personally engage with guests when appropriate, acting as an ambassador for the spa and hotel.
• Ensure a serene, restorative, and impeccably maintained spa environment at all times.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Recruit, train, inspire, and retain a high-performing team of therapists, and wellness professionals.
• Foster a culture of excellence, and continuous learning.
• Act as a mentor and role model, developing future leaders within the spa team.
• Ensure staff wellbeing, engagement, and alignment with the hotel's service ethos.

Operations & Standards

• Oversee all spa operations, including treatment delivery, scheduling, facilities, retail, and guest flow.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, hygiene protocols, and safety standards.
• Ensure seamless collaboration with hotel departments including Rooms, Food & Beverage, and Sales & Marketing.
• Monitor and continuously refine operational efficiency without compromising the guest experience.

Commercial & Financial Performance

• Develop and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and business plans.
• Drive revenue through treatments, wellness programs, memberships, retail, and exclusive experiences.
• Analyse performance metrics and implement strategies to maximise profitability and guest satisfaction.
• Work closely with Sales & Marketing to create compelling spa packages and positioning.

Brand Partnerships & Product Curation

• Select, manage, and nurture relationships with best-in-class spa and wellness brands.
• Curate treatment menus that combine science, craftsmanship, and sensory luxury.
• Ensure retail offerings align with the spa's philosophy and elevate the guest experience.

Essential Experience

• Proven experience as a primary leader in a destination spa environment.
• Demonstrated success in opening or relaunching a high-end spa (highly desirable).
• Strong commercial and operational management experience.
• Deep understanding of luxury service standards and guest psychology.

Personal Attributes

• Visionary, creative, and detail-oriented.
• Warm, gracious, and an emotionally intelligent leader.
• Passionate about wellness, hospitality, and exceptional service.
• Calm, confident, and inspiring presence.
• Discreet, professional, and aligned with the values of sustainability and sense of place.

Skills & Knowledge

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong financial acumen and analytical capability.
• In-depth knowledge of global spa trends, treatments, and wellness initiatives.
• Ability to balance innovation with timeless elegance and authenticity.

What This Role Offers

• A once-in-a-career opportunity to create one of the world's most exceptional spa's.
• The chance to shape a legacy wellness destination within one of the country's most respected hotels.
• Competitive remuneration package commensurable with experience.
• Professional autonomy, creative freedom, and strong senior leadership support.

Work Environment & Benefits:

• Highly Competitive Salary
• Use of our pool/ gym facilities
• Discounted rates at Park Hotel Kenmare
• Discounted rates at other Relais & Chateaux properties
• Healthy, freshly cooked meals provided whilst on duty
• Complimentary on-site parking
• Excellent training and development

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Philippe Gombert
Président, Relais & Châteaux