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Alena Stavnjak
Spa Wellness Director / Development, Openings & Transitions
Professional Background
Alena Stavnjak is a highly accomplished professional in the hospitality and wellness sector, with a distinguished career spanning over two decades. Currently serving as the Director of Spa & Wellness for 1 Hotels, Alena is renowned for her expertise in elevating guest wellness experiences and integrating sustainability into luxury hospitality. With an ardent passion for creating serene and rejuvenating environments, she has made significant contributions to the wellness industry, making her a sought-after authority in spa management and guest services.
Before her tenure at 1 Hotels, Alena held several prestigious positions that highlighted her commitment to wellness and sustainability in the hospitality sector. She was instrumental in shaping wellness programs as the Executive Group Director of Spa & Wellness for Florida and the Caribbean at Viceroy Hotel Group. Her leadership efforts focused on delivering exceptional wellness experiences that resonate deeply with guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
Alena began her career in hospitality as a Guest Service Agent at Hilton, where she cultivated her foundational skills in guest relations and service excellence. This early experience set the stage for her evolution through various roles, including Spa Manager, Director of Spa and Retail, and Executive Director of Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC. During her time at The Ritz-Carlton, she played a pivotal role in enhancing spa services and retail products, aligning them with contemporary wellness trends.
In addition to her operational roles, Alena has actively contributed to the advancement of the wellness industry by holding several key positions within professional organizations. She was a member of the Elevating The Guest Wellness Experience Committee at the International Luxury Hotel Association and served on the Sustainability & Wellness Council at the Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association. Her passion for promoting health and wellness led her to establish the Spa Wellness Association (SESPAA) and launch Luxury Spa Consulting, helping various hotels and resorts optimize their wellness offerings.
Education and Achievements
Alena Stavnjak completed her studies in Associate Management, specializing in Hospitality at HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College. This educational background provided her with a comprehensive understanding of hospitality operations, management, and guest satisfaction, which has been a foundation for her successful career in the wellness and spa industry.
Throughout her impressive career, Alena has received numerous accolades and recognition for her work in fostering holistic well-being and sustainability in hospitality. Her ability to create innovative wellness programs tailored to diverse clientele has not only elevated guest experiences but also inspired other hospitality professionals to embrace wellness as a core component of their service offerings.
Notable Achievements
- Developed and executed award-winning wellness programs that have transformed spa services across multiple luxury hotel brands, focusing on the synergy of wellness and sustainability.
- Spearheaded industry initiatives for wellness practices through participation in professional organizations, enhancing the overall landscape of luxury spa and wellness facilities.
- Successfully founded and established both SESPAA - Spa Wellness Association and Luxury Spa Consulting, providing invaluable resources and consultancy services to hotels looking to innovate their spa offerings.
- Played a vital role in transitioning guest experiences to align with modern wellness expectations, ensuring that resorts provide holistic and health-centered services.
- Recognized for her leadership in transforming the Ritz-Carlton's spa services, resulting in increased guest satisfaction scores and brand loyalty.
Achievements
